While most fourteen-year-old boys are focused on video games or after-school sports and activities, Emmett Eitreim is busy refining his knife-making skills and creating a business. “I began making real knives about four years ago by taking my mom’s wheelbarrow apart and using the steel supports to make a knife,” says Emmett. Even at eight years old, Emmett was fascinated with whittling wood and using tools to create. “I made a lot of wood weapons with scraps from house projects.”
Emmett is laser-focused on honing his craft and continuing to improve his craftsmanship through constant hands-on learning. While his dad taught him how to use many of the tools he needs for this craft, Emmett practiced with plywood at home, trying new things, and also watched videos online. Emmett’s skills have been continuing to improve through a lot of practice and are clearly good enough for an actual business venture. While Emmett didn’t initially set out to sell the knives, he began because he loved the work and was passionate about it. Then, taking on a spirit of entrepreneurship, launching a business seemed like a natural next step. “I started seriously selling my knives two years ago because I thought they were good enough that adults would like them,” says Emmett. “Before that, I would set up a little stand at the end of my driveway and sell them alongside my sister’s lemonade and art stand.”
Besides learning the art of woodworking and metalwork, Emmett is also learning what it takes to run a business and sell a product—with help and support from his family. “Making knives is the fun part, while the business part I’m not the best at,” says Emmett. “It takes time to build a good business, and I’m learning that there are a lot of parts that I’d rather hire my sister to do! I’m hoping that the better I get at making knives, the better my business gets.” In fact, Emmett is taking on a little more of the business responsibilities, such as marketing alongside his parents, this summer. “It’s a lot to learn, and I’d much rather be in the shop,” says Emmett. “But I understand it’s an important part to learn as a business owner.”
Even though Emmett is busy working on and owning his very own business, he still makes time for all the other things any fourteen-year-old boy would enjoy. “My favorite activities include mountain biking, snowboarding, fishing and camping, and hanging out with my friends at youth group.” One thing about Emmett: He loves the outdoors!
Emmett has his sights set on continuing his business and would love to keep doing what he enjoys when he gets older. “I do see myself doing this in the future,” says Emmett. “In fact, this is all I see myself doing. Having my own forge on some nice property in the woods is pretty much my dream job. I’m hoping that I can make a career out of this.”
If you want to check out Emmett’s work, purchase a knife, or learn more about his story, head to www.ejworkman.com.