Tom Black
Back Ground
Tom was born in Lovington, New Mexico where he graduated from high school in 1955. From there he went to Howard College in Big Spring Texas, and then on to the University of North Texas in Denton where he earned a degree in health, physical education and recreation.
In Lovington, you were either an athlete or a nerd, so Tom has always been active in sports.
During his college days at Howard, he was a two time All American in track and field, and a national champion in the pole-vault.
In 1960 he started teaching and coaching in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was at this time he started restoring classic cars and making furniture to augment his teaching income.
One morning a neighbor came over and said, “Hey Tom, let's make a knife." Tom's reply was, “Why don't we just make a piano while we are at it. I know as much about that as I do about making a knife." That is how it all started in 1969. Tom’s knife count is now in the thousands, while his neighbors knife count is still at one.
Awards:
Tom's knives have sold worldwide. They have won countless awards at shows all over the country. He once had a Sultan turn down a dagger, priced at $7,000, because the Sultan said it was too cheap.
Tom goes to only a couple of shows a year now and is no longer taking orders. He does however try to maintain an inventory of between 25 to 50 knives.
Price:
Tom does not make the same style of knife over and over, each is a “one of a kind”. Prices are determined by the difficulty of construction, the embellishments and the materials used. They range in price from around $350 and up.
Each knife is made from the best material available and all knives are completely handmade. All fixed blades knives come with a custom fit leather sheath. They will be maintained, reconditioned, sharpened etc. for as long as the owner has the knife at no charge (shipping only).
General information:
Anyone interested in Tom's Knives can contact him at his website: tomblackknives.com
email: blackknives@comcast.net
Phone: 505-344-2549