04/10/2025
What started as a “random hobby” turned into a game-changer for local schools.
On this week’s episode of Hustle Northwest, we sat down with Carrie’s dad—Leon Adams—a guy who picked up knife-making in 2009 just to see if he could do it. What happened next? Over 115 custom knives later, Leon has raised nearly $200,000 for school auctions across Oregon. And here’s the kicker: he’s never sold a single one.
His knives have become legendary in the auction world—trophies, really. They’ve sparked bidding wars between longtime friends, husbands and wives, and even inspired folks from Florida to Kansas to get involved. He donates his time, pays for his materials, and just does it for one reason: “It’s all for the kids.”
From elk antler and giraffe bone handles to using a Maytag washing machine motor on his first grinder—this story is one part craftsmanship, one part heart, and 100% local legend.
Raise your auction pattle and give it a listen!
