Len Youngo diligently working on the next Wendell August masterpiece
Len Youngo holds a degree in mathematics with a minor in biology from Westminster College. While it may seem unusual for a math major to become a master die engraver, Len—like many college graduates—found himself searching for a career path that truly suited him. Though a college degree is valuable, Len realized early on that he would not be happy working behind a desk. His passion lay in working with his hands, much like the skilled artisans at Wendell August.
During school breaks, Len worked at Wendell August Forge as a polishing craftsman, one of the final steps before a piece is ready for customers. In 1981, he saw an opening for a die engraver and immediately seized the opportunity. His craftsmanship quickly became evident, and over the past 30 years, Len has perfected his skills to a level few can match.
To date, Len has engraved over 1,700 dies, each done with meticulous precision and artistic mastery. “The work came easy to me, and it is very fulfilling,” Len says. In the early years, one of his biggest challenges was learning to slow down and focus on the intricate details. “Now, the fun is in the details,” he explains.
Len engraves a variety of subjects, from landscapes to close-up floral designs. One of the most difficult elements to capture, he notes, is the human face—especially when it needs to resemble a specific person. To ensure accuracy, he often uses live models to study natural folds in clothing and other fine details. His favorite project so far? The Old Stone Barn pattern. “There are so many different textures—rocks, foliage, stone—it was a more free-form design, which allowed me to be creative,” he shares.
Mike, Len's son, Youngo's mark
Wendell August Forge, now nearly 90 years old, operates like a close-knit family. But for Len Youngo, family and work are truly intertwined. His mother, Cathy Youngo, worked for 25 years as an assistant to F.W. Knecht III, the man who purchased Wendell August in 1978. Today, Cathy serves as the company’s historian.
Len’s son, Mike, has also joined the company, following in his father’s footsteps as an apprentice die engraver. With time and practice, Mike will develop his own unique style, just as Len has. Meanwhile, Len’s wife, Beth, contributes to the family legacy by working in Wendell August’s retail stores during the holiday season.
Len Youngo's Mark
The next time you pick up a Wendell August piece, take a closer look at the design. Hidden somewhere within the artwork is the mark of its die engraver. If you find a "LY," you're holding a piece crafted by Len Youngo. That mark represents not just his talent but also the dedication of the Youngo family to the art of metalwork. We are honored to have Len and his family as part of the Wendell August tradition, and we are grateful for their continued impact on our craftsmanship and legacy.
