Bill Maynard retiring

J

jw2n

Joined
Sep 22, 2009
Messages
959
I just returned from spending several hours at Bill Maynard's home and shop. Bill is one of those old makers who has flown just beneath the radar screen, but nontheless has been a great knifemaker. He has been a local fixture at Fort Bragg for decades. His knives have been featured in every major knife rag, and one of his Bowies was selected in the group of the 50 best Bowies ever built. He has been a long time friend of Paul Bos. His primary focus has always been on providing sound, well designed, affordable knifes for hard use, primarily soldiers. He is the designer of one of the original SERE knives designed in conjunction the SERE school located here. He is frequently credited as being the original designer of the Yarborough knife being built by C. Reeves. This nearly resulted in a court battle, but in Bill's own words - "Throughout history there have been millions of knifemakers. Somewhere along the line someone else surely designed a knife similar to this. So who am I to claim it as my original design?" Bill is within 90 days of quitting due to health reasons. He is 75 years old, forgetful, and obviously having some difficulties. During his career, he made nearly 10,000 knives, with hundreds currently being carried in Iraq and Afghanistan. Bill, and his knives will be missed. I am glad to have spent the time that I have with him.
 
Thanks for that. I don't know him, but I understand exactly what you're saying. There are many amazing people and craftsmen around us that contribute an awful lot (and some without a lot of fanfare...). It's a big loss when they move on. I hope Mr. Maynard enjoys his retirement.
 
I remember back in one of the first issues of Tactical knives there was an article of what SERE instructors at Bragg carried. A well used Maynard was among them.
Best of luck to him!!
 
Met Bill Maynard at the Fayetteville gunshow today, he had a table set up with about 10 of his knives on it, some really nice variety. Kicking myself for not grabbing the one that really caught my eye. Hope he will be at the December show. He is getting a bit frail, but you can tell his vocation still excites him.
He can be reached at 910-425-1615.
Steve
 
Sorry Jim, don't know that one. I drove by his house the other day and noticed his sign was still out and his truck in back. Over the years I have seen many of his knives in the local pawn shops.
 
I went to see Bill today. I had heard that he had passed away. My own father is terminally ill so much of my time has been spent on his affaris for the past two years. Bill is my friend and for the past two years i have not seen him because of all that has befallen my family. When I knocked on the door, no one came out. As I started to leave, he walked out. My lips started to tremble as I walked up to him and I hugged him as i cried. I told him that I loved him and that I was sorry that I had not seen him lately. Bill and I have been friends for roughly 12 years. He could not remember me. I told him it was all right. He wrote my name on his hand. I cried alot today. What he has is terminal. It is a degenerative brain disease. His time of making knives was over around two years ago. We designed three different knives together. I bought several knives from him over the years. But above all, he was and will always be my fiend. I knew he was sick for some time and had spent hours over the years talking to him about every thing under the sun. I am one of the few people who know every inch of his shop, backwards and forwards, inside and out. Just keep him in your prayers guys. He has served this country well by making the best knives he could make for many men and women entering into harms way. His faith has garantted him a place in heaven and his work has earned him the right to stand with the heroes of old who made the tools to make freedom possible. Bill I love you. Rest easy my friend.
 
Sorry about the grammatical errors. Its just hard to type with tears in your eyes. Forgive me.
 
Thanks for kicking this up!

Sometimes, just sometimes, old threads find their place.

I'm truly sorry to hear about this. Knifemaking is hazardous to the human body. As more knifemakers develop these problems, there will be less of the young un's willing to risk it.

Salutes, smoke and prayers sent to Mr. Maynard and his family....when it comes time to pass, may it be painless and easy for all involved.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
jw2n said:
Sorry Jim, don't know that one. I drove by his house the other day and noticed his sign was still out and his truck in back. Over the years I have seen many of his knives in the local pawn shops.
Click to expand...
Hi is it possible to buy a knife from Bill i called him not to long ago and it broke my heart not being able to buy from him direct. I asked if i could buy a knife and he said sure but it would be hard with him having cancer and his memory. Is it possible for either one of you guys to go and pick a knife out for me and id pay for the knife and your time? I am a disabled Vet and a brother at arms and would trust you and would appreciate your help so much...
Thanks JIm
 
I have watched the forum for awhile and am new to it, but I have known of Mr. Maynard for 25 years. I currently live around 2 blocks away from him, but some of the locals to our area probably remember his knives on consignment at Cumberland Knife and Gun Works when it was on Bragg Blvd (and I worked there as a teenager back in the 90's), the local gun shows and sales from his house.

I stop in and talk to Mr. Maynard from time to time, he seldom remembers me, but he is still doing well and I just wanted to let everyone know.

I got involved in making knives a few years ago and had lost touch with Mr. Maynard and then 4 years ago we purchased a home around the corner from him so I went and talked with him. He still has his shop, but it has been long closed down as previously mentioned. I still stop by occasionally and sit and talk with him in the old shop. Normally I catch him out in the yard or out with his dog. I wish that he could still remember more of his trade as I would have loved to have been able to work and learn from him. If there are any other locals in the area making knives, I would love to be able to get together and meet.

Again, I know this is an old thread, but just wanted to update those that may be interested that Mr. Maynard is still doing well even in retirement. Thanks....Jon Hall
 
On Sunday, February 26, 2017 God reached down to William (Bill) Maynard and took him home to his final reward as his family said their final good byes at Southeastern Hospice House in Lumberton, NC. Bill was born June 14, 1934 in Harnett County to the late Latice Carr Maynard, Sr. and wife Avalene. After retiring as a minister Bill designed and made knives. Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 1 pm at Hillside Baptist Church on Legion Road in Hope Mills with Rev. Phil Lloyd officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Cemetery in Dunn. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 28, 2017 from 6-8 pm at Hillside Baptist...

Just wanted to update this since last posting.
 
Sorry for his loss to family and friends, smoke sent.

Steven Garsson
 
God Bless and God Speed Mr. Maynard, his loved ones, family and friends....may he Rest In Peace. [emoji17][emoji120]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top