Winkler Knives – The Tradition for the Past, a Legacy for the Future
By Jamin Brackett
I first met Daniel Winkler in the fall of 2015. My folder making mentor, Russ Sutton, had sent me to him to review four of my knives. Daniel took me on a tour of his facility in Boone, North Carolina. I was amazed at his operation and range of products. As he examined my knives, he offered praise as well as suggestions. As he talked, I began to realize he was very organized in thought and extremely focused on his passion of knife making.
In October of 2020, I had the pleasure of touring Daniel’s new shop, located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. I went along with Chris Williams of Wilmont Grinders, as he set up several new grinders in Daniel’s grinding room. I’d never seen so many Wilmont grinders in one place. Daniel again made time to walk us through his facilities, pointing out his operation, and answering questions. Having made knives myself for eleven years at this time, I was amazed at his processes, innovation, and organizational skills. From that point on, I’ve followed Winkler Knives on social media.
In preparation for this article, I submitted questions to Daniel and planned for a third shop visit. I was eager to learn more about Daniel’s forty-seven years of knifemaking and gain knowledge from his decades of experience.
The article above appears in the June 2022 issue of KNIFE Magazine. Premium Online Members can read the whole thing by clicking the blue button below.