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Skinner, Dave

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Dave Skinner in the Forge

Born in 1952 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dave Skinner embarked on a unique journey that spans from a successful career in optometry to the intricate world of knifemaking. While still practicing as an optometrist today, knifemaking has become more than a serious hobby of his. It’s no surprise that the finer details of optometry would translate so well into a skilled profession such as knifemaking.

Dave grew up in Johannesburg where he attended school for optometry. After marrying his wife, Cathy in 1980, they relocated to Port Elizabeth where Dave still runs his optometry office today. A quick search on the internet reveals glowing reviews of Dave’s optometry business, showing he is well loved and revered by his community.

Skinner's journey into knifemaking began in 2011, after he spent a week at Heavin Forge in Belfast, South Africa, under the guidance of Mastersmiths Kevin and Heather Harvey. Immediately after the course, he started forging on his own, refining his skills, and finished his first blade late in 2011. Their Introduction to Damascus course ignited a deep passion for the art of forging, particularly in creating patterned damascus steel and differentially hardened blades showcasing the traditional Japanese clay zone heat treating technique called a hamon.

Dave returned to Heavin Forge in 2015 for an immersive two-week ABS Introduction to Bladesmithing course. This helped Dave refine his skills and techniques to the next level. Currently Dave is an apprentice with the American Blade Society. In 2016, Skinner's dedication to his craft was recognized when he was admitted to the Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa.

Dave’s work primarily features high carbon steels or damascus for high performance. He occasionally uses stainless steels for his chef knives, blending functionality and easy maintenance with artistry.

Dave's knifemaking journey has been influenced by several renowned figures in the field. Mastersmiths Kevin and Heather Harvey have been crucial mentors from the very beginning. Other notable knifemakers like Lin Rhea, Jason Knight, Samuel Lurquin, David Lisch, Salem Straub, and Mike Quesenberry have also inspired him, shaping his approach and technique in the craft.

Today, Dave Skinner continues to balance his career as an optometrist with his dedication to knifemaking. His work, marked by meticulous craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for the traditional aspects of the craft, stands as a testament to his adventure from a respected doctor to a respected knifemaker.

PREVIOUSLY SOLD ITEMS
(NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE)
Clip Point Hunter with Chacate Preto
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Damascus Chef's Knife (8-3/4 in.) with Maple Burl
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Damascus Tanto with Chittum Burl
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Damascus Utility Knife with Ash
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Engraved La Grange Style Utility with Amboyna Burl
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Fillet/Boning Knife with Black Palm
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Hamon Fighter Bowie with Russet Bushwillow Burl
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Hamon Fighter with Spalted Birch
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Hamon Hurak Hunter with Birch Burl
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Hand Forged Fighter with Oak Burl
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Hand Forged Go Mai Chechen Burl Fighter
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Hand Forged Go Mai Hatchet
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Harpoon Hunter with Amboyna Burl
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Integral Damascus Hunter with Tambooti
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Integral Damascus Sub-Hilt Fighter with Ironwood
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Integral Utility Knife with Bog Oak (2500 Years Old!)
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Kukri with Curly Mabandolo
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La Grange Style Boot Dagger with Ram's Horn
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La Grange Style Boot Dagger with Rosewood
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La Grange Style Boot Dagger with Stag
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La Grange Style Fighter with Spalted Beech
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La Grange Style Utility with Hamon and Black Canvas Micarta
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Utility/Hunter with Black Walnut
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Utility/Hunter with Honduran Rosewood
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Veld Knife with Briar Burl
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