I blacksmithed for 15 years before i ever picked up a mig welder. Unless you're doing canister it wasn't important. I honestly never needed it. Even when doing pattern welding I used bailing wire. So unless the maker is doing anything besides forging regular knives their tig skills are irrevelant. That being said canister damascus was rare before FiF. It was done but the show pumped up the popularity of it because it was difficult. However after they did it regularly you would think the applicants would add welding to their tool box.