Artist Spotlight - Thomas Waterman

Every week, we will share with you one of our many talented artists. From the at-home weekend hobbyists, to the professionals at work in their studio. We'll cover pottery, glass working, heat treating, and everything in-between.

Come along for the ride and help us share the passion and these beautiful works of art!

Allow me to introduce to you this week's Artist Spotlight: Thomas Waterman!

Thomas is a metal worker and knife maker from Kingsport, Tennessee and has been working at his craft for 5 years now. His work looks excellent and we're excited to have the chance to learn more about his journey.

A Veteran of the US Army in medical retirement, Thomas began metal working as therapy for PTSD.

"I make knives and blacksmith because I love to make things with my hands. I have yet to make any money at this art but it doesn’t matter. To start a project with just steel and fire and turn it into usable art is unmatched in my book. It something you can see and feel every time you touch the knife."

The mark of a true artist, we think!

Thomas was fortunate to have a mentor guide him on his journey. Having someone to not only give you direction, but to show you how to improve and pass along the learnings from past mistakes throughout generations of a trade's development, is one of the fastest ways to improve.

"My first inspiration was Alec Steele but I quickly found a gentleman by the name of Jared Cory at Omnivor blade works who took me under his wing and truest got me off the ground. He not only showed me how to make a knife but let me use his shop to explore where I wanted to going in the craft. He was a true light in the world when there were a lot of shut doors."

Thomas didn't stop there though. As his skills continued to be honed, he began seeking out additional knowledge to build upon his craft and skillset.

Knowledge is abundant, and we need only know how to take hold of it!

"I learned from Jared Cory at Omnivor Blade works. He showed me the way down the road. He still is teaching more and more about the art of knife making but I have reached out to other knife makers like Daren at TCT Knives who has shown me new prospectives and Chris Williams at Wilmont grinders who has helped with production and what is capable within the art forum."

Thomas works with an Evenheat KF 22.5 Heat Treat Oven with the TAP Controller, a Wilmont 2x72 Grinder, and an NC whisper forge.

"Three things I could never live without!"

We end by asking Thomas what his philosophy, or style he tries to bring to his work. To that, he says:

"My only philosophy I work by “Buy a ticket ride the ride” - Dr. Hunter S Thompson. Which means to me is there is no such thing as perfect go where the metal takes you and you might be somewhere you never knew you could be." 

Interested in finding more of Thomas's work?

Discover more of Thomas's work and support her on Watermanknives.com, @Pkshockerboy357 Instagram, and Waterman Knives Facebook!