Sadly, Steve Dunn unexpectedly passed away in May of 2024.
He was a Mastersmith who began making knives as a hobby in 1988, and in 1990 enrolled in the basic forging class at the ABS school in Washington, Arkansas where he started forging his own Damascus. By 1994 he had reached the level of Master Bladesmith in the American Bladesmith Society and began teaching at the ABS knife-making school. In 2003 he was selected to serve on the ABS Board of Directors. All of Steve's knives are sole authorship. In fact, Steve did all his own engraving. In April 2002, he attended a basic engraving class at the GRS Engraving School in Emporia, Kansas, and ultimately became an instructor at the School. Steve was at the top of his game when he passed. His knives are now more highly sought after by collectors. He was a real gentleman and very approachable. A great loss to the knife community. I miss my friend.
This Steve Dunn Large Trapper features a clip-point Damascus blade and two creamy African Goat Horn scales held by 4 stainless steel pins. Steve has expertly engraved a scrolled pattern on both sides of the bolster. The stainless-steel liners are integral to the bolster, and there is a stainless Keyhole shield on the show side. Although Steve was known for forged blades and his own Damascus, Steve was creating some of the most outstanding folding knives we've seen. His instructor - none other than Bill Ruple. And Steve’s fit and finish, and attention to detail are outstanding. Steve stamped DUNN on the ricasso of the blade. The blade has a smooth nail nick pull, half-stop, locks up tight with no play whatsoever, and the blade is centered between the liners when closed. Nice walk and talk from the Mastersmith! A rare opportunity to own an outstanding piece from a legendary knifemaker. Excellent condition. Comes in a padded, zippered case.
