Welcome, Guest
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.
Boning Knife/Utility (Honesuki) - 5-1/3" with Wild Olive |
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Bunka (Chef's Knife) with Wild Olive |
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Chef's Knife (4-3/4") with Wild Olive |
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Chef's Knife (5-1/3 in.) with Corrugata Burl |
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Chef's Knife (5-1/4") with Wild Olive |
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Chef's Knife (8-1/4 in.) with Black Ash Burl |
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Chef's Knife (8-1/4 in.- S Grind) with Stabilized Spalted Maple |
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Chef's Knife (8-2/3 in.) with Masur Birch and Micarta |
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Chef's Knife (Bunka) with Curly Mango (6-1/2 in.) - Shiro2 San Mai |
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Chef's Knife (Bunka) with Sneezewood |
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Chef's Knife (Bunka) with Spalted Maple (6-1/2 in.) |
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Chef's Knife (Gyuto) with Elm Burl (8-1/2 in.) - VG10 San Mai Damascus |
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Chef's Knife (Petit Gyuto) with Masur Birch (5-1/2 in.) - VG10 San Mai Damascus |
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Chef's Knife with Maple Burl (5-1/3 in.) |
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Chef's Knife with Masur Birch (7-2/3 in.) - VG10 San Mai Damascus |
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Chef's Knife with Masur Birch Burl (7-1/2 in.) |
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Chef's Knife/Petit Gyuto (5 in.) with Spalted Birch and Damasteel |
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Chef's Knife/Santoku (5-1/2 in.) with Maple Burl |
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Chef's Knife/Utility (5-3/4 in.) with Masur Birch |
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Chef's Slicer (Sujihiki) with African Blackwood |
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Chef's Slicer (Sujihiki) with Black Ash Burl |
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Chef's Slicer (Sujihiki) with Masur Birch |
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Copper Damascus Santoku (7-3/4 in.) with Stabilized Elm Burl |
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Damascus Chef's Knife (8-3/4 in.) with Maple Burl |
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Fillet/Boning Knife with Black Palm |
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San Mai Chef's Knife (Bunka) with Oak Burl (6-3/4 in.) - Shiro2 |
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San Mai Damascus Chef's Knife (Bunka) with Elm (6-3/4 in.) |
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San Mai Damascus Chef's Knife (Bunka) with Masur Birch Burl (7 in.) |
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Utility Knife (Petty) with Ash |
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Vegetable Cleaver (Nakiri) with Wild Olive |
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