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Joe Flowers
Published: September 30th, 2024
A Life Shaped by Passion for the Outdoors
Joe Flowers is a man whose life is shaped by his love of the outdoors, a passion for knives, and a deep-seated commitment to conservation. Known as a prolific knife designer, a dedicated bushcraft practitioner, and an advocate for the natural world, Joe’s journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to blending historical wisdom with modern techniques. From his childhood fascination with knives to establishing Bushcraft Global, Joe has carved a unique niche in the world of outdoor adventure and survival.
Joe Flowers' journey began with a childhood love for knives. Growing up, Joe was captivated by the larger than life portrayal of knives and bushcraft in films like Crocodile Dundee, where the iconic line, "That's not a knife... that's a knife!" sparked his imagination. He spent his youth leafing through Smoky Mountain Knife Works catalogs, carefully reading every Tactical Knives magazine page, and building his collection from finds at local gun shows.
From a young age, Joe combined his passion for knives with a love of the natural world. He spent much of his childhood in the forests and swamps of the American South, particularly in North and South Carolina, honing his outdoor skills and developing an early fascination with reptiles and amphibians. He recalls catching snakes, observing alligators, and using the natural environment as a playground and classroom.
Pursuing his love for nature academically, Joe attended North Carolina State University, where he graduated with a degree in Zoology and a minor in Entomology. His studies at NC State deepened his understanding of the natural world, especially insects, reptiles, and amphibians. He worked at the university after graduating, engaging in research that often took him outdoors, where his love for nature and knack for storytelling began to converge.
- Joe Flowers love for knives and nature began in childhood, captivated by films and magazines such as Crocodile Dundee and Tactical Knives
- Joe spent much of childhood in the forests and swamps of North and South Carolina
- Joe Flowers attended North Carolina State University, graduating with a degree in Zoology with a minor in Entomology
Joe’s path into the knife world began in earnest in 2006 when he started writing for Tactical Knives magazine, a publication he had long admired. This was a dream come true for Joe, who had spent years reading and collecting issues of the magazine. "To be able to write for Tactical Knives was a huge deal for me," he says, reflecting on the start of his professional journey in the knife world.
His articles for Tactical Knives opened the doors to other opportunities, allowing Joe to write for Backpacker Magazine, SWAT Magazine, Self-Reliance Illustrated, and many others. This writing not only helped him build credibility in the knife and outdoor communities but also allowed him to connect with key figures in the industry. Through his writing, Joe met Terrell Hoffman, who introduced him to Stephen Dick, the editor of Tactical Knives. This connection was pivotal, helping Joe gain the visibility needed to make his mark in the knife world.
Joe Flowers' Unique Approach to Knife Design
Joe’s transition from writer to designer was a natural progression, fueled by his deep understanding of knives and his love for the outdoors. His first major opportunity in 2006 and 2008 when he was introduced to two prominent knife brands: Condor Tool & Knife and TOPS Knives. Condor, a subsidiary of IMACASA, one of the world's largest machete manufacturers, was particularly appealing to Joe due to its strong roots in traditional knife and machete making.
Joe’s early designs began as one-offs with custom makers, testing his ideas and experimenting with what worked and what didn’t. His first design for a brand was the "Shango," created for TOPS Knives. The Shango, a survival knife with a unique shape and multiple functions, was well-received, setting the stage for what would become a prolific career in knife design. Since then, Joe has designed over 200 knives for Condor Tool & Knife, covering a wide range of styles, from machetes to compact bushcraft knives, each with its distinct identity and purpose.
One of Joe’s signature designs is the "Terrasaur," a knife born out of collaboration with custom makers like Brian Andrews and Fiddleback Forge. The Terrasaur exemplifies Joe's design philosophy: practicality, affordability, and adaptability. It's a no-nonsense bushcraft knife that has found favor among outdoorsmen for its ruggedness and versatility. The original Terrasaur featured a full tang and high-impact polymer handle, and over the years, it has become one of Condor’s best-selling knives.
