The
FLORIDA KNIFEMAKERS' ASSOCIATION
MEMBER PROFILE
![]()

Dan Mink
When I grew up in rural Pinellas County you had to have a knife on your belt, a machete through your belt, and a Daisy Red Ryder BB gun. If not, you were not properly armed and there was a good chance you had "cooties" . I did not want "cooties". Even in my earliest memories, I admired knives as a valuable tool and a piece of art. I have always been consumed with making or creating something from forts to furniture and now knives.
While I was doing some volunteer work at my kid's school, another parent and friend of mine, brought a knife out and some sandpaper during our break. He had made this knife out of a piece of scrap steel, his wife's hair dryer and his Hibachi grill. I was mesmerized completely and was bitten by the bug that knifemakers frequently speak about. I got a piece of a neighbors 1941 Jeep spring and the bug sunk its fangs. I have missed soccer games, family meal times, and family get togethers because a knife positively and absolutely had to be finished overnight. I will be forever grateful for my family "sticking" with me through my obsession. I also want to thank my customers for buying my early knives, for they have kept me going.
Since 1984 I have made over 650 fixed blade knives and over 70 folding knives. Each knife is serial numbered and cataloged. Quite a bug! I like to make hunters, folders and "Cracker" fish knives. I embellish all my knives with fancy filework and mainly use natural handle materials. The steels I use are predominantly 440C and ATS-34 stainless steel and several types of Damascus. My prices start at $135 and go up from there , depending on the materials used.
DAN'S KNIVES
![]()

Admiral Bush Carving Set
![]()


CELTIC KNOT FOLDER
The Elephant ivory handle scales have a beautiful scrimshaw by Faustina Meade of two hunting dogs. The folder blade is Damascus and has pattern blued Damascus bolsters.
![]()

![]()
HOW TO CONTACT ME
Dan Mink
PO BOX 861
Crystal Beach, Florida, 34681
(727) 786-5408
E-mail:blademkr@floridaknifemakers.org