This article appears in the September 2025 issue of KNIFE Magazine. This is an extended preview. If you would like to read the whole thing, consider an Online Premium Membership
Kelly Vermeer Vella: From Farrier to Bladesmith
By Del CorsiI fondly remember watching Kelly Vermeer Vella on the widely popular Forged In Fire television show on the History Channel. The show just pulls you in with the number of talented bladesmiths who participate in the hopes of walking away with a lovely cash prize. While it is mostly men competing, there are numerous ladies who showcase their talents and some become FIF champions. On September 20, 2016, Kelly Vella became the first female Forged In Fire winner – but more on that later.
Some background history is necessary to showcase the numerous activities Kelly participates in. After learning about all the competing she has done, it made sense why she looked so calm on the Forged In Fire program. Kelly said that in the early 2000s she took up archery. Already an avid and successful hunter, it seemed only natural to try her hand at bowhunting. While successful at harvesting numerous animals and fairly handy with a bow, she also mentioned an affection for her rifle, the popular flat-shooting 6.5 mm Creedmoor cartridge being her choice of caliber.
While successful using a bow with all sorts of game, she said that it was through archery that she met her husband Vince. (Could make a Cupid joke here, but maybe I just did!) Kelly says Vince is super supportive of everything she does, it was actually his idea that she pursue Journeyman bladesmith status in the American Bladesmith Society (ABS), which she achieved. I believe Kelly mentioned that he has even made a couple of knives.
The archery pursuit did spark Kelly’s interest in sharp pokey things, mentioning that, “My first knives were made from rasps, not very sharp and not very pokey. I was intrigued by damascus steel, bought a book and looked at the pictures for a few years. Finally, I read the book and decided to give it a go. I’m pretty sure that I twisted it, laddered it, and drilled some holes in it too for good measure, and I got lines in it which was very exciting! In 2015 Shayne Carter came to my shop and gave a bunch of us farriers a clinic on making hoof knives. I was way more interested in damascus than hoof knives, so Shayne taught me how to make W’s and gave me lots of great advice. That was the day that I officially lost my mind and didn’t want to make anything else but knives.”
It is like becoming a knifemaker was Kelly’s destiny, especially when you check out the artwork and nuances that she injects into the exquisite bowies and fighters she makes. Those signature guards are also extremely stunning! It’s always fascinating to see the latest knife she is working on.
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