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Bladesmith Casey Vilensky (b. 1979) of North Vancouver, British Columbia, creates exquisitely forged mosaic damascus and integral chef’s knives. He favors Japanese-inspired knives for the ultra-fine cutting edge he’s able to achieve. Casey’s work reflects a balance of mechanical precision, functional artistry, and a lifelong fascination with knives as essential tools — a craft that connects to his family’s engineering heritage. He creates functional, generational knives that transcend utility to become pieces of art through his skill in forging. <click to read more...>
Bladesmith Casey Vilensky (b. 1979) of North Vancouver, British Columbia, creates exquisitely forged mosaic damascus and integral chef’s knives. He favors Japanese-inspired knives for the ultra-fine cutting edge he’s able to achieve. Casey’s work reflects a balance of mechanical precision, functional artistry, and a lifelong fascination with knives as essential tools — a craft that connects to his family’s engineering heritage. He creates functional, generational knives that transcend utility to become pieces of art through his skill in forging.
Born in Donetsk, Ukraine (then part of the USSR), Casey was raised in a family of engineers. His father was a mechanical engineer, and his mother an electrical engineer. Together, they fostered a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and problem-solving. His father also loved knives — mostly folders and military-style blades — and they were a constant presence during Casey’s childhood.
In 1989, at the age of nine, Casey and his family moved to Canada, settling outside Toronto. At 19, he moved west — first to Whistler, and soon after to Vancouver, where he currently lives with his wife, two children, and three dogs. After finishing high school, he earned his automotive technician license and went on to spend more than 21 years as a Mercedes-Benz technician, specializing in troubleshooting and diagnostics.
Vilensky has been a maker nearly his entire life, driven to create with his hands. From 2010 to 2018, his creative energy was focused on woodturning, producing fine, lathe-turned exotic wood pieces that blended function and art. This work deepened his understanding of how different woods respond to heat, moisture, and finishing. His experience with exotic woods now translates directly into the balance, comfort, and stability of his knife handles — as well as the exquisite sayas he crafts for many of his blades.
Casey forged his first knife in 2018, shortly after his father’s passing. “We always talked about making a knife together, but never did,” he recalls. “After he passed, I wanted to finally make one.” That first knife — a small 1095 Bowie with a copper guard — marked the beginning of his journey as a bladesmith.
Like many modern makers, Casey began with what he calls “YouTube University and Instagram,” studying online and experimenting on his own. In 2021, he trained with ABS Master Smith David Lisch and later with Salem Straub, refining his forging technique and damascus pattern control.
Casey focuses on forged blades, specializing in mosaic damascus integrals and chef’s knives. He built his forge — now in its second iteration — around his favorite tool: the power hammer. In 2019, he bought his first hammer from James Johnson, who later offered him the Canadian distribution for Anyang Power Hammers. After Johnson’s retirement, Casey took over the entire North American distribution, continuing to support makers with tools that reflect his passion for craftsmanship.
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Integral Damascus Nakiri (7-1/4 in.) with Ringed Gidgee and Fordite |
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