Hi. My name is Bob Doggett and I am a part-time knifemaker who is very enthusiastic about my trade. I am relatively new to making knives, but I have been properly trained under the expert tutelage of Knifemaker's Guild member Michael J. Smith. His precise workmanship and attention to detail have influenced my skills immensely and I must give him credit for showing me the way.

My initial interest in knives began with my military career and has continued ever since. I have always seen knives as tools and even the most artistic high-end knives have the capacity to be used in that fashion. That is part of the fascination for me.

My move from carrying production knives to collecting custom knives to becoming a maker has happened in a short period of time. I remember going to a knife show two years ago, looking at a Loveless drop point hunter and saying, "How in the world can this beat up piece of junk be worth $2500?" Forgive me, I was young and ignorant then.

As a new maker, my biggest struggle besides developing my skills has been defining my style. I love all types of knives, but it is the true classics that inspire me. I look at makers like Steve Johnson, W.D. Pease, and, of course, Bob Loveless and there is no doubt in my mind that I want to redefine the classic American knife…