William F. Moran (knifemaker)

For the United States Navy admiral, see William F. Moran (admiral).
William Francis Moran Jr.
Born(1925-05-01)May 1, 1925
Frederick, Maryland
DiedFebruary 12, 2006(2006-02-12) (aged 80)
Occupation(s)Knifemaker, Bladesmith
SpouseMargaret Creager
AwardsBlade Cutlery Hall of Fame

William Francis Moran Jr. (May 1, 1925 – February 12, 2006), also known as Bill Moran, was a pioneering American knifemaker who founded the American Bladesmith Society and reintroduced the process of making pattern welded steel (often called "Damascus") to modern knife making.[1][2] Moran's knives were sought after by celebrities and heads-of-state. In addition to founding the ABS, he was a Blade Magazine Hall of Fame Member and a President of the Knifemakers' Guild.

The school he established at Texarkana College, through partnership with the American Bladesmith Society, was renamed to the "Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing" in his honor.[3]

Moran's original shop in Middletown, Maryland, has been preserved as a working bladesmith shop and museum by the William F. Moran, Jr. Museum & Foundation.[4] The foundation also continues his legacy through classes in bladesmithing, metalworking, and other artisan crafts at the W.F. Moran Bladesmith & Artisan Academy.[5]

  1. ^ Barney, Richard W.; Loveless, Robert W. (1995) [1977]. How to Make Knives. Knife World Publications. p. 169. ISBN 0-695-80913-X.
  2. ^ Lewis, Jack; Roger Combs (1992). Gun digest book of knives. DBI. pp. 58–64. ISBN 978-0-87349-129-7.
  3. ^ txcoprod (2019-05-01). "Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing Moves to Texarkana College's Main Campus". Texarkana College. Retrieved 2024-09-19.
  4. ^ "William F. Moran, Jr. Museum and Foundation, Inc". www.visitfrederick.org. Retrieved 2024-09-19.
  5. ^ Huges, B. R. (2023-01-25). "Moran Bladesmith Academy Dedicated To The Father Of Modern Damascus". BLADE Magazine. Retrieved 2024-09-19.