When given the unique opportunity to design and gift someone a custom Gerber knife — the recipient wasn’t a hard choice. They say never meet your heroes, but after meeting one of my favorite Nat Geo filmmakers, Thom Pollard, in 2020, his legend has only grown in my mind.
Genuine joy and contagious energy follow him, and he’s quickly become one of my primary mentors. This blade went to him.
Thom has been a part of some truly impactful moments in my life. He was a trail angel in the purest sense during my wild thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. He’s mentored me in my endeavors as an adventure filmmaker, and he recently invited me to officiate his wedding in New Hampshire. He’s a seasoned explorer, an amazing human of craft, and a walking inspiration who I now have the joy of calling a close friend.
Making this short film with Gerber was a walk down memory lane, and a beautiful opportunity to gift a heartfelt Christmas present to someone who’s given me so much wisdom and direction. Hopefully, he’ll be using this knife to whittle away at sticks by the fire for years.
Runtime: 5 minutes
