PhantasmalAn Interview with Jakub Wieczorkiewicz

(- Poltergeist Works -)

Under the moniker of Poltergeist Works, Jakub Wieczorkiewicz has become internationally renowned for designing and manufacturing knives for tactical applications.

With precise ergonomics, wicked curves, and bombproof durability, Jakub’s knives and carry systems show a level of refinement most knifemakers only achieve after many years of trial and error. However, he has mastered the learning curve with incredible speed, and he is just getting started.

I was fortunate enough to discover Poltergeist Works during the course of researching how creative professionals stay motivated, focused, and, well... creative. I immediately contacted Jakub to ask him about these topics and his philosophy on his craft. His answers were as impressive as his knives, and should certainly be a cause for concern for competing knifemakers...

How long have you been making knives?

It could be hard to believe but I’ve started making knives a little over a year ago!

What lead you into knifemaking?

I’ve been a knife enthusiast for quite some time and I don’t really know when I’ve started sketching simple designs in my spare time. I did one that I really liked so I looked for someone to make it for me. I talked with a few people with no luck and that’s when I took things into my own hands. I bought some materials, a small sander/grinder and a cheap drillpress - and that’s how I made my first small knife. It was heat treated in a coal stove.

The name of my shop - ‘Poltergeist Works’ - comes from one of my first designs that never materialized (the Poltergeist) and also from my love for horror and sci-fi movies.

Later on I switched to D2 steel, bought a professional furnace, and with the help of my father we’ve built a nice 2x48” grinder that I use right now. There was a lot of interest in my blades at our local knife forum, so I’ve been making knives for people almost from the start of my knifemaking journey.

What is your general design philosophy regarding knives? What uses are your knives designed for, and who are your primary customer groups?

I’m a fan of sharp and defined lines. I respect the traditional knifemaking but I prefer modern designs with a twist. Shiny stuff is not for me - that’s why I bead blast and coat my blades using KG Coatings “GunKote”. It’s a very durable coating and protects the D2 steel blades from rusting. I do all sorts of designs, from simple neck knives for your everyday cutting tasks, self defense knives to bigger utility blades. I also make some knives just for the fun of it - you can call them collectors pieces. I think people interested in custom knives are mostly collectors - some might use them, some might not. You have to be a knife enthusiast to appreciate the work that goes into a custom blade. Your “average Joe” that only wants a cutting tool has lots of cheaper, well-made production pieces to choose from.

Do you consider yourself a knifemaker by trade or by hobby? Do you feel that the difference in these two mindsets affects a knifemaker’s quantity and quality of output?

It was a hobby, it might be a trade - I’m going for that! There’s been a lot of interest in my knives and I like the job. It makes me feel great when other people appreciate my work, and I think that’s hard to come by when you work for a big company... In my opinion the key to become a knifemaker by trade is to go for quality and originality - let’s leave quantity to the Chinese! As long as you like what you’re doing you won’t mind doing it full time!

Are you strictly self-employed or do you also have a job?

I’m a graphics engineer and right now I’m unemployed. I don’t like working for others and that’s the main reason I plan to register my business.

What methods are you employing to become fully independent?

I’m 24 years old and I know that working for other people is not my deal. That’s why I want to become a full-time knifemaker. Also, it’s always been my dream to have a job that I would be passionate about. I know it’s going to be hard, but that’s more important to me than the “big money”.

How many knives do you make on average (per week or month)?

It depends on the complication and the size of the knife. Obviously bigger knives require more grinding, cutting, and finishing time. Usually I try to make 6-8 knives a month.

I just pick up a pencil and draw whatever comes to mind. Some shapes come natural to me, I guess that’s what you’d call a “style” every knifemaker has. Some go for practicality - but I’m not the most practical guy in the world. I try to combine cool lines to create a unique product. Hopefully you’ll get the feeling you’re holding something special in your hand.

How long does it take you to make a knife from start-to-finish?

It’s hard to tell because In order to start the heat-treating process I have to gather more knives to “fill” the furnace. It wouldn’t be cost-effective to heat treat a single knife. But if you were to make one knife from start to finish just to count the time I guess it would take me around 3-5 days. However, haste is never a good thing if you’re looking for good results.

How do you get ideas for new knife designs?

Do you have a specific routine you follow to stay productive?

I need to see progress. If I don’t , I’m not motivated... That’s why I always work on one knife at a time (up until the heat treatment process). It also allows me to really focus on the details and the quality. Strangely I like to work late, past 3:00PM is the best time for me!

How do you stay focused once you have started working on a knife?

Good music gets me going like nothing else. It’s hard to work without it since it’s always loud and you have to wear all sorts of protection gear - glasses, respirator, ear protection. I always have my earphones underneath my ear protection!

Do you think it is harder to be a custom knifemaker now than in the past? Why or why not?

The world of custom knifemakers is small, but It’s constantly evolving. I think today there are many outstanding knifemakers worldwide and it’s important to be original. That’s not easy though... Is it harder to be a knifemaker these days? I don’t know, but if I were to take a guess I’d say it’s easier thanks to the wonders of the Internet.

What plans do you have for your future work?

I want to try building some folding knives, but I have a long way to go... In the meantime I’m constantly improving the quality and coming up with new designs.

Jakub Wieczorkiewicz lives in Poland. His range of available models can be found on his website (www.poltergeistworks.pl) along with his contact information and a wide assortment of drool-inducing photographs of his work.

Interview conducted on May 18, 2010.

All photos copyright © Jakub Wieczorkiewicz (Poltergeist Works) 2010. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Ebook introduction and design copyright © Dan Bergevin (Capitalized Living) 2010. All rights reserved.

www.capitalizedliving.com