The Jackalope Team

We bring different experience to the table, but we’re united by a dedication to the American dream and passion for making the best knives

Steve Hotz

Steve Hotz is a passionate knife maker and dedicated veteran who has found his true calling in bladesmithing. Years of military service instilled in him a deep respect for precision, discipline, and attention to detail—qualities that naturally carried over into the craft of making knives. Each blade he creates tells a story of commitment and excellence.

His passion is evident at every stage of the process. From selecting premium materials to refining intricate designs, Steve pours himself into each knife. He shapes and forges steel with care and purpose, every hammer strike guided by experience and a deep understanding of the craft.

As a veteran, Steve’s knives reflect the values he lives by: strength, resilience, and dependability. Knowing his blades may be relied upon in demanding situations, he builds each one to be both functional and durable, without sacrificing beauty.

Beyond the forge, Steve is committed to passing on his knowledge. Through workshops and mentorship, he shares his skills and inspires the next generation of bladesmiths to approach the craft with the same dedication and respect.

Steve Hotz exemplifies the powerful connection between craftsmanship and passion. With every knife he forges, he leaves behind a lasting legacy of skill, discipline, and love for the art of bladesmithing.

Founder/Maker/Developer

Dennis Smith

Dennis Smith Jr. grew up in the farmlands of Louisiana, where a deep respect for the outdoors was shaped at an early age. Hunting dove, squirrel, rabbit, duck, and deer with family members, running trot lines, setting catfish traps, and spending nights around the campfire built a foundation of practical skills in bushcraft, survival, and self-reliance.

Those early lessons in discipline and teamwork led Dennis to serve four years in the United States Marine Corps. After his military service, he continued his commitment to service by pursuing a career in the fire service, where reliability, precision, and trust are critical.

Today, Dennis brings those same values to the craft of knife making. Dedicated to producing high-quality, dependable blades, he builds knives meant to be used—not just admired. Whether in the field, the shop, or everyday life, his knives reflect a lifelong connection to the outdoors and an unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Partner/Maker/Shop Lead

Partner/Maker/Vetrepenuer

Anthony Cubbage

Anthony Cubbage is a United States Air Force veteran, conservationist, entrepreneur, and knife maker forged by service and hard work. From April 2002 to May 2016, he served as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist, a role that demanded absolute precision, accountability, and discipline—standards that still guide everything he builds and stands behind.

After leaving active duty, Anthony carried that mindset into the outdoors and entrepreneurship. He is a Warrior Rising Vetrepreneur and the owner and operator of Atomic Fishing Charters, serving as a U.S. Coast Guard–licensed Master Captain. On the water, his focus is simple: fun, competence, safety, and respect for the resource. Conservation and ethical use of the outdoors aren’t talking points—they’re a responsibility.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Anthony has been an avid big game and waterfowl hunter, angler, and conservation advocate who believes experience is earned, not claimed. He continues to give back through volunteer work with Black Horse Forge and community involvement, staying true to a life of service beyond the uniform.

As a knife maker, Anthony builds tools meant to be used hard and trusted when it matters. His knives are designed with purpose, stripped of excess, and built to perform in real-world conditions. Every blade reflects a belief shaped by military service, the field, and the forge: simple designs, done right, work every time.

Whether at the anvil, in the field, or on the water, Anthony Cubbage lives by the same standard—do the work right, stand behind it fully, and never quit.

Partner/Maker

Kevin Tooley

A dedicated police officer with a lifetime rooted in service, Kevin Tooley is both an Army veteran and a career law enforcement professional who has spent decades protecting his country and community. Growing up as an Army “brat,” he traveled extensively before enlisting in the U.S. Army while still in high school. He served during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, then transitioned into law enforcement following his military discharge. With 26 years of service in his police department, he has demonstrated unwavering commitment, resilience, and integrity.

His passion for blacksmithing began in 2001, introduced by his brother while they worked together in construction. Self-taught at first, the craft was passed on and steadily refined through years of hands-on work. A defining moment came during a class at Black Horse Forge, where Steve Hotz introduced him to bladesmithing. Since then, he has continued to develop his skills under the mentorship of Steve Hotz and Ben Pittman, and he is currently working toward achieving the ABS Journeyman Smith certification.

Through this journey, he has gained a deep understanding of blade design, heat treatment, and real-world performance. His background in military service, law enforcement, and bushcraft has shaped his belief that a properly designed and well-maintained blade can accomplish most tasks. This philosophy is reflected in Jackalope Knives’ motto: “Small Knives for Big Jobs.” Every knife he makes is built with purpose, durability, and reliability in mind.

In addition to his work at the forge, he is pursuing a degree in Business Administration and Management from Liberty University, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. He believes in pushing into the unknown, embracing difficult challenges, learning from every experience, and never giving up—principles that guide both his life and his craft.