Tim Scholl Custom Knives
Tim Scholl holding a custom knife

About Tim Scholl

Thank you for your interest in my knives and tomahawks. The majority of the knives I make are hand forged from high carbon steels and Damascus. My preference in steels are 1084, 1095, 52100, W-2, O-1, and 5160. My Damascus is made with 1095 or 1084, 15N20, and 203-E.

Most of the forged pieces are one of a kind. I may repeat a pattern, but it is never constructed exactly like another knife. My handle materials tend to be of natural origin such as stag, horn, exotic woods, or legal ivories. Modern materials such as micarta and G-10 are also used.

My tomahawks are made by traditionally forging mild steel around a tool steel cutting edge or drifting an eye through a piece of high carbon steel. I also offer a series of stock removal knives in repeatable patterns. Stainless steels are available by request.

I welcome and encourage customers to submit their own designs and specifications. I will be glad to quote a price and delivery date and discuss any details at your request. If you can send a sketch and description, that would be most helpful. I hand craft my sheaths from either leather or wood.

My knives carry a lifetime guarantee, but they also carry the obligation of proper maintenance. A knife is a specific tool. If used properly, it will serve you for a lifetime of normal use. If you are dissatisfied with the function of any of my knives, simply return it with an explanation and I will refund your money or make you another, providing the knife has not been abused.

Credentials & Memberships

  • Journeyman Smith — American Bladesmith Society
  • Founding Member — North Carolina Custom Knifemakers Guild
  • President (3 terms) — NC Custom Knifemakers Guild
  • Vice President (2 terms) — NC Custom Knifemakers Guild
  • Instructor — Montgomery Community College
  • Studied under Bill Moran, George Herron, Jim Batson, Don Fogg, and Darrel Ralph

Awards

  • Best Damascus — Southeastern Custom Knife Show
  • Best Fixed Blade — Flint River Knife Show
  • Best of Show — Tarheel Cutlery Club Show
  • Best Bowie (2 years) — Professional Knifemakers Association Show
  • Best Bird and Trout — Professional Knifemakers Association Show
  • 2nd Place — History Channel's Forged in Fire

Publications

  • Blade Magazine
  • Knives Illustrated
  • Fighting Knives
  • Wildlife in North Carolina
Tim Scholl at the forge

Profile

I have always loved knives. Growing up, my brother was the gun nut and I was the knife nut. Saturday mornings brought all the old Tarzan movies to our TV screen and we would watch as he dispatched lions, rhinos, and 20-foot crocodiles with just his knife — so I figured that's all I need.

Fast forward to 1987 or '88 when I happened upon a magazine called Peterson's Outdoor Journal which had a special issue on knives. I discovered that people make "custom knives" and there were these blades made of Damascus steel. I was blown away. Soon after I found Blade and Knives Illustrated magazines and quickly subscribed.

In 1990 I bought the book How to Make Knives by Richard Barney and Bob Loveless, came home and told Kathy "I'm going to make a knife." So with files, a hacksaw, sandpaper, and a drill press I made something that resembled a knife. I made about a dozen more in this fashion, then found out there was a guy named Keith Kilby in Georgia — a journeyman smith with the ABS — who gave classes at his shop on how to forge a knife. So it was off to Georgia for a weekend.

When I returned, Kathy said I looked like Moses coming down from the mountain. The first thing I said was "I've got to get a grinder." Two years of stock removal knives followed while I looked for all the equipment needed to set up a forge. It's been a wonderful journey ever since.

I am a founding member of the North Carolina Custom Knifemakers Guild and have held the offices of President (3 terms) and Vice President (2 terms). I currently hold a Journeyman Smith rating in the American Bladesmith Society and regularly teach classes at Montgomery Community College as well as many seminars across the state. I am honored to have studied under such knife making greats as Bill Moran, George Herron, Jim Batson, Don Fogg, and Darrel Ralph.

Knife & Tomahawk Classes

All classes are one-on-one instruction at Tim's shop. Private weekend classes available. All materials included.

Stock Removal Class

2-day class·$800

Transfer a pattern to steel, grind, heat treat, install handle, bolster or guard, and make a sheath. Recommended first class for beginners.

Inquire

Forged Blade Class

2-day class·$800

Advanced heat treating techniques, grinding, and finishing. Full and hidden tang construction covered in detail.

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Tomahawk Class

1½-day class·$800

Both methods of 'hawk construction covered — traditional mild steel forged around a tool steel edge, and drifting an eye through high carbon steel.

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Basic Damascus Class

1-day class·$850

Forge weld a billet of steel and execute a basic ladder, twist, or pool and eye pattern. Advanced patterns discussed. All materials included.

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Ready to commission a piece?

Reach out to Tim directly to discuss your project, a class, or anything else.

Contact Tim