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