When it comes to designing new knives or machetes, Joe Flowers takes an unconventional approach. He avoids looking at contemporary knives during the design process, preferring instead to draw inspiration from historical designs and tools. “I try to stay away from looking at modern knives,” he explains, “because I don’t want to be influenced by what's currently out there. I want to create something unique and functional, something that has a purpose and a story behind it.”
- Joe began designing for Condor Tool & Knife and TOPS Knives in 2006 & 2008
- Joe's first design for a brand was the Shango (pictured above), created for TOPS Knives
- Joe has designed over 200 knives for Condor Tool & Knife
- One of Joe's signature designs is the Terrasaur for Condor Tool & Knife
- When designing new knives Joe tries to draw inspiration from historical designs and tools
- Joe's Kurki Machete design is based on traditional Nepali Kukris
- Inspired by Ken Onion, Joe often envisions a particular use case needed before designing
Joe's ability to combine historical elements, modern materials, and practical applications has made him a respected figure in the knife community. His designs are known for their durability, functionality, and a certain aesthetic that blends past and present. “I think there’s always something to learn from every knife design, and I’m always excited to bring new ideas to life,” he says.
Establishing Bushcraft Global: Immersive Learning in the Heart of the Wilderness
In 2014, Joe took his love for bushcraft to a new level by establishing Bushcraft Global, an organization that offers expeditions to the Amazon Rainforest and other remote locations. These expeditions are designed to immerse participants in real-world survival situations, where they learn from indigenous tribespeople who have honed their survival skills over generations.
The idea for Bushcraft Global was born out of Joe's desire to learn from indigenous people. "I realized there was so much knowledge in these communities that was at risk of being lost," he explains. "I wanted to create a bridge that would allow people to learn directly from those who have lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years."
Bushcraft Global expeditions are not just for hardcore survivalists. Joe and his team offer a range of experiences, from intensive bushcraft training deep in the Amazon jungle to more relaxed, family-friendly trips. "We've had everyone from honeymooners looking for an adventure to seasoned bushcrafters wanting to push their limits," Joe says.
On these trips, participants learn essential skills such as fire-making, crafting tools from natural materials, and fishing with traditional techniques. They also gain a deeper understanding of indigenous philosophies, which often emphasize a harmonious relationship with nature. "The tribespeople I've met have taught me that it's not the bow; it's the archer," Joe reflects. "They can use the simplest tools to perform the most intricate tasks, and that has profoundly changed how I look at bushcraft."
- In 2014, Joe Flowers love for bushcraft led him to establish Bushcraft Global
- Bushcraft Global allows people to learn from indigineous tribes who have lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years
- During Bushcraft Global expeditions, participants learn essential suvival skills
Mentorship Under Steve Watts
- Joe studied under Steve Watts (pictured above) in the Aborignal Skills Study Program at the Schiele Museum in Gastonia, North Carolina
Joe credits the program for broadening his understanding of bushcraft and instilling a sense of respect for traditional skills. "I learned that you can read all you want, but there's no substitute for having a mentor," he says. "Steve Watts' approach was to immerse us completely in the skill at hand, whether it was making a knife handle or learning the history behind a particular tool."
A Passion For Beekeeping
- Joe began beekeeping in college after taking a class piqued his interest
- Today, Joe usually maintains 5-6 hives a year
Joe's Commitment to Conservation
- Joe is constantly involved in conservation, he is locally involved with the North Carolina Herpetological Society and the Blue Ridge Discovery Center
- Joe has also named several knives after endangered species to raise awareness
Joe encourages others to get involved in conservation by starting locally. "Look for herpetological groups, birding clubs, or local conservation projects," he advises. "There are so many ways to get involved, whether it's cleaning up a beach, participating in a frog survey, or volunteering at a nature center."
- Joe advises people getting into bushcraft that you dont need expensive gear, start with a basic knife and a book like Mors Kochanski's Bushcraft (pictured above)
The Godzilla Factor
Alongside his love for knives, nature, and bushcraft, Joe Flowers harbors a passion for something entirely different: Godzilla. A lifelong fan of the King of Monsters, Joe’s love for Godzilla dates back to his childhood when he was around five years old. He first saw Godzilla in 1985 on VHS at a local video store, and the massive creature captivated his imagination.
