Draper, Mike

"As a native of Wyoming, I can't remember when I didn't carry a knife, it's something everybody does. My wife Audra, worked with Ed Fowler for several years. She passed her JS test with the ABS in 1996. That summer she started her own shop. I started making equipment for her and got into forging and making knives as well. I continued making knives part-time till Sept. 2000, when a back injury put me out of work as a heavy equipment field mechanic. After surgery, I worked with Wyoming DVR to get going as a knifemaker. They helped with equipment, supplies and training, giving my career as a knifemaker a jump start. I've been a full time maker since 2001, never looked back! My focus is on folders, I enjoy making them. I forge my own damascus or use S30V for blade steel. Depending on the style of knife, I'll use anything from Micarta to pearl for handle material. I'm a member of the ABS with a JS rating. Also member of the PKA and OKCA."