Roger L. Cook
is a blacksmith and knife maker residing in Mizpah, Minnesota.
Sparks have been flying from his Dawson lake Forge for over 20 years. He’s hammer forged mirror frames, various latches and hinges, fireplace pokers, lilies, roses, leaves, bed frames, and ice fishing spears. The list goes on. You name it, he’s made it.
He specializes in knife making. Roger makes all manor of blades styles for his customers.
However, the Finish Puukko style belt knife is Roger’s flagship blade.
Roger is unique among knife makers. He uses a custom variable speed grinder. The level of thought, work and dedication that went into his machine is self evident. The engineering is exact and the features outstanding. Such quality is virtually extinct. It does everything from grinding a knife blank to sharpening and polishing.
Roger is very particular about the handle material for his knives. He likes to use rare and exotic woods. He uses Black Amber Stag (a rare European wood), Desert Iron Wood, Honduras Rosewood and Curly Maple. All stabilized for durability.
He also does all his own leather work for his knives. He keeps things traditional by crafting a Scandinavian Knife Sheath for each knife.
He uses damascus steel for his knives. He heat treats and tempers all his blades. Damascus steel knives are very popular due to the beautiful patterns of welded, layered steel in the blade.
Roger is a full time knife maker and fully dedicated to making sure his clients are happy with their order. It takes him up to at least a week and a half of very long hours to produce one of his masterpiece knives, start to finish.
Pictures don’t do his knives the justice they deserve. When you hold one of his knives, you can truly see the quality in his work.
Roger can be contacted by phone: 218-897-5067 or email: rdawson@paulbunyan.net
Jeff Olson 