A Look at Finch Knives: Knife Designer Spencer Marquardt | AK Blog

Meet the Co-Creator of Finch Knives: Honoring Tradition with Every Blade

When you think about a brand like Finch Knives, known for its combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, you're not just thinking about a knife—you're thinking about a story. And at the heart of that story is a co-creator whose passion for knives goes beyond business—it’s a family legacy.

Meet Spencer Marquardt, the visionary behind Finch Knives. As the co-owner, co-designer, and Knife Designer of the Month for February, his journey into the knife world is one deeply rooted in history, family tradition, and a love for adventure.

A Legacy of Knife Collecting

The story of Finch Knives begins with a passion that spans generations. Spencer Marquardt was raised in a family where knife collecting was more than just a hobby—it was a tradition that passed down from his grandfather to his father, then to him. The love for knives was shared across generations, each with their own personal connection to the craftsmanship, utility, and artistry behind them. And now, Spencer Marquardt has passed that torch to his own son, continuing the legacy in a way that brings together both the old and the new.

It was through this tradition that Finch Knives was born. Partnering with his childhood friend, Steve Laughlin, Spencer Marquardt took his childhood passion for knives and brought it to life by creating a business that would blend traditional knife-making techniques with modern-day innovation. Together, they’ve created something special—a brand that reflects their shared love for the outdoors, craftsmanship, and storytelling.

The Role of a Co-Creator and Co-Designer at Finch Knives

As the co-owner and co-designer of Finch Knives, Spencer Marquardt plays a pivotal role in every aspect of the company. Not only does he design each knife with care, but he also ensures that the stories behind each blade are infused into the design process. His role is a true blend of craftsmanship, creativity, and business management.

“We wanted to create a brand that was more than just knives,” Spencer Marquardt explains. “Every blade tells a story. For us, it's about reflecting our sense of adventure, blending the traditional designs we grew up with, and introducing new, exciting features for today’s knife enthusiast.”

One of the most popular examples of this philosophy is the HOLLIDAY knife. Inspired by his father's love of the Wild West and the legendary Doc Holliday, this knife is an excellent example of how Finch Knives combines historical stories with modern design. Customers connected with the tale of Doc Holliday and, even if they weren’t traditional knife collectors, they were drawn to the unique narrative and craftsmanship of the blade.

Designing Knives That Tell a Story

The uniqueness of Finch Knives lies in its ability to blend functional design with an intriguing backstory. As a microbrand, Finch Knives releases 6-8 new models each year, and each one is designed with precision and purpose. From the Cherry Bomb to the Frogleg, each knife is crafted to not only perform well in the field but also serve as a collectible item.

The designs reflect Spencer Marquardt’s life experiences and his personal memories. The Cherry Bomb was designed with nostalgia in mind, incorporating glow-in-the-dark resin and a sleek, compact form that is both practical and fun. Meanwhile, the Reciprocity offers a more polished, stylish look with walnut wood or carbon fiber handle scales, showcasing a design balance between elegance and utility.

His knives are not just tools but works of art. Wheat State Cutlery, a new line of traditional slip joints, debuted in December 2024 with its first release, The Peacemaker. This line, rooted in classic design, highlights Finch’s commitment to honoring traditional knife-making techniques while offering fresh, modern takes on the classics.

February Knife Designer of the Month

For February, Spencer Marquardt is being recognized as the Knife Designer of the Month, a well-deserved honor for a designer who has managed to create knives that resonate with both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike. To celebrate this achievement, Cee and Just Jul, hosts of the popular knife and outdoor gear YouTube channel, AK Blade, will be releasing a series of videos featuring some of Spencer Marquardt’s most popular knife designs. These videos will give fans and collectors a deeper dive into the stories and functionality behind each blade.

Fans of Finch Knives can look forward to a closer look at models like the Cherry Bomb, Undertaker, and the Frogleg, along with a sneak peek into what’s coming in 2025—including updates on designs like the Road Runner and Stray Dog.

Where to Buy Finch Knives

If you're looking to add a piece of Finch Knives’ history to your collection or simply want to experience the quality of their designs, head over to Atlantic Knife for the latest releases and exclusive designs. Their competitive pricing makes it easy to start—or grow—your collection of Finch knives.

Explore the collection and grab your favorites today at Atlantic Knife. You won’t want to miss the chance to own a piece of this unique knife-making tradition.

👉 https://atlanticknife.com/collections/finch-knife-co

The Future of Finch Knives

As Finch Knives continues to evolve, Spencer Marquardt and Steve Laughlin remain committed to their mission of blending tradition with innovation. With exciting new designs and more stories to tell, the Finch Knives lineup is set to grow in 2025 and beyond. So whether you’re a knife collector or just looking for a high-quality EDC, Finch Knives offers something for everyone.

Stay tuned for more stories and designs as Finch Knives keeps making waves in the knife world—one blade at a time.