We recently connected with William Tresten and have shared our conversation below.
Hi William, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
God! – Aug. 8th, 2016 Jesus Christ saved my life! Since then everything I do is to try and live for Him. Tresten Knives was started back in 2020, I was getting married at the time and was looking for a new way to generate income. God blessed it! It took off faster than I thought, and now after my son being born I don’t have as much time as I used to for making knives, but I still enjoy making beautiful custom pieces for people to use and enjoy.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
God always comes first, everything I do is in service to Him – the bladesmithing is a way to not only do something I love but is an avenue to share the Gospel with others. We’ve partnered with some really cool organizations and companies over the last few years, including Enter the Lion ministries which is nation wide. Our blades have been purchased by regular people and law enforcement alike. Out of the 3 production runs we’ve done – we’ve sold out twice! After my son was born, I’ve switched from doing production to single custom blades at a time. Happy to say that some of our blades have even made it overseas and are being used by personnel in the field.
Originally Tresten Knives started out as a way to generate income because I was getting married at the time. Back then I would design the knife, Guy was the bladesmith who made them, and Tim made all the sheaths. Guy was an amazing brother in Christ, and knew more about how to make a blade than anyone I’ve ever come across. Unfortunately in the Texas Winter Storm, Guy passed away.. at that point I had a choice – either close up shop, or teach myself how to make blades. I chose to take the challenge head on, and with God’s help we were successful! A lot was learned from YouTube, and talking to other smiths like Cowboy from Phoenix Knives. Guy taught me so much, and was always willing the share and teach me – I miss him..
Bladesmithing has since become a passion of mine and our forge in now in Magnolia since we moved from Houston. As fun as production was, I love making custom pieces for people. Each is unique, and presents it’s own challenges. At the end of it I give God the Glory, He’s the reason it’s been successful not me.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Being open to learning, even if I thought my way was better Seeing mistakes as opportunities, not failures
Letting God lead, and never giving up – even when the learning curve is steep.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Give it to God- whenever I feel overwhelmed I pray and get in the Word. Romans Ch. 8 especially has been a great source of encouragement.
Second only to that, my wife Shelby! She has been an amazing wife, beyond loving and kind even when I don’t deserve it. She’ll give me the honest truth about things even if it’s tough to hear.
Also my Fort Iron brothers have been a great source to reach out too.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TrestenKnives.com
- Instagram: @trestenknives
