Smail, Patrick

Patrick M. “Pat” Smail (1936–2022) was a Pennsylvania custom knifemaker, educator, outdoorsman, and craftsman. A graduate of Slippery Rock State Teachers College, Smail spent 30 years teaching American history, government, and English at Galeton High School in Galeton, Pennsylvania, before retiring in 1990. Smail began making custom knives while still teaching, using his summers away from the classroom to pursue the craft. After retirement, knifemaking became one of his many interests alongside hunting, fishing, trapping, gardening, and exploring the mountains and back roads of northern Pennsylvania. His lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and traditional craftsmanship was reflected in his handmade knives. Beginning in 1999, Smail and his wife Nancy spent their winters in Deming, New Mexico, where he also became active in the local rock-collecting community and the annual Rockhound Roundup. He continued pursuing his varied interests in both Pennsylvania and New Mexico throughout his retirement. Smail passed away in 2022 at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy as a teacher, coach, outdoorsman, and custom knifemaker.