Yesterday I received my custom-made knife from Kenny Hermsen. Kenny owns and operates Meherrin River Forge & Knifeworks in South Hill, VA.
For under $200 I received a locally made knife, manufactured to my specifications by a true artisan. It also came with a lovely letter sealed with wax, which appeals to my old-fashioned sensibilities more than Kenny could possibly have known. As it turns out, Kenny and I have a little bit in common.
This big, elegant, razor sharp beauty is a rugged, period-influenced Bowie with a blade just shy of 10″ — and she is now my silent training partner. As many of you already know, in addition to my non-profit Cabal Fang Martial Arts program, I am now also operating Bobcat Martial Arts, a Frontier Rough & Tumble martial arts and Walking Stick self-defense school.
So the knife Kenny made for me is fixin’ to get put through her paces real soon. And based on the feel of her, she’s going to make short work of whatever she comes up against.
If you have need of a blade, large or small, send Kenny a message through his Facebook page.
You’ll be glad you did.
Robert Mitchell Jr. 
I’m eager to hear how well it holds up with the tests you have in mind for it. I look foreword to hearing your feedback about it. I’m very confident in its blade strength from the heat treat and the integrity of the handle construction. I don’t make my knives for looks. Every blade I forge is purpose made for utilitarian intentions. To be used as all knives forged throughout history were meant to be used. And most of all, they are meant to be a cut above the factory made trash excuses for knives sold on store shelves these days .
Actually Kenny, the best way to describe this knife is to say that holding it in your hand, it feels like a high quality crescent wrench — sturdy, functional, and ready to do work. Except it’s way prettier than a crescent wrench! I love this thing. Thanks again!