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Knife Maker Carl Warther

Carl Warther was a Master Carver who was born and lived in Dover, Ohio. His true calling was that of a carver but when WW 2 broke out he devoted his efforts to support our troops. He was nicknamed "Smallest Defense Contractor in America". He was a strict pacifist but loved his country. He produced about 1100 hand made fighting knives for American Comandos. It is said his knives were used in every major battle after Pearl Harbor.

The knives, first photo, were made with Cocobola wood handles for the most part but a few in ivory. The blade and hilt were stainless steel. Each knife had a brass plate in the handle to engrave the owner's name who received the knife. He got the steel from the Canton Cutlery Company which had closed its doors in 1940. Other materials were donated by locals including some of his own workers since a lot of materials he used were in shortsupply and high demand. The sheath was made of stainless steel and copper (which was donated by his workers).

The second photo shows two knives in a case. The first knife was one with an ivory handle. The second knife is unfinished. When news came over the radio, Carl's wife, Frieda, came to his shop to tell him the war was over. He immediately stopped work on that knife and vowed he would never again create a knife used for killing.

His museum is in Dover, Ohio where it houses all his works of handcarved locomotives and the Warther Knife Works where they manufacture very fine kitchen cutlery. If you're ever near Dover, stop in for their tour. It is well worth the trip. If anyone has one of these or can post pics of some that were carried, I'd love to see them.

Tags: Canton, Carl, Company, Cutlery, Warther, knife, maker

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on June 23, 2013 at 8:25

Its very interesting to read about Carl Warther, who like other knifemakers contributed to the war effort. Don't know if we have anyone who has one of his knives on board but would really like to see one!

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Permalink Reply by Chuck Parham on June 23, 2013 at 12:12

Yes, Steve. I'd really like to see if only a picture. Anyone who is into knives in anyway would enjoy this museum. You can see what a man with motivation and talent can accomplish with a knife. The Smithsonian Institution has examined his coolection and determined it to be priceless. His son and grandsons are also Master Carvers and display their works in the local area. One carves old sailing ships. Awesome work. Whittlin' on a whole different level!