Ben Propst

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Ben Propst

Published: October 25th, 2024

Ben Propst’s path into the world of bladesports is built on passion, perseverance, and a deep-rooted love for knives. Growing up in Dallas, North Carolina, Ben spent his childhood exploring the vast 18 acres of family land with an Old Hickory knife or a machete in hand. Living in the woods provided him with an early education in using knives for practical purposes, carving out his path through nature. Though these early experiences sparked a love for blades, it wasn’t until much later in life that he would fully immerse himself in competitive knife cutting, a path that would demand dedication, focus, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Ben’s journey into competitive knife cutting began with an unexpected twist. After years of focusing on work as a union employee, Ben found himself returning to the world of knives. He attended the Blade Show in Atlanta, Georgia, where he witnessed the excitement of the World Cut competition. Encouraged by his friends, who recognized his natural talent with knives, the idea of competing in bladesports began to take root.

It wasn’t until Ben discovered Carothers Performance Knives, a company located just 40 minutes from his home, that his journey truly began. During a visit to the shop, Jo Carothers invited him to test his skills by cutting a 2x4. Impressed by his precision and technique, Jo took him under her wing, introducing him to bladesports and taking him to a cutting school. This chance encounter changed Ben’s life, opening the door to competitive cutting and igniting a passion that would drive him to success.

Ben made his first serious step into bladesports in September 2017. With a natural talent honed through years of outdoor activity, his instincts for handling a blade quickly set him apart in the competitive cutting scene. Ben’s first competitions solidified his love for the sport, and soon, he competed regularly, pushing his limits and striving for greatness. With the support of his family and the bladesports community, Ben began to climb the ranks.

Ben Propst

- Ben Propst began competing in bladesports in September 2017

- Ben currently holds the record for most consecutive wins (8) in bladesports history

- Ben is the 2024 mens national champioon

Jo Carothers

- After meeting Jo Carothers (pictured above), Ben began training under Jo to start competing in bladesports

One of the unique aspects of Ben’s journey is the involvement of his family in bladesports. His wife, Sue Ann, and his stepdaughter, Juli, have both joined him in the competitive arena, creating a dynamic that strengthens their bond. For Ben, the opportunity to spend more time with his family while doing something he loves is priceless.

Ben is a stickler for safety, ensuring that both Sue and Juli practice and compete with the same dedication and precision that he applies to his own cutting. Juli, in particular, has absorbed the information Ben has shared with her, quickly becoming a talented competitor in her own right. “She has that mind-hand connection, kind of like I do,” Ben says proudly, noting that she has quickly picked up the skills required to succeed in the sport.

Ben’s competitive edge comes in part from the tools he uses. He competes with a CPK Keffeler Competition Cutter designed in collaboration with Carothers Performance and Dan Keffler, a blade that has proven itself on the world stage. This knife is a remanufactured version of the one Keffler used to win four titles, featuring a shallow S-beveled blade that has been hand-ground by Carothers.

Ben compares the knife to a top-fuel dragster, “It’s built to perform at the bleeding edge, and it may not survive after a competition, but it does what it needs to do.” he explains, emphasizing how finely tuned it is for performance.

CPK Keffeler Competition Cutter

- Ben competes with the CPK Keffeler Competition Cutter (pictured above)

- The CPK Keffeler Competition Cutter was designed in collaboration with Carothers Performance and Dan Keffler

Ben is proudly sponsored by Niagara and Carothers Performance, with Niagara serving as his primary sponsor. As a seasoned competitor, he acknowledges the importance of sponsorships in supporting the travel and costs associated with bladesports competitions.

Ben’s love for bladesports is evident in the way he approaches each course. He particularly enjoys the vertical 2x4 cuts, where his precision and strength shine. With the right angle and momentum, he can slice two-thirds of the way through a 2x4 in just one powerful hit. The straw-cutting portion of the course is another favorite, requiring a delicate touch and exceptional control.

However, not all sections are as enjoyable. Ben admits that the golf ball cut and the vertical double-stacked cans present unique challenges. The unpredictable nature of the cans, especially when one is open and the other sealed, can make it difficult to achieve a clean cut.

Carothers Performance logo

- Ben is currently sponsored by Carother's Performance and Niagara Specialty Metals

Ben’s passion for bladesports extends beyond his personal success. He is dedicated to pushing the sport forward, both in terms of its athletic demands and accessibility. One of his ideas is to add taller boards and rolling water cans to the courses, forcing competitors to be more athletic and strategic. He also hopes to make the sport more accessible by building tables for others to use in practice, encouraging more people to get involved. Ben’s vision for the future of bladesports is one where athletes are challenged, but also supported by a welcoming and inclusive community.

In bladesports, he holds the record for the longest win streak, with eight consecutive victories. He was also the first to win both Nationals and Worlds with a production knife, a feat that had never been accomplished before. In 2023, Ben won both the national and world competitions, securing his place as one of the top competitors in the sport. He followed that up with another nationals win in 2024, further cementing his legacy.

As the current national champion, Ben has some advice for those looking to break into the sport: “Talk to brand ambassadors like me and David Moore. The community is incredibly welcoming.” He encourages newcomers to attend events and reach out to people in the bladesports world, noting that ambassadors like James Clifton do a tremendous amount of work to promote the sport.

Ben has competed in a wide range of events, but a few stand out as favorites. The fall cut hosted by Smoky Mountain Knife Works is a highlight, combining the excitement of competition with the atmosphere of a festival. Another favorite is the Meadville cut, which takes place at Peter’s Heat Treat, where competitors can see the heat-treating process in the background while they compete.

Ben’s journey in bladesports is far from over. With two national titles and a world championship under his belt, he continues to push himself and the sport to new heights. His dedication to growing the bladesports community and his unwavering commitment to excellence make him not only a champion but also an ambassador for the sport he loves. As he looks toward the future, Ben remains focused on his goal of becoming the greatest in the sport. “I want to be the GOAT.” Given his track record and his passion for bladesports, there’s no doubt that Ben Propst is well on his way to achieving that title.

Written by Drew Clifton

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T.C. Barnette

T.C. Barnette

T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.

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