Geno Denning

[sceva]

I was just wondering what Geno Denning (Caveman Engineering) is doing now. I gather that he is no longer making knives? If that's true it is a shame as he was very talented and made a beautiful knife in the Herron Style ( he was trained by Herron and was the Herron Award winner in 2009 I believe). If he is no longer active in knife making we have lost a chance to buy wonderful knives at what I considered very reasonable prices
I have had the pleasure of owing 4 Denning's. A GM with dessert ironwood was my first custom made to order knife and I still have it. A second GM is India stag that was sold to finance something else, A Caribou in Dessert Ironwood that I still have and my favorite, a Mini GM in India stag. The Mini GM was the first one made by Geno and came out of a conversation I had with him on what I would want in a small knife. It is also the first knife ( possibly the only one?) that he marked prototype. I had one more on order, a Chute knife, that I ordered in 2007 and was told at least a two year wait probably longer. I have a feeling I will never see that one. That's OK though as I have a feeling it would no longer be in my budget.

 

[rgorman]

The last time a talked with Geno, a year ago,he had taken full time employment that while needed took him away from home for extended periods. At that time he didn’t think he would be able to return to knife making. He returned the wood I had sent and we parted friends, and like you I wish him all the best and still wish he might return someday. So I will have to be happy with what he did produce for me.

 

[sceva]

Good to know Geno's doing Ok and I hope that in the future he will be able to make a knife or two now and then. Geno's work is top notch.

The last time a talked with Geno, a year ago,he had taken full time employment that while needed took him away from home for extended periods. At that time he didn’t think he would be able to return to knife making. He returned the wood I had sent and we parted friends, and like you I wish him all the best and still wish he might return someday. So I will have to be happy with what he did produce for me.

 

[hhclark]

I wondered what happened to Geno, haven't seen any of his knives for sale lately. I have 20 or so of his knives, including two of the rare folders. Seems like I have a couple marked "prototype", but will have to dig them out of the safe to check.
FOLDERS, KUDU & MASTODON:

COONSKINNERS:

PAIR OF IVORIES:

GAVE THIS ONE TO MY SON:

 

[lwrhea]

I saw Geno last weekend in Kansas. He was at a knife making event, so he's still got the fever. He's a good guy.

 

[rgorman]

Any contact info?
Thanks
Rick

 

[Thomason]

This thread about Geno inspired me to drag out a knife he made for me back in 2009. I believe he called it a "Mini GM" (GM for George's model after George Herron). Some dark ironwood, red liner, satin finish on the blade, tapered tang, only a little over 6 inches overall. When I got it I sent it off to Paul Long for a little leather. Today I put a new little bead-a-ma-bob thingy on it and put it back on my belt where it belongs.

I remember Mr Denning as being an extremely nice guy to work with. If it is in the stars, maybe he will be able to return to making these fine knives one day.

I needed some dough a couple of years back and actually tried to sell this puppy. I am really glad to say I was able to hang on to it.

 

[sceva]

Thomason;

I really like the Mini GM too. Take another look at the first post; That is the very first MIni GM that Geno Denning made.

 

[lscott]

Any Geno sightings of late?

I bought one knife from him a number of years ago and enjoyed talking with him. Hopefully all is well with him.............

 

[JB in SC]

Any Geno sightings of late?

I bought one knife from him a number of years ago and enjoyed talking with him. Hopefully all is well with him.............

I haven't heard anything from him since 2010. He and his wife Cindy divorced I think and he is no longer making knives. He made some fine ones for sure.