San Mai Hunter

My name is J W Stekervetz, I’m a classic American bladesmith. I create each of my knives using hammer, anvil and the forge. While I have certain styles I’m fond of, each of my knives is unique, forged individually and never exactly duplicated. I use high carbon steels in my blades, not the often brittle stainless steels used by mass manufacturers, the results are pieces that hold their edge, offer superb performance and take on a character all their own with each use. My goal as an artist is to create modern heirlooms, timeless works that while new to this world capture the spirit of early American knives and the inspirational craftsmen that have come before me. I’m a proud member of the Pennsylvania Artists Blacksmith Association, a group dedicated to keeping the old fires burning.

On weekends throughout the year, I teach knife making classes. Weekday classes are available as well by emailing for availability.

I live in Lititz, a small town in Lancaster County Pennsylvania, with my wife Sara, my son Asher and our latest addition, our daughter Alainn. Everything I do is for my family, and while I’m proud to call myself a bladesmith, they have given me the two most important titles I’ll ever have – daddy and husband. We all thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support of my craft.