His favorite Godzilla movie is Godzilla: Final Wars, a choice that often surprises other fans. "A lot of Godzilla fans hate it, but I think it’s just absolutely bonkers," Joe laughs. "It has all these elements thrown into a blender, and it’s unapologetically wild."
Joe sees parallels between his love for Godzilla and his passion for knives and bushcraft. Both are rooted in a deep respect for nature and an appreciation for resilience, adaptability, and survival. "Godzilla represents the power of nature, the idea that we can’t always control or predict it," Joe explains. "In a way, it’s a lot like bushcraft. You learn to respect nature, to adapt, and to survive with the tools you have."
Joe Flowers: A Lifetime of Passion and Exploration
Joe Flowers is still going strong. With new knife designs in the works, ongoing expeditions with Bushcraft Global, and continued involvement in conservation efforts, Joe remains deeply committed to his life's passions. He also continues to expand his reach in the knife community, collaborating with more brands and exploring new materials and technologies.
When asked what he wants to achieve next, Joe simply says, "I just want to keep learning, keep exploring, and keep sharing what I love with others. There’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a new knife design, a new bushcraft skill, or a new way to protect our planet."
Joe Flowers has built a remarkable career by following his passions, staying true to his values, and always seeking to learn more. Whether through his innovative knife designs, his educational bushcraft expeditions, his love for Godzilla, or his efforts to conserve the natural world, Joe has significantly impacted those around him.
As Joe himself often says, "No matter what, always love knives." But his life shows that his love extends far beyond knives to encompass all things wild and wonderful, from the jungles of the Amazon to the roaring presence of a legendary monster. And for Joe Flowers, that love will continue to guide his adventures for many years to come.
Written by Drew Clifton
What to Buy
The Condor Narrowsaur is a versatile fixed-blade knife built for rugged outdoor adventures, featuring a 4.2-inch drop point blade crafted from 1095 high-carbon steel, known for its exceptional toughness and edge retention. Its natural finish enhances durability, while the .12-inch thick blade provides a balance of precision and strength, perfect for slicing, cutting, and carving tasks in the wild. A walnut handle measuring 4.45 inches offers a comfortable grip for extended use, with an ambidextrous design that suits any user. Weighing just 4.94 ounces and stretching to an overall length of 8.67 inches, this knife is lightweight yet robust. Designed by Joe Flowers, the Narrowsaur includes a convenient lanyard hole for secure carrying and comes with a hand-crafted brown welted leather sheath that combines elegance with practicality, making it an ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts who value reliability and style.
The Condor Bushscot is a rugged fixed-blade knife inspired by the traditional Scottish Dirk of the Highlanders, combining classic design with modern functionality. Its 3.31-inch spear point blade, crafted from durable 14C28N stainless steel with a polished finish, offers exceptional sharpness and corrosion resistance for all your outdoor needs. With a blade thickness of 0.12 inches, it provides strength and precision in every cut, while the beautifully etched walnut handle, measuring 4.07 inches, ensures a comfortable and secure grip for any hand size. Designed by Joe Flowers, this versatile knife includes a lanyard hole for easy carrying and a hand-crafted welted brown leather sheath with an integrated lanyard, perfect for quick access. Weighing just 4.23 ounces and measuring 7.38 inches overall, the Condor Bushscot is light enough for extended use without sacrificing durability, making it an ideal companion for adventurers, bushcrafters, and collectors alike.
Embodying the spirit of North America's fur trade era, the Condor Trade Dag knife offers a rugged blend of heritage and function. Designed by Joe Flowers, this knife reimagines a classic trade-style blade with a formidable 7.95" cutting edge, forged from high-carbon 1095 steel known for its durability and easy sharpening. The 0.12" thick blade provides the right balance between strength and flexibility, making it a reliable tool for hunting, camping, or everyday use. Its 6.3" walnut handle, secured with copper rivets, ensures a comfortable and secure grip in any condition, while the ambidextrous design caters to all users. With an overall length of 14.25", the Condor Trade Dag is both a statement piece and a practical companion, complete with a high-quality leather sheath for safe, convenient carry. This knife is not just a tribute to a storied past but a versatile tool built for today's adventurers.
Expert Reviewed
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.