Del is a knifemaker, an educator, and a tireless promoter of other knifemakers. He lives in Kamloops, BC. He has been a knifemaker for close to 35 years and during that time he has written countless articles for Knife Magazine and other publications.
But let’s start at the beginning … it was 1987 when Del lost his favorite hunting knife during a mule deer hunt, he knew he could never replace it. Then a friend told him about custom knifemaker, Steve Price who also lived in Kamloops. Del had no prior experience with custom knifemaking so when he met Steve he was overwhelmed with the quality of the knives. At that time, Del was a logger and Steve needed firewood. They bartered and Steve got a load of firewood and Del got a “fantastic knife” and a knifemaking mentor.
A year later, Del had back surgery and was facing a long rehabilitation. One day Steve showed up with a 3x21 belt sander and a partially completed blade. Steve said “you can rehabilitate with this”. Del took this challenge to heart and worked on it until it had a near polish finish. He took the blade to Steve who was impressed… until it broke in half after heat treating. Del was not defeated instead he was keen to start over again. At that point, Steve saw Del as someone who would not give up. Over the next few years, they worked closely together as Del honed his skills as a knifemaker.
As time went on, Del had several more back surgeries then went to College to retrain into a new career but he realized that knifemaking was his passion. While he wanted to make more knives, he needed to limit the stress on his back. Therefore, he did other knifemaking activities from selling knifemaking equipment and supplies in Canada and the US, to promoting other knifemakers, and sharing knowledge through writing articles. He became known amongst US knifemakers so when there was a large knife show within a gun show in Vancouver in 1997, he invited Editor Bud Lang from Knives Illustrated, along with some renowned Canadian and US knifemakers.
He has interviewed numerous legendary knifemakers such as Stephen(SRJ) Johnson, Mike Tyre, Wolfgang Loerchner, and Gaetan Beauchamp. He finds it an honor to contact these iconic knifemakers and spend time talking with them. In some cases the discussion leads to collaborations like they did with SRJ and Jose deBraga. Del appreciates being able to promote Canadian and American knifemakers through Knife Magazine. He has a long friendship with Mark Zalesky, owner and editor of Knife Magazine. Last year Mark joined Del for a salmon fishing trip to Kitimat, BC, coincidentally BC knifemaker Rhidian Gatrill was featured in the November 2024 issue of Knife magazine. That cover had a British Columbia landscape behind Rhid’s beautiful folder!
Del is also a founding member of the Western Canada Knife Association (WCKA). By 2000, there was an avid group of knifemakers who met regularly. One afternoon Del & Carolyn, Bob& Judy Lay, Roger & Diane Hatt, Peter Marzitelli, and other knife enthusiasts were discussing how the community would benefit from an established group. That was the birth of the WCKA 25 years ago. Over the years, Del has contributed to the Association in many ways. He is often a judge at annual knife competitions.
Del makes about 1-2 knives a month for his customers who are local BC and Alberta hunters, fishermen, and chefs. Most knives are made first, although he does take a few custom orders. He likes working with the new Damascus steel that is infused with copper, 154 CM, ATS34 Stainless. For handle material, he likes natural and stabilized woods such as maple. He also uses mammoth ivory and water buffalo horn for scrimshaw designs.
When asked what he likes best about knifemaking, Del said “making something out of nothing. It’s the creativity that can be brought out that you didn’t know you had. It’s also the people and the community. Many years ago, some established knifemakers would not share their knowledge. Now it’s completely different. People help and support each other. It’s a wonderful community.”
Words of Wisdom: “Keep in touch with other makers. Share with people and form bonds. Learn basic skills well …such as sharpening.”
Contact Del - https://www.instagram.com/delsknifeblog
Brooke Corsi - January 16, 2025
Del Corsi is my dad and he is the best knife maker in my eyes and he is so humble.
This is such a nice article, I’m so proud to call you my dad. I love you!