Bill's Blades

Last update4/13/08

Welcome to the web pages of Bill Cottrell. My wife and I were born and raised in Texas but have chosen to call western Washington  home since the mid 70's. We live outside Olympia, WA. on five heavily wooded acres.  This area has a temperate climate, and beautiful scenery that varies from ocean waterfront to snow capped mountains and desert.

I have been working with hot metal in various ways for over 45  years. Most of my life has been spent as a field construction Boilermaker. In this trade I was a journeyman welder and have worked all over the United States on various construction projects. I have done hobby type blacksmithing for many years and have made many of the tools I use.

 I have been interested in knives as long as I can remember. By chance, I met Dave Evans, a local knifemaker one day, and through him Nick Wheeler, Tom Ferry, Chuck Bybee and many others. These  local makers were instrumental in getting me started in making my own blades and have become close friends. Tom Ferry is responsible for giving me the damascus steel bug. Almost all of the  the knives I make anymore utilize damascus steel blades. All the damascus I use is made by myself. I have  met many  other people involved in knife making and owe gratitude to all of them for their help and guidance.

The gate you see above is the entrance to our place in the country and my shop. Come in, pour yourself a cup of coffee, visit with us, and enjoy.