Joel Chamblin started making knives in 1989. He was working in Gainesville Georgia where he met a retired knife maker who talked to him about custom knife making. The idea of creating knives with his own hands that people would use and enjoy really intrigued him. A few days later the retired knife maker brought Joel a billet of steel, a piece of stag and a book titled "How To Make Knives". By hand sanding the blade and fitting it to the stag, Joel finished his first fixed-blade knife. After about a year of making fixed blade knives and attending gun and knife shows, Joel was ready for another challenge. He bought several books on how to make folding knives and studied voraciously on how to build a precision folder.

     Joel soon launched into making all types of folding knives. He builds all styles of folders from utility to pure-art knives embellished in every conceivable way. He also builds period knives and loves to produce 18th century folders as he likes to research this period of history. He builds multi-blade folders, locking liners, working knives and art-knives based on all these patterns. Another specialty for Joel is the building of miniatures. He has won several awards for his work on miniatures and his craftsmanship on these knives is remarkable to say the least. Joel loves his work and puts his heart into all that his hands produce. He has been a full-time custom maker since 1991.

     Joel is originally from Florida. He met his wife Sandi (A Yankee from Michigan with a southern accent) in Texas and they now reside in Georgia since 1987. Sandi is extremely helpful, supportive and patient as she helps with Joel's knife making in any way she can.

Sample ::  Joel Chamblin - Lone Wolf Designer
	Click thumbnail for detailed photos

Joel has won many awards at knife shows over the years such as:
 · Best Folder
 · Best Miniature
 · Best Show Value

     His knives have been featured in magazines such as Blade Magazine and Knives Illustrated. He has taught classes in Florida on how to build liner locks and is always ready to work with new knife makers who have questions on how to get started in the business. Joel became a voting member of the Knife Makers Guild in 1997.

     Joel likes to ride his motorcycle to take a break from work and clear his head. Working at the high level of precision Joel's knives demand can sometimes build up some stress so a ride in the country is just the medicine needed to ease the tension. Some days it's hard to turn the bike back towards the shop but his knives are waiting and so are his customers.

Joel and his baby	Maggie and Gwen

     He also gets help from his dog Maggie and his cat Gwen who are always ready to lend a hand (or paw) if needed. Joel works six days a week but you can rest assured the shop is closed on Sunday. Joel is a religious man and cares deeply about life, his work and the world around him. Joel Chamblin is quiet, modest, extremely talented with his hands and one of the best knife makers in the world today. Lone Wolf Knives is proud to be working with Joel Chamblin to produce semi-custom knives from his designs.