Welcome! My name is Ben, and I’m the founder and bladesmith behind Mako Blades, your go-to source for handcrafted custom knives. My story starts on the sandy shores of Florida, but it truly took shape in the wilds of Alaska, where I moved at age nine. Being surrounded by rugged wilderness gave me a deep appreciation for the value of a dependable knife blade—something strong, sharp, and ready for anything.

At 15, I began apprenticing under a family friend who owned a custom knife-making business. That hands-on experience taught me the fundamentals: forging, grinding, shaping, and even the fine art of knife sharpening. It was more than a skill—it became a passion. I spent two years learning what it meant to build a blade that people could rely on, no matter the job or environment.