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Wachtman Knife & Tool
Published: May 12th, 2025
Wachtman Knife and Tool is a small fixed blade maker based in Ohio. The man behind the name, Alec Wachtman, has been working with steel longer than most folks twice his age. His story starts back when he was just six years old, watching a blacksmith demonstration at a Boy Scouts maple syrup festival. Most kids would’ve walked away thinking it was neat. Alec went home, grabbed his grandfather’s fireplace and a hairdryer, and tried to forge aluminum. It wasn’t a functional knife, but the spark was there, and it never faded.
By the time he was thirteen, Alec had picked up his first forge and was already knee-deep in learning everything he could. His mom helped connect him with John King, a blacksmith at a local living history museum, and Alec spent hours in the shop learning how to shape steel, grind edges, and get a proper heat treat. Not long after that, a family trip to Tennessee gave him another big step forward. Just out front of Smoky Mountain Knife Works, they came across a small knife shop run by Tom and Rick Mohr. Alec signed up for a class, spending half his savings to take it. What he picked up there stuck with him. A lot of the way he approaches design and builds today can be traced back to that early hands-on experience.
- Wachtman Knife & Tool was founded by Alec Wachtman (pictured above)
- Alec began trying to forge knives at just six years old
Back home in Ohio, he built his own 2x72 belt grinder with help from his grandfather, and stuck with the stock removal method over forging. He preferred the precision and control, and by the time he was fifteen, he’d already sold his first knife, a simple drop point with orange G10 scales and a Kydex sheath. From there, things moved quickly.
In 2019, at just 18 years old, Alec officially launched Wachtman Knife & Tool. He started small, making everything himself and focusing on real-use performance. WKT knives are designed to be tools first, collectibles second. Each one is built from premium, American-sourced materials and goes through carefully optimized heat treatment. The design philosophy is simple: comfortable in the hand, dependable in the field, and ready for hard use.
- In 2019, at just 18 years old, Alex officially launched Wachtman Knife & Tool
Wachtman Knife & Tool Eddy 2
Of course, running a small business in this industry isn’t without its hurdles. In 2023, Alec spoke openly about the challenges of expansion, balancing rising costs, staying visible in a tough online environment, and maintaining quality while increasing output. But rather than slowing down, he expanded the shop, brought in new equipment, and kept pushing forward.
What makes Wachtman Knife & Tool stand out isn’t just the quality of the knives, though that’s certainly part of it. It’s the authenticity behind the work. Alec isn’t chasing trends or trying to turn out as many blades as possible, he’s building reliable tools for people who use them, whether that’s in the field, on the job, or every day on their belt.
At the end of the day, Alec Wachtman is doing what a lot of people dream about: turning a passion into a career and doing it on his own terms. And with each knife that leaves his shop, WKT is proving that American-made craftsmanship is alive and well.
What to Buy
The Wachtman Knife and Tool Eddy 3 is a full-tang fixed blade built for serious use. It features a 4.46" 52100 carbon steel drop point blade with a durable black coated finish. The handle is made from rugged green G10 and secured with black coated steel hardware for a secure grip. Measuring 8.77" overall, this knife balances size and strength for all-around field performance. It comes with a custom-fit black Kydex sheath for reliable carry and protection. Whether for everyday tasks or outdoor work, the Eddy 3 is built to handle whatever you throw at it. Proudly made in the USA.
The Wachtman Knife and Tool Grandmaster is a heavy-duty fixed blade built for demanding tasks. It features a 9.03" 80CrV2 steel drop point blade with a tough black-coated finish for added durability. The full tang construction is paired with a tan G10 handle that offers a solid, secure grip even in tough conditions. With an overall length of 14.95", this knife brings serious cutting power to the table. It includes a custom black Kydex sheath for safe and dependable carry. Whether you're in the field or at camp, the Grandmaster is ready for hard work. Proudly made in the USA.
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
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.