Shop Talk: Luke Dellmyer’s Journey from Horseshoes to Custom Knives

Every knife maker finds their own way into the craft, and Pennsylvania-based Luke Dellmyer‘s path began in the demands of a farming life. Working with horses and learning the ins and outs of traditional but still very necessary metalworking brought Dellmyer into our field.

As a custom knifemaker, Dellmyer focuses on handforged pieces; this passion stems directly from his days as a professional farrier, making horseshoes for local farms and veterinarians. “From there, along with being a full time farrier, I transitioned into the more artistic field of ornamental metalwork,” says Dellmyer. This included things both practical and beautiful, like sculptures, vases, and other non-knife creations. “It cultivated my skills and appreciation for shaping metal,” Dellmyer reflects.

These two sides of metalworking – the creative and the practical – came together for Dellmyer in knifemaking. “It allows me to combine my metalworking skills with artistic expression,” he says; he takes pride in his adherence to true handiwork, forgoing machines of any kind in his knifemaking process. “All my knives are forged and my damascus is homemade. I’m always excited to continue developing my craft and explore new techniques in knifemaking.”

Dellmyer says his pieces are defined by their warmth and sinuous linework, a natural result of his preference for the traditional ways. “I believe my models are recognizable by their flowing curves and lines, and distinctive features from being hand forged.” A majority of Dellmyer’s output consists of fixed blades – both outdoors knives and kitchen cutlery – but he does dip into the folder field as well – and even there refuses to use machines. “My folders are all hand cut,” Dellmyer confirms.

Currently an ABS Journeyman Smith, Dellmyer has plans to test for Master Smith in the next few years, and he says that the knifemaking classes he regularly leads on his working horse farm form a part of his own training for that next step. “Witnessing students create their own knives is truly rewarding. The process of teaching reinforces my own skills and knowledge.”

We’ll be able to see the result of this teaching-learning process in August. “My next show will be the New York Knife Show,” Dellmyer tells us. “I’m working on some new designs to present there.”

A brand new batch of Dellmyer fixed blades has just landed with KnivesShipFree, including models featuring his own handmade damascus.

Knife in Featured Image: Dellmyer Knives Full Tang Hunter

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