If you knew knifemaker Rob Simonich, share your memories of him with us on www.blademag.com.
BLADE® field editor Dexter Ewing has written the story, “Heart and Soul,” in the February BLADE which remembers Rob on the 10th anniversary of the death of one of knifemaking’s favorite sons. Killed tragically in a truck accident, Rob was loved by many, and his award-winning knives were among the best of their time—and they still hold up today.
Ten years is a long time, and a lot of people have come into the knife industry since Rob’s passing that do not know of the kind of person he was. If you knew Rob, you can help them know what kind of person he was by sharing some of your favorite memories of him.
Though Rob was taken away far too soon, he left an indelible mark on the knife industry, and, of course, his wife Christine and daughter Megan. Rob loved to break new ground in terms of knives, especially with blade materials such as Talonite® and CPM S30V. His knives won a number of awards, including his Urban Raven taking home the BLADE Magazine 2003 American-Made Knife Of The Year®.
As good as his knives were—and they were extremely well thought of and accepted by knife enthusiasts—it was Rob’s warm smile and sincere manner that helped him win over many friends. He loved people and he loved the outdoors, and it showed in most everything he did.
He also loved the BLADE Show and made it a point to attend every one he could. It was there that he made many friends in the industry.
How about it? Care to share any memories? We’d love to hear them—as would those who both knew him and those who want to know more about him.
For the latest knives, knife trends, knife news and more, stay tuned to www.blademag.com.
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I was serving in the Australian SAS (Special forces) in Afghanistan in 2002. I inquired about a knife and sent him a letter. He sent me a custom Tanto as a gift. I carried that knife through 6 deployments to Afghanistan and two in Iraq. I left the military in 2012 after 22 years and still treasure that knife that Rob gave me. I was wounded in action in 2008 but in that battle one of my guys was awarded the Victoria Cross, which is the Australian version of the Medal of Honor. It was the first awarded to an Australian since Vietnam. These days I work as a safety manager in the offshore marine industry. So sad to have lost Rob so young. He leaves me with fond memories and a knife I treasure.
I remember the airport story but not the Beaudry one. That’s pretty cool that every time you forge there’s a little bit of Rob there. Thanks, Ed.
I met Rob at and early Blade Show in Tennessee, we both attended the show on a wing and a prayer economically. Neither of us had made expenses at the show and met at the airport nearly broke, we did not have money for breakfast, but did have enough for one cup of coffee and a 10 cent tip for the waitress. We bought one and shared it, the waitress noticed we were sharing and asked if we would like two cups? We told her we were a little short of funds and she said the coffee was on her. Then Al Williams, a loveless collector, walked into the airport cafe and asked if he could join us at our table. We said sure and he sat down and ordered his breakfast, asked us if we had eaten we said no but would sit with him, he said “I will buy breakfast if you want!” We took him up on his offer and eat well. Later when we could afford it we each offered to repay him, but he said no.
I told Rob I was looking for a Power Hammer and he said he knew of a Beaudry that was for sale in Helena Montana and that he would check on it for me. A few days later he called and said it was still available, I drove to Helena and met Rob, he took me to Carid Machine Works and I purchased my 200 lb Beaudry which remains as one of the keys to the High Endurance Performance blades we make.
We remained friends, although our knives were different we had many good times together we both liked the 25-20 cartridge and reloaded for it. It was a sad day for me when I heard of his passing.To this day when I work on the hammer I remember Rob and the times we shared. He was a good man and great knife maker who will be fondly remembered.
From that first meeting we were friends and still feel that we remain friends.