Dave Wenger grew up fascinated by medieval weapons and armor. One day, the boy decided to try making his own. He flattened some metal tubing his father had lying around, cut a point on it with a hacksaw, and used a few rolls of tape for the handle—and voilà, a feudal Japanese samurai sword was born. His grandfather worked as a blacksmith, which allowed the young Dave Wenger to get close to professional knifemaking. Eighteen years later, in June 2012, Dave Wenger took the plunge and earned the Journeyman Smith Rating from the American Bladesmith Society ( ABS ). In January 2013, Wenger Blades was founded.
How did you first come into contact with the topic of knives?
My passion for knives was essentially ignited by my grandfather, a blacksmith. During his time in the US Navy, he was stationed at Pearl Harbor as an aircraft mechanic and crafted a hand-forged knife. That was it for me; I wanted to hold that knife in my hands as often as possible.
And when did you finally design your first knife?
I think that was around 1993, when I was 13 years old.
How long have you been working as a custom knifemaker?
Between 1997 and 2017, with occasional minor interruptions, I have been working full-time as a knifemaker ever since.
What profession did you originally learn and what activities did you pursue previously?
After high school, I worked as a toolmaker for 5 years, then I worked in construction for 15 years.
Is there someone you would describe as your mentor?
My grandfather taught me so much. For technical questions, the master blacksmith and "US blade guru" Kevin Cashen was always there to help and advise me. An extremely talented man!
Which would you describe as your greatest gift as a knifemaker?
Probably my ability to develop a highly functional product from an idea, which can be produced in large quantities in a relatively short time and also meets high quality standards.
What inspires your designs?
Many of my ideas actually come from spending time with my friends in the bushcraft scene. Furthermore, I have a keen sense for market trends and often discover gaps in the market, which further fuels my creativity.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
That my ideas become reality within a very short time and are also very well received by customers. If everything goes smoothly, I'll be completely happy.
Where should interested people begin if they want to make their own knife?
Nothing is possible without the essential basics. Transitions at the blade and handle, proper heat treatment , design, and balanced ergonomics – a fundamental understanding of all these things is crucial. Only intensive use reveals design flaws that then need to be corrected. And most importantly: never think you've reached your goal. There's always someone who's even better. Become the one others admire!
What does a typical workday look like for you?
The early bird catches the worm, but the early worm gets eaten. Therefore, my workday usually starts a little later than when I was an employee. But once I get going, I work late into the evening, apart from a few minutes for lunch, especially during the summer months.
Can your custom knives simply be ordered?
Yes, as long as it's a variation of my current knives or axes, that's possible. However, I no longer produce individual, one-of-a-kind pieces.
What projects are you currently working on?
I'm currently working on a tomahawk with a short spike at the axe neck. I also have a few fixed-blade knives in the pipeline, but I don't want to reveal any more details at this point. A knife with a hefty blade is planned for next year.
Do you sometimes get fed up with knives?
Fortunately not. Sometimes I get stuck on a particular design, which I then put aside for a while or remove from the program altogether. But the next idea is already waiting to be implemented.
What about your wife? Does she share your passion for knives?
My wife Jenny is simply wonderful. She supports me in every way she can without interfering in the day-to-day business. When things aren't going so well, she gives me the support I need. Without her, I wouldn't be where I am today. At home, as a loving mother to three daughters, she keeps everything running smoothly.
Do you have any time for other things besides your demanding job?
Yes, however, I often find it difficult to switch off and simply let work be work.
How do you like to spend your free time?
We love camping and regularly participate in various bushcraft events. Spending time with my family is especially important to me. We place great emphasis on travel so that my daughters can see as much of the world as possible.
Do you have any hobbies that have nothing to do with knives?
This includes shooting and gardening. I also enjoy building small castles, tree houses, or lamps for my children…entirely selflessly, of course, so that my building skills don't get rusty.
What are you absolutely unable to do?
Singing, dancing, and taking myself seriously.
What would you even get up in the middle of the night for?
That's a good question. As a devoted husband and father, I will, of course, protect my family if necessary. And if service to the fatherland is required, for whatever reason, I will be there for my nation as a proud citizen. Those who receive much should also give much.
Do you have any final words you'd like to address to our customers?
Words cannot express my appreciation for Böker's customers, who support my work and that of many other talented knifemakers with their hard-earned money. My goal is never to disappoint my customers.