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Doc Wacholzs Background
My name is Doc Wacholz and I have been forging knives since late 1999. My interest in knives and knife making goes back to my childhood with my Dad. My mentor and the person responsible for helping me, is ABS Master Bladesmith, Charlie Ochs of OX Forge. I have known Charlie since the late 1980’s, but only started studying with him in 1999. I studied under Charlie for 5 years while living in Florida.
I have also attended the ABS Blade School in Washington, Arkansas where I
again studied under Charlie and then ABS President, James Batson. I went back to
the ABS School in the Fall of 2004 to again study with Charlie in the Damascus
class. I have also attened the John C. Campbell Folk School, in Brasstown.
Although I have learned an incredible amount through these Master Bladesmiths
plus countless books and videos, my education continues with each knife I
make.My company is called Rack Forge Knives. I guess a little of Charlie’s OX Forge influence rubbed off…but it’s all a good thing. I live in the mountains of North Carolina in a little town named Marble. My house is on 15 acres of land, which includes a nice garden and fruit trees. The town is right outside the booming metroplis of Murphy - Gateway to the Smokies. My knife shop is located below my house and is 34' x 24' complete with an office and all the ammenities a knifemaker could want.
My goal is to make the BEST knives I can at a fair price. My knives are not fancy. I make them for people who like to use them vs. collect them. I forge with the best high carbon steel known, 52100. I do make my own Damascus too.
Knives Illustrated Magazine, Knife World Magazine…
As a writer for several music magazines, I decided to submit some of my work to Knives Illustrated. I have since been writing for them since late 2002. I enjoy sharing my experiences and tips to other knife makers.
Mark at Knife World also publishes my work. So between writing and making, I stay pretty busy.