Tim was born in Fort Collins, CO in 1954 to Richard William Hancock and Mildred (Mickey) Carmen Dyson. Knifemaking would be his destiny and his legacy. Tim was one of the best-known and most widely respected bladesmiths in the business, earning his American Bladesmith Society Master smith stamp in 1994. He won numerous awards for his knives, including his brilliant period bowies. He was a flawless forger of Damascus and a tireless teacher of the craft, instructing at seminars throughout the country.

        He is the focus of an entire book by author and publisher David Darom titled “Tim Hancock: The Western Bladesmith.” As David wrote, “This Western Bladesmith thrives on pushing the envelope of possibilities to create new and different charismatic knife designs that always reflect his affinity for the Old West.” Tim’s love for the West extended to forging various Western gear, including spurs and other accouterments.

        Timothy John Hancock passed away on July 11, 2019, after fighting a long and brave battle with Parkinson’s disease.