Exploring the Art of Knife Design with David Roan of Dishonor Blades
KEY TAKEAWAYS
· David Roan’s journey in law enforcement taught him the importance of having a reliable backup weapon like a knife.
· His experience at Blade Show 2023 was filled with positive validation and feedback from the community on his unique and functional knife designs.
· Roan’s design philosophy focuses on breaking the rules and creating knives that are distinct and memorable, prioritizing both form and function for knives that stand out from the mainstream.
In episode 428 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco sat down with knife enthusiast and designer David Roan of Dishonor Blades. Throughout the conversation, Roan shared insights into his journey as a designer, his inspirations, and the philosophy behind his unique creations.
Finding Inspiration in the Unconventional
A game he played as a child with his brother had an early influence on Roan's passion for knives. He recalls, “When we had catalogs, I would always gravitate towards the knives as the things I would want.” This fascination with blades carried into adulthood, leading Roan to explore knife design.
Breaking the Mold
A desire to defy accepted design norms is the driving force behind Roan's vision for Dishonor Blades. Embracing his self-proclaimed status as a heretic, he believes in breaking the rules to create something truly memorable.
“To me, being a heretic means breaking mainstream thinking and trying to go against what everybody else is doing.”
Balancing Form and Function
One aspect that sets Dishonor Blades apart is their aesthetically pleasing yet highly functional designs. Roan takes great pride in striking a balance between form and function, remarking, “The design language and aesthetic of Dishonor Blades have changed and morphed into what they have become, a style that combines form and function seamlessly.”
The Power of Validation
As a relatively new player in the industry, Roan’s journey as a knife designer has been filled with valuable moments of validation. He was pleasantly surprised by the positive feedback and quick sales at his first Blade Show this year in Atlanta.
“I had people coming up and saying, ‘I love what you’re doing; this is great.’ That was extremely validating.”
Honoring Interpretations of Honor
During the podcast, Roan delves into the concept of honor, challenging traditional notions. Reflecting on a life-or-death scenario during his time in law enforcement, he ponders, “What is truly honorable? Is it blindly following duty, or is it prioritizing personal safety and family?” Roan realizes that honor and dishonor can be subjective and interchangeable.
Pushing Boundaries and Seeking Growth
Roan's willingness to try new things and broaden his skill set has defined his journey as a designer. Currently working on a double-edged dagger and a folding knife, he aims to consistently produce new designs while meeting the production demands of his customers. He also shares his fascination with Asian-style blades and his desire to explore different blade shapes, including a cleaver.
Conclusion
David Roan’s passion for knife design shines through in every aspect of his work. From his commitment to breaking traditional design norms to his dedication to creating aesthetically pleasing and functional blades, Roan’s journey as a designer is both inspiring and thought-provoking.
Dishonor Blades presents a refreshing take on the art of knifemaking, pushing boundaries and challenging mainstream thinking. As Roan continues to evolve as a designer, we can only anticipate more exciting creations from his workshop.
“I want to create things that are interesting and different, that challenge the norm, and that make people think.”
Dishonor Blades undeniably achieves just that, making it a brand to watch in the world of knife design.
Find Dishonor Blades online at https://dishonorblades.square.site and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dishonorblades.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jim Person is the producer of “The Knife Junkie” Podcast. Subscribe to the show on YouTube and in your favorite podcast app.
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