Born in California, Don Cowles has lived in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Washington State, Illinois, and Venezuela. He currently resides in Royal Oak, Michigan, where he divides his workday between freelance writing and knifemaking.
His checkered past includes stints as a teacher (subjects: guitar, banjo, judo, lifesaving/swimming, fly tying, Spanish, physics, hydraulics, and industrial safety). He is a former police officer, chorus director, therapist, retail store owner/manager, guitar repairman, bartender, sign painter, chef, sales manager, folk singer, and winery manager.
Don made his first knife from a hacksaw blade 35 years ago. Five years ago, he bought a real belt grinder, and went to work.
 | The "Fly Fisher". 3" ATS 34 blade, Snakewood scales (available in many materials). Pins are pieces of bamboo fly rod. Comes with hand-stitched fitted leather sheath, braided kangaroo leather thong - $295 |
 | The "Little Woody": 2 3/4" ATS 34 blade, Osage Orange scales (available in many materials). Comes with hand-stitched fitted leather sheath - $275 |
 | The "Little Woody," 2 3/4" ATS 34 blade, with mammoth ivory scales. Scrim by Sandy Brady; engraving by Brooks Burt. Comes with hand-stitched fitted leather sheath - $600 |
 | Gentleman's Straight Knife: 5 1/2" overall, file worked ATS-34. Mastodon ivory scales, nickel silver bolsters. With fitted pocket sheath - $650 |
Mailing Address:
Don Cowles
1026 Lawndale Dr.
Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 541-4619
Email:cowlesda@mindspring.com