Meet John Hartzell | Primitive Knife and Tool Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Hartzell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Growing up, my family lived on a portion of my grandfather’s cattle farm in rural Pennsylvania. We were a family that lived pay check to pay check. Making sure food was on the dinner table was a secret family struggle at times. My father battled health issues for as long as I knew him. By default, my mom became the bread winner and ultimate provider. My dad did what he could when he was able. One thing he enjoyed doing was primitive knife making. That’s where my first exposure to the art occurred.

My dad taught me how to assemble and recreate primitive knives. He used agate and flint for the blades. Many of the blades were found in the soil on our family’s farm throughout the years. The antlers and bones that we used for handles came from deer and cattle that had been harvested on the farm. My dad didn’t just teach me how to make a survival tool of the past, he taught me the greater story behind the tool. My father had a passion for learning about Native American culture. He had a great admiration of their respect for the land and the animals that roamed it. Making primitives with my father wasn’t just a chance to make a cool replica of a historical artifact, it was a moment of reflection and education. After listening to my father’s workshop lectures throughout the years, I eventually also grew a passion for learning about the ways of the earliest inhabitants of the Americas. I just didn’t know where my passion would lead me.

In December 2020, my father unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord. As a family, we began the painful task of going through my father’s belongings. Through a teary haze I spotted a box. I recognized this box. This was the box my father used to store his blades and handles for future primitive knife making. I found myself staring at the box. Memories of my father and me going through this box, trying to pair the right blade with right handle flooded my mind. I could hear his voice telling me which blades I could use and which ones he was saving for a special project. I could hear him telling me how nice the final product was when we finished a knife. Through another round of tears, I decided to open the box. Inside were the blades and handles of primitive knives that my father had plans of putting together. They were now his unfinished creations. My mind wondered what these knives would have eventually looked like had my dad finished them. As my hands continued to rummage through the box, it became strikingly clear that I would be the one to complete what my dad started. I would finish his primitive knives.

Upon completion of my dad’s knives, the unexpected happened. I began to receive orders. Before long, a business was born. My goal isn’t just to sell a primitive knife, but rather to create a conversation. Each knife tells a deeper story of a people who once survived the harshest of winters, the most brutal of battles, and the maneuvering of the toughest terrains using such tools. These knives are a reminder of the respectful and purposeful ways of a great people. Harvest only as needed and nothing wasted, giving all thanks to the Creator for His provisions.

My greatest joy, is meeting the individuals who purchase these kind of knives. Whether a knife collector and a re-enactor, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve met people who had similar interests to that of my father’s. On many occasions, I’ve walked away from a conversation with the feeling that I had somehow just had a visit with my own dad. It’s a moment that brings peace and joy. I miss my dad tremendously and I know he is in a better place. But, I can’t help but think how proud he would be if he could see this journey with his own eyes.

I want to clarify, I purchase my blades from a friend in Indiana. I don’t have the same level of talent that my father had when it comes to napping blades. I’m still learning.

My Primitives Collection is currently on display at Stahl Peak Distillery in Eureka, Montana. The Primitives Collection is also available online at StoneRidgeKnifeCompany.com

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My father unexpectedly passed away in December of 2020. As our family went through his belongings, we came across a wooden maple box. Inside we found a variety of deer antlers and colorful agate stone blades. These were the remnants of project knives that my dad had every intention of creating. As I sat staring at the contents of the box I wondered what each item would’ve ultimately become. Then it hit me. Why not find out. I decided, since I was the one that he taught how to make these knives, I would finish his creations for him. That began my renewed love for primitive knife making. My father didn’t just pass down the art of primitive knife making. He passed down a knowledge and appreciation of those who first traveled the lands of the great Americas. He was always fascinated with Native American culture, customs, and survival methods.. One key aspect that was prevalent within many tribes was the respect for the land and the animals that roamed it. They didn’t kill for fun, but rather out of necessity. And they found ways to make wise use out of almost every aspect of any carcass. Nothing wasted. Harvesting an animal was nothing short of a spiritual moment, in which all thanks was directed to their Creator for His provisions.
When I spend time creating knives, I think of these concepts. I see the knives as conversational pieces. It’s my hope that when people see them, they are inspired to learn more about a people group who survived using such tools. It’s quite fascinating.
I can’t help but think my dad would be proud of this endeavor.
My Primitive Knives are currently on display at Stahl Peak Distillery in Eureka, Montana.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve always had a love for the great outdoors. Whether it’s hiking the Florida Trail or spending time kayaking through the Everglades, the outdoors is my refuge and place of healing. When family comes to visit me here in South Florida, at some point in their visit we always find ourselves adventuring through the Everglades and County Parks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This article is dedicated to my father. I began life as his son, He ended his life as my good friend.

Website: Stoneridgeknifecompany.com

Instagram: StoneRidgeKnifeCo