D O U G N O R E N
Springlake, Michigan
Doug's family owned a pattern and foundry business so he grew up around forges and metal. He studied metallurgy in college and understands what metal can do. His interest in history has had him involved in every aspect of it - from making fine furniture, hand carvings, harness making, building a cast iron wood stove, post and beam construction, to restoring antique cars. He had a pioneer blacksmith shop and started making knives with his Boy Scout troop in the 1970's. Doug and his wife Gwen have four children and seven grandchildren. His son Matthew has made several knives himself.
One of the reasons he really enjoys making knives is because it combines various media. In addition to steel, he uses wood, ivory, bronze, leather, copper, nickel silver, sterling silver and even stone in his knives. He loves the camaraderie of the people he has met in the knife world and the feeling of "family" each time he goes to a show or meet. "We really try to help each other." Besides being influenced by Scagel and making his replicas, he loves the challenge of making large English Bowies like those made by Joseph Rogers. Last year he won the Antique Bowie Knife Association's award for the best bowie knife displayed by a Master Smith. He also won second prize in a competition held in France with the theme being, "The Knife through Time". He's the only American in the history of this competition to win this coveted award. Doug Says, "In knife making, every day is a new challenge and a learning opportunity."
Doug's demonstration started with the history of Scagel then move d to forging and building a complete Scagel knife. He include d discussions of the Hunter, Camp, Bird and Trout designs while grinding, heat treating, finish grinding & assembling the knife complete with handle.
SCAGEL KNIFE
