Billy Helton

Bladesmith and Blacksmith

I am an ABS Journeyman bladesmith and I am located just outside Claremore, Oklahoma. I hand forge my blades from 1080, 1095, and 5160 steel. I make my own Damascus steel, sheaths, handles, and folding knife components as well. My custom knives are beautiful as well as very functional.

Where I get my strength

I owe every thing that I am and that I do to JESUS Christ, Philippians 4; 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

How I got started

I started making knives in 2005, and haven’t looked back since. I strive to make every knife better than the last. There are many people along the way that have helped me, Rob Webber helped me greatly from forging to knife assembly. Al May guided me on Damascus pattern development.  I received my Journeyman Bladesmith stamp in June of 2011.  I thank God and all that have helped.

How I make my knives

All knives are built in my shop by me. I make every part, every bar of Damascus, every leather case. I spend many hours to reach the highest level of workmanship that I can obtain. There have been many knives that have been trashed that don’t meet my standards.
  I do ninety nine percent forged knives. I use 1080, 1095, 5160 for the forged steel. There is something about the hammer and fire that I cant get away from. The carbon steel allows for differential heat treatment, or clay hardening. There are many opinions on forging knives but I believe in my knives and to me that is all that counts. I test every

Damascus Steel

I started making slip Joint pocket knives, and liner locks in 2008, and they have been hot sellers for me. Most of the knives I make out of my Damascus. The embellishments are custom made by me also. I also use O-1 tool steel on some pocket knives also. I love carbon steel it gives me some flexibility on the heat treatment options.