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In memory of

Timothy John Hancock

Scottsdale, AZ, USA

December 12, 1954 - July 11, 2019

Dec 12, 1954 - Jul 11, 2019

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Timothy John Hancock passed away on July 11, 2019, after fighting a long and brave battle with Parkinson's disease. Tim was born in Fort Collins, CO in 1954 to Richard William Hancock and Mildred (Mickey) Carmen Dyson. In 1962, his family settled in Scottsdale, AZ. He graduated from Saguaro High School in 1973. He excelled in the rodeo. He was an accomplished bull rider rock climber and farrier, even as a teenager. He went on to become a nuclear power plant welding supervisor. By chance, he fell into knifemaking in the 1990s while living in Bay City, Texas.

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 Darom 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. Tim was an amazing teacher. His processes are taught over and over today and many don’t even know they are teaching or learning something Tim came up with. He was an innovator, inventor, leader, straight-shooter, adventurer. Tim was a trailblazer, in every sense of the word.

Tim was a member of the Art Knife Invitational, 25 of the world's finest knifemakers originally spearheaded by the late BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Phil Lobred. Entry is gained into the AKI only by a vote of the sitting members, so membership in it is a rare tribute.

He was an avid explorer. His passion and a favorite pastime was searching for the Lost Dutchman gold mine a hidden treasure in the Superstitions! He was an expert packer. He was also a great country western dancer, an enthusiastic storyteller and a true friend to everyone he loved.

He is survived by his wife of 11 years, the love of his life, Tammy, his stepson, Jesse Hunt, his daughters, Vanessa Baker and Terrah Hancock, ten grandchildren, his brother Reid Hancock, and his sisters, Pamela Briggs-DePasquale and Paula Hancock. He will be deeply missed.

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