Southern Ohio Forge and Anvil (SOFA) Blacksmith Association

B I L L Y M E R R I T T
English, IN

KNIFEMAKING

Billy started blacksmithing in 1976. In 1987 and 1988 he watched Jim Rubley and Scott Lankton demonstrate knifemaking at the IBA conferences. Since that time he has been making knives, focusing on and experimenting with Damascus steel. Billy uses all recycled steel: old files, leaf springs, banding, and all types of saw blades and chain.

Along with teaching knifemaking classes at his own shop, Billy has demonstrated at several local conferences. He demonstrated many of his Damascus development techniques as well as his approach to designing and producing quality blades.