My interest in attending AK University probably differs from most – but even if you don’t have ambitions of becoming a professional bladesmith – I strongly encourage you to read on. For several years now I’ve been watching Andreas (via Instagram) create many incredibly beautiful works of art that are also highly functional and specialized tools. The way he masterfully integrates these 2 entirely different concepts is absolutely unique, amazing, and frankly – inspiring, hence my desire to learn more about the process, the “how” and the “why” and then create something myself.

In recent years I lost both of my parents – whom I attribute with instilling my love for the outdoors, camping, hiking, and nature in general. I had a vague concept for a general-purpose “utility” camping knife capable of cutting, chopping, digging, notching, splitting, or whatever I needed it to do. Simultaneously I wanted to somehow incorporate ashes from both of my parents into the knife so I could take a part of them with me on future adventures.

My experience with Andreas far exceeded all expectations. Starting with detailed discussion and insights about blade design, what works when, and why, then building a template from wood to test “fit” in my own hand while fine-tuning all details, really gave me the perspective I couldn’t have imagined otherwise.

Then came the process of actually building the blade, for which having now experienced the process firsthand, gives me even more appreciation for the incredible skill, finesse, nuance, and what I can only describe as “magic” that Andreas has perfected over the many years mastering his craft. Despite all his coaching on technique and process, I am so grateful that he was there to fix all my mistakes – which were many. I also found the heat-treating process very interesting and the benefits of the finished product were obvious during the “testing” process.

I had no idea if, or how, we could incorporate the ashes, yet Andreas came up with an ingenious concept that is absolutely beautiful and deeply meaningful. Andreas has a special way about him that I would describe as warm, genuine, sincere, soulful – as we discussed who to put where, and why. I can’t think of another way to describe the process – but it was like a religious experience that brought me peace through reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for my parents.

The end result is the creation of an incredibly beautiful, and very useful, family heirloom that has special meaning for us, and an amazing experience with Andreas that I’ll cherish forever. If you have an idea or concept you want to explore in this medium – I cannot speak highly enough of Andreas Kalani.