Hand-Forged Blades of Distinction

From the heart of West Virginia, master bladesmith Charles L Dunlap crafts custom knives that unite timeless artistry with uncompromising performance.

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Master Bladesmith

Authentic Hand-Forged

Premium American Steel

Moundsville, WV Craft

Discover Your Perfect Blade

A finely crafted custom gyuto kitchen knife on a wooden cutting board with fresh vegetables

Custom Chef & Kitchen Knives

Experience precision and balance in every cut. Designed for culinary mastery.

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Close-up intricate pattern of a Damascus steel blade

Ornate Damascus Steel

Blades of unparalleled beauty and legendary strength, each a unique masterpiece.

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A rugged, handmade hunting knife with a leather sheath set against a natural outdoor backdrop

Rugged Hunting Knives

Built for the wilderness. Reliable, durable, and crafted for the harshest conditions.

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A bladesmith's hands meticulously grinding a knife blade in a workshop, sparks flying

Bespoke Cutlery Services

Your vision, brought to life. Custom blades forged to your exact specifications.

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From Raw Steel to Culinary Masterpiece

Design & Consultation

We translate your vision and needs into a unique blade design.

Hand Forging & Shaping

Using time-honored techniques, the blade is born in fire and shaped on the anvil.

Precision Grinding & Heat Treatment

The blade profile is refined and the steel is hardened for lasting performance.

Artisanal Finishing

The handle is custom-fitted and the blade is polished and sharpened to a razor's edge.

The Art of the Blade

Every knife tells a story. At Charles L Dunlap Bladesmith, we believe in crafting functional art pieces that embody precision, heritage, and unmatched quality. Explore a selection of our finest work, where each detail is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and a passion for the blade.

8-inch Gyuto in 1084 Carbon Steel with a Stabilized Maple Burl Handle, razor sharp edge — 8-inch Gyuto Chef Knife

1084 Carbon Steel, Stabilized Maple Burl Handle

Close-up of a Damascus steel chef knife blade with a swirling pattern — Damascus Chef Knife

High-Layer Damascus, Bog Oak Handle, Brass Bolster

A robust hunting utility knife with a Micarta handle, outdoor setting — Outdoor Utility Hunter

AEB-L Stainless Steel, Green Micarta Handle

A Japanese-style Santoku knife with a dark walnut handle, kitchen scene — 7-inch Santoku Knife

High Carbon Stainless, Black Walnut Handle

A large, custom-forged Bowie knife with stag handle and ornate guard — Bespoke Bowie Knife

5160 Spring Steel, Polished Stag Handle, Hand-engraved Guard

Meet the Bladesmith: Charles L Dunlap

With a passion for traditional craftsmanship and an obsession with functional perfection, Charles L Dunlap has dedicated his life to the art of bladesmithing. From his workshop nestled in Moundsville, WV, he meticulously transforms raw steel into tools of unparalleled beauty and performance.

His work is a testament to the enduring legacy of Appalachian craftsmanship, blending time-honored techniques with a keen understanding of modern metallurgy. Each Charles L Dunlap blade is not just a tool, but a piece of history and a future heirloom.

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Portrait of Charles L Dunlap, master bladesmith, in his workshop, focused and with his hands on a workbench. — Charles L Dunlap overseeing his latest creation.

Praised by Chefs & Outdoorsmen

"The balance and edge retention on my custom gyuto is unlike anything I've used. It's transformed my daily prep work. A true work of art that performs flawlessly."

"My Dunlap hunting knife has been through hell and back in the West Virginia mountains. From field dressing to survival tasks, it's rugged, holds an edge, and has never let me down. Indispensable gear."

"I commissioned a Damascus set as a wedding gift for my brother, and Charles was a pleasure to work with. The results were spectacular – not just knives, but a family heirloom. The attention to detail is astonishing."

Ready for a Blade That's Uniquely Yours?

Whether you're a professional chef, a dedicated outdoorsman, or seeking a timeless piece of functional art, a custom-forged blade awaits. Let's begin the process of creating your perfect knife.

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