From The American Bladesmith Society:
It is with the saddest regrets that I must announce the loss of ABS Chairman and dear friend Steve Dunn. The ABS is still reeling from the devastating news that we received today that Steve passed away at his home yesterday. Our prayers are with his family and we will all struggle to deal with his loss.
Steve was a longtime member of ABS and received his Mastersmith stamp in 1994, before going on to serve on our board of directors and eventually as our Chairman. He was craftsman of the highest level, as evident in the exceptional blades he made, and unsurpassed as an engraver which he passed onto so many with his teaching.
In his Bio Steve said he 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 steel. He progressed quickly through the apprentice, journeyman and in 1994 reached the level of Master Bladesmith in the American Bladesmith Society and began teaching at the ABS knife-making school as a Master Smith. Finally in 2003 he was selected to serve on the ABS Board of Directors. Steve always strongly believed in sole authorship in his knives. In 2002, He enrolled in a basic engraving class at GRS Tools in Emporia Kansas. Steve later studied with Chris DeCamillus on Bulino style engraving. He was asked to be an instructor at the GRS school in 2005. He thoroughly enjoyed this and hoped it showed in his work. He engraved both the knives that he made and also knives and guns for others.
Kevin Cashen
They also included his local obituary:
Steve Dunn February 12, 1955 — May 21, 2024, Smiths Grove, Kentucky
Steve Dunn, 68 of Smiths Grove died at his residence on May 21, 2024.
The Warren County native was a son of the late Kenneth Dunn and Jewell Cassady Dunn. Steve was a Master Blade Smith and Engraver. He was a member of Glen Lily Baptist Church and president of North American Knife Makers Guild.
His survivors include a brother, Mike Dunn (Teresa), two nephews, Corey Dunn (Mary Phoenix) and Nicholas Dunn (Shanna), one niece, Julianna Bewley (Chad), and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be a memorial service at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 30 at Hardy & Son Funeral Home, Bowling Green Chapel with visitation from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Cremation was his choice.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Clear Fork Baptist Church, 303 Clearfork Church Spur Rd., Rockfield, KY 42274 or you may text to 270-207-9328.
KNIFE Magazine Publisher Mark Zalesky will share his own thoughts in the July issue Knife News column.
Requiescat in Pace
Read the full article here
