Episode 204: The Maker Knife with Giaco Whatever

Making It · 1 Mar 2019 · 1h 01m

What this episode covers

Giaco Whatever, founder of Third Coast Craftsman, discusses the design, manufacturing, and crowdfunding of the Maker Knife with hosts Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto. Giaco explains how he used 3D printing for early prototypes and EDM machining in China for production, while detailing the stress of fulfilling pre-orders and his strategy for future products. The conversation also covers Giaco's acquisition of a large factory via foreclosure auction and his approach to building a sustainable, creator-led business without external investors.

Mentioned

Companies
Third Coast Craftsman
Products
Maker Knife
Tools
Fusion, Glow Forge
Also
Kickstarter, Indiegogo, RC Explorer, Switch and Lever

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Thoroughly Considered · 49m

    134: Kevin Kelly Remains Undefeated

    Dan Provost, co-founder of Studio Neat, discusses his new custom guitar company, Offkilter Guitars, detailing the transition from hobbyist to small business, including sourcing parts from Warmouth and managing a fragmented manufacturing process. Myke Hurley shares insights from his successful Kickstarter campaign for 'Designed in California,' a historical podcast series with Jason Snell, explaining how pre-selling memberships helped fund ambitious production goals and overcome subscription fatigue.

  • Predictable Designs Podcast · 49m

    From Crowdfunding to Development and Manufacturing with Erik Hunter of InD Creation

    Erik Hunter, founder of InD Creation, discusses his journey from a non-technical aquarium hobbyist to launching a Kickstarter campaign for a frozen fish food feeder. He details his use of a Prusa MK3S 3D printer and TinkerCAD for rapid prototyping, and an Arduino-based controller developed by his brother, to create a functional proof-of-concept. Hunter explains how he bypassed expensive marketing agencies to build an audience via social media and forums, successfully raising over $40,000 to validate market interest and fund the transition to professional manufacturing with Connective.

  • Core77 Podcast · 1h 27m

    Afterschool Podcast, Episode 19 - Craighton Berman, Founder of Manual (04/16)

    Craighton Berman, founder of the brand Manual, discusses his transition from independent design studio to launching the Manual Coffee Maker (MCM) via Kickstarter. He details the product's design, which uses borosilicate glass and bamboo to create a ritualistic pour-over experience, and explains his strategy for scaling production and managing the crowdfunding campaign. Berman also reflects on the broader industry shift toward quality materials and the role of platforms like Kickstarter in enabling micro-entrepreneurship in industrial design.

  • Product Startup · 49m

    053: Manufacturing, Quality & 3D Printing

    Filip Valica of Mako Design + Invent, interviewed by Khierstyn Ross of Crowdfunding Uncut, explains that crowdfunding campaigns often fail due to poor manufacturing planning rather than lack of funding. They discuss the importance of iterative prototyping, using 3D printing to decouple complex features, and the critical need to validate product-market fit before committing to tooling. The conversation covers strategies for sourcing overseas manufacturers, vetting them through trade fairs and third-party QA, and protecting intellectual property with NNN agreements to prevent design theft.

  • Core77 Podcast · 57m

    Afterschool Podcast, Episode 4 - Martin Kastner (9/9)

    Martin Kastner, founder of Crucial Detail, discusses his transition from a traditional blacksmith in the Czech Republic to an industrial designer in Chicago. He details his collaborative work with the restaurant Alinea, where he designed custom tools like a paraffin wax vessel to deliver hot and cold potato soup, and the Porthole infusion vessel for Aviary. Kastner also reflects on the operational challenges of scaling the Porthole via a successful Kickstarter campaign, including manufacturing delays and managing difficult backers.

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Making It. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.