Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1527954
SIGNATURE MONTANA | 41 Born and raised in Montana, Colter Pedersen enjoys the idea of the outdoors from the comfort of the indoors. Almost handsome and just shy of charming, his know-it-all attitude has tested the patience of many. But in a fun way. Watkins embraces the custom aspect of knife-making, working closely with each client to create a knife that feels personal to them. "I feel a properly designed knife, it's not just the steel and the trendy new design," he explains. "It's the right match of blade, weight, handle size, the proper curves; it should all just flow together." Watkins gravitates towards several different styles, particularly enjoying craing variations of the Puukko—a shorter Scandinavian utility blade, the Nessmuk—an S-shaped blade popularized in the 1800s by writer and outdoorsman George W. Sears, and the Seax—a longer knife used by the Vikings. Above all, Watkins holds an insatiable love for the American Bowie knife. "Probably as a kid in the '80s, watching Rambo was helpful," he admits. "Crocodile Dundee, Jeremiah Johnson—there's just no replacement for a proper Bowie knife. ey are always a lot of work, but there is just something about having a big chunk of steel in your hand that is so gratifying." is iconic blade, steeped in history and pop culture, remains a cornerstone of his cra. Watkins rarely has inventory on hand, as his knives are in high demand among discerning users nationwide. However, he is typically available for inquiries about custom blades through his website, rawcustomknives.com, and on social media. "I'm very thankful for every customer that believes in me and buys a knife," he says. "I try to do my best to make as good a knife as possible. I'm always in the shop, and it's always fun." S MT Two knives, two legacies: On the left, the pristine Ruana from Grandpa Anderson; on the right, the well-worn Western from Grandpa Watkins. 'The Western's wear tells a story,' says Reid Watkins. The master knife-maker works on a Bowie knife, one of his favorite blades to craft. NMLS# 412554