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Born in Moscow, Russia, Dmitry Malakhov carries on the family trade. His grandfather and great grandfather were blacksmiths. Like many boys, Dmitry was fascinated by weapons, swords and armor, and he made his first knife at twelve years of age. Today, Dmitry Malakhov uses his master skills to craft sophisticated and beautiful knives. He currently lives and works in Austin, Minnesota. |
Dmitry Malakhov forged his first knife, when he was sixteen years old. He began his career by making simple hand-forged utility knives for hiking and fishing. In time, Dmitry learned to carve wood and draw sketches for art knives. Dmitry crafted his first art knives by the time he was twenty years old. His skills and designs have progressed and expanded, and he now forges complex and beautiful knives of many different styles. His portfolio includes folders, daggers, fixed blade hunting knives, and historical replicas. Over the past three years, Dmitry has rediscovered the ancient art of the Wootz Steel and has developed a passion for this time-honored process.
Dmitry Malakhov takes every step in designing and crafting his knives. First, he sketches a knife on paper in several projections to visualize its actual shape well. Second, he smelts Wootz steel in a cement cups that he makes specifically for that purpose. Third, Dmitriy forges and carves a blade. Fourth, Dmitry carves knife's handle and bolsters. And fifth, he designs and makes a sheath or stand for his new knife. Besides beautiful design of each of his works, Dmitry Malakhov is very knowledgeable and specific about materials he uses in his work. He shared some of his knowledge with us and contributed several articles about materials to our library.