Shop Talk: WK ForgeWorks is Built on Pure Passion — A New Maker's Journey

In the latest installment of our Shop Talk series, we dive into the story of WK ForgeWorks, the one-man shop of Scott Helms. Though he's only been a full-time knifemaker for about eighteen months, Helms' journey into the craft started back in 2017 and has been marked by determination, continuous learning, and an unwavering passion for the trade.

Helms' path to full-time knifemaking wasn't a straight line. He started as a hobbyist, building his skills on nights and weekends while working a day job. His early work showed promise, and as his skills grew, so did the demand for his knives. The decision to go full-time was a leap of faith — one that is increasingly paying off as his reputation spreads through the custom knife community.

WK ForgeWorks specializes in fixed blade designs with a distinctly modern aesthetic. Helms favors high-performance steels like CPM 3V and MagnaCut, paired with handle materials ranging from traditional Micarta to stabilized wood and carbon fiber. His designs are characterized by clean lines, practical geometries, and meticulous attention to heat treat.

What sets Helms apart is his willingness to engage with the community. He's active on social media, shares his process openly, and takes custom orders that challenge him to grow as a maker. In an era where many custom makers have months-long waitlists, Helms has managed to maintain reasonable turnaround times without sacrificing quality.

For those interested in following a rising star in the custom knife world, WK ForgeWorks is a name to remember. Check out Scott Helms' work on Instagram and his website to see his latest creations.