Overeynder, Tommy

"I began making knives in 1977 after seeing a couple handmade knives my father-in-law, who was a master tool and die maker, made. I made seven, all folders, to give away as Christmas gifts to my family members. While searching for what little information that was available at the time I learned there was a collector market. So, I began designing, making, and selling my work and have enjoyed a demand for my handmade knives since that time. I became a full-time maker after my retirement in December 2001 from a 36-year career in the aircraft industry. I prefer making collector grade folders, but I make a few bowies, chute knives, etc. on occasion. I use CTS-XHP, PSF-27, CPM-154, CPM-D2, BG-42, D-2, S30V, S60V, RWL-34 and a fair amount of damascus. My primary frame materials is 416 stainless steel. I like stable handle materials such as mother of pearl, minerals and jigged bone, but I also use mammoth and hippo ivories, and a few woods, micarta and carbon fiber. I was a voting member of the Knifemaker’s Guild from 1983 through 2016 and never missed a show. I’m also a charter member of the Texas Knifemakers Association. Also, I am a member of the CKCA (Custom Knife Collectors Association). Over the years I have been blessed with winning quite a few awards as a knifemaker. My first was at the 1986 Knifemaker’s Guild Show in Dallas, TX where Bob Lum and I were the first makers to receive the Beretta Award of Outstanding Achievement in Handmade Cutlery. Then in 2002 at the Spirit of Steel Show in Mesquite, TX I won the “Best Folder” award. And at the 2006 Knifemaker’s Guild Show in Orlando, FL I got “Best Collaboration” on a knife that Joe Mason engraved. Again in Orlando at the 2008 Guild Show I won two awards, “Best of Show” and “Best Art Knife” with the same knife that Joe Mason also engraved. In 2009 at the Knifemaker’s Guild Show in Louisville, KY I won “Best Folder”. Then in 2010 at the Blade Show in Atlanta Brian Hochstrat and I won “Best Collaboration” on two daggers that Brian engraved. In 2012 at the Lone Star Knife Expo in Ft. Worth, TX I won the “Best Folder” with a two-blade Sowbelly. Later the same year at the Guild show I won “Best Multi-blade” with a Serpentine trapper. And I was given the very prestigious “Red Watson Memorial Friendship Award”. Then I won “Best Multi-blade Folder” award at the 2013 Guild Show. I was awarder again at the 2014 show for “Best Multi-blade Folder” with a 3 blade Lockback Whittler that Tony Bose supplied a pattern to me for. More awards were collected at the 2015 ICCE/Knifemaker’s Guild show in Kansas City, MO, I was awarded “Best Folder”, “Best Multi-blade” and “Best Art Knife” with three different knives. Awarded the Knifemaker’s Guild “Best Folder” award at the 2016 ICCE/Knifemaker’s Guild show. I was inducted into the Art Knife Invitational in March of 2016. This was a great honor to become a member of the prestigious group of world class knifemakers, my first show at AKI was October 28 of 2017."