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Hank Knickmeyer (August 27, 1941 ~ June 2, 2021)
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Trained as a sculptor at Washington University and SIU Carbondale, Hank was a renowned knife maker who spent forty-five years on the faculty at Fontbonne University as a Professor of Fine Arts and Director of the Graduate Programs in Fine Arts. We just learned of Hank's death in 2024, but have been unable to find a formal obituary. Nonetheless, here is a memorial tribute from the Blacksmith Association of Missouri (BAM).
BAM lost one of its longtime members on June 3. Hank Knickmeyer was known around the world as a pioneer in the field of mosaic Damascus steel. BAM members knew him as a friend, a teacher, a forge builder, and a knife-maker extraordinaire. Hank was known for opening his shop to friends and blacksmith/knifemakers from around the world for meetings, workshops, and just general good times. Hank, you will be missed. Rest in peace. Our sincere condolences to Bonita, Curt, Sharon, Dutch, Cindy, Augie, Emma, Otto, and the rest of the family.
The following is an excerpt from a 2018 article that appeared in Rural Missouri magazine - see link below for the entire article.
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ruralmissouri/201802/index.php?startid=9#/p/8
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Judith Ann Crowe (Renwick)
RIP Hank. Sounds as if you had a very successful life. I don't remember what year you joined us at Webster, but it must have been in the last 2-3 years before graduation. I remember a story you told me about your arrival. Your mother met with our counselor (Miss Jackson?) before you started.and asked her about what the boys wore to school, so you would fit in. The counselor said "Our nicer boys wear cotton slacks." Your mother then bought you two pairs - of OLIVE GREEN. Miss Jackson apparently had not mentioned color; khakis were the male uniform at Webster in those years! You were stuck wearing those green ones for the remainder of your high school career, as I recall! I'm very glad the trauma apparently didn't negatively affect the rest of your life. :-)