ABS Journeyman Smith Bob Earhart (b.1982) is a second generation custom knifemaker. Bob focuses on precision craftsmanship, historically inspired designs, and dedication to high-quality materials. Earhart has built a reputation in the knifemaking community for his blending of traditional techniques with a practical, rugged Western aesthetic favored by collectors, outdoor enthusiasts, and working professionals such as construction workers, firefighters, law enforcement, and hunters.
Earhart is invested in learning and sharing knowledge about forging. He embraces the invaluable benefits that the apprentice and mentorship roles bring to becoming the best possible bladesmith. He seeks advice and honest critiques from Mastersmiths like John Horrigan, John Perry, Kyle Royer. He acknowledges influences such as Bob Loveless and Mastersmiths Tim Hancock and Michael Quesenberry. In the tradition of his father (who was also a bladesmith), he is committed to passing this knowledge and love of crafting. In fact, his daughter and son are often found with him at knife shows and in the forge.
Growing up in Fredericksburg Virginia, Bob was surrounded by a crafting culture. He began his journey into knifemaking beside his father, tending the coal fired forge. As a kid, he would often travel to county fairs to work in his father’s booth selling the knives his dad had crafted. Bob has a deep appreciation and love for the history that is steeped in the land around him. This history inspires him to create knives that serve both form and function with a blending of western aesthetics. Earhart’s work primarily features classically proportioned, hand-forged fixed blade knives, often crafted from carbon steel or damascus of his own creation. His handles show an innate understanding that using natural materials such as wood and antler brings beauty and durability to the function of the knife. He is always looking for the elusive union where the flow of the antler perfectly pairs to the proportions of his forged blade. Whether designing hunting knives, bowies, or utility knives, Bob emphasizes usability without compromising craftsmanship.
In 2009, Bob traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he met Mastersmith John Perry. During their conversation, Bob asked for and received an honest critique of one of his knives This constructive criticism and the ensuing discussion led to Earhart joining the ABS. In 2018, Bob took a chance and reached out to Mastersmith Kyle Royer and asked for guidance on pursuing his journeyman smith accreditation. Earhart's earnestness and desire to learn earned him both mentorship and friendship with Kyle. Royer has worked closely with Bob, mentoring him on damascus. Earhart credits Royer’s teaching and his critiques for his ability to pass the journeyman smith test in 2018. Earhart was honored to receive the Pilkinton Award for the best knife submitted by a journeyman smith candidate.
Bob Earhart begins the creation of his knives with the old school method of sketching out his vision. This sketch is then hand forged to shape, paying attention to detail and visual appeal. He balances proven ergonomics while incorporating elegant guards and spacers to create knives uniquely in his style. His accompanying leather sheaths are hand-tooled, fitted, hand stitched and crafted entirely in his shop. Bob’s knives are designed not just as a tool meant to last generations but as a piece of art with flow, color, and texture as their three fundamental components. His diligence and old-school methods have earned him a loyal and growing following among fellow knifemakers, collectors, and those needing enduring tools for the outdoors.
