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Wayne, the mastermind behind Wayne's Sharp World, has long been a cornerstone of the EDC (Everyday Carry) community. His expertise has graced our site for the past three months with a series of insightful knife reviews (which you can find here). Now, we're turning the tables to get to know the man behind the blade—and the camera.
In this exclusive three-part series, we'll dive deep into Wayne's world, exploring the knife industry, his journey as an expert, and the unexpected lessons learned from handling countless blades that are definitely sharp. Join us as we uncover the insider knowledge that only comes from years of hands-on experience in the field.
Stay tuned for parts two and three in the coming months, where we'll continue to sharpen your understanding of the EDC world through Wayne's expert lens.
The Important Stuff
Name: Wayne Walter
Location: Michigan
YouTube: Wayne's Sharp World
Instagram: @waynessharpworld
What item made you fall in love with the industry?
Well, to be honest, there are two knives that come to mind.
First, my Kershaw Leek. It was my first true EDC, and I carried it every day for two years. I loved it so much I wanted to expand my lineup, which had me start eye-balling more expensive knives.
That brings me to my Benchmade 940. It was the first expensive knife I ever bought and I just enjoyed everything about it. Smooth and sharp, both literally and figuratively, that purchase was definitely the one that sent me down the rabbit hole that led me to where I am today.
What’s the most unusual source of inspiration you’ve ever used for your content?
I would have to say, Mount Rushmore. I have a couple of videos about the "Mount Rushmore" of certain types of knives. In other words, the 4 best knives for certain reasons.
That has me thinking... those videos are due for an update! haha!
How has YouTube/social media impacted your life/career?
Honestly, the impacts have been both good and not-so-good.
On the good side, I've met SO many amazing people all over the industry and built some great relationships that I'm sure I will keep for the rest of my life. It's also allowed me to understand the business side of the knife industry much better, which has been very interesting!
On the not-so-good side... YouTube and social media can become all-consuming. Sometimes even suffocating. It required me to find ways to better balance my knife content with the other aspects of my life.
What's the funniest or most embarrassing moment you've experienced while filming one of your videos?
I farted... kinda loud, haha!
It was in one of my earlier videos when I had very few subs, and I was in a huge rush to finish before I had to go somewhere with my wife, so I just left it. Although now, after filming over 1,000+ other videos, I can't even tell you which one that was. Although it had to be one of my first hundred or so.
What is something you want our readers to know about you?
Definitely, the fact that there is SO much more to me than knives.
I'm flat-out wanderlust. I want to travel everywhere, see everything, hike everything, eat everything, photograph everything, and make real connections with people.
Life is too damn short, and I'm still trying to figure out how to maximize the time I've been given.
[You can see more of Wayne's zest for life on his Instagram page @waynessharpworld]
What are your favorite brands right now?
On the mid to high-end side of things, I would say:
- Spyderco
- Pro-Tech
- Koenig
- Vero Engineering
- Jack Wolf Knives
- Microtech
- Winterblade Co.
On the budget side of things, it's mostly about the "big four" for me. I consider the big four to be:
You simply cannot find better knives for $80ish or less than what those four companies are currently bringing to the market. Of course, Sencut as well, but they are part of Civivi.
What Brands should our readers look out for?
Oh gosh, right now, there are many companies worth keeping an eye on.
I would recommend keeping an eye on all of my favorite brands that I mentioned above because they are all crushing the game right now.
The company that probably stands out to me the most for amazing and innovative designs is Winterblade Co. They are always bringing amazing and innovative knives to the market every year, and the rest of 2024 and all of 2025 will be no different!
What first got you interested in your niche?
To be honest... I just always thought it was cool to carry a knife. I've always found them to be extremely handy and versatile.
What’s your go-to EDC?
Well I'd have to say the knife I designed, the Vosteed Thornton.
Obviously, I'm very biased about that knife,[ a collaboration between Vosteed and Wayne] haha! Before the Thornton, I would have to say my go-to was my Spyderco Shaman.
What’s your proudest moment since starting your creator journey?
Really just the continued growth.
I've never bought subscribers and always believed in earning my accolades, so to see consistent and steady growth since day one makes me very happy.
What is your favorite place your social media account has taken you?
Definitely out to Salt Lake City. I LOVE UTAH!
More so for the national parks and hiking, but being able to go out there for Blade Show West has to be my top highlight.
What is your most memorable moment with a brand in your niche?
That has to be getting my design accepted and manufactured by Vosteed.
I put a lot of love and thought into the Vosteed Thornton, and seeing the project come to life was amazing! But then it sold out, which was awesome but also sad. I think it's time for another run!
