David Moore (Big Hand Dave)

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David Moore (Big Hand Dave)

Published: November 1st, 2024

In the world of competitive bladesports, few names resonate quite like “Big Hand Dave.” Known for his commanding presence both physically and metaphorically, David Moore has become an inspiring figure not only for his skill in the sport but for his resilience in battling the rare and life-altering disorder, acromegaly. Born and raised in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, David’s journey from a music-rich upbringing to becoming a leading advocate for acromegaly awareness is as compelling as it is inspiring.

From Muscle Shoals to Bladesports

David Moore’s roots are deeply tied to Muscle Shoals, a small town in northwest Alabama, famous for its legendary recording studios that churned out hits for artists like Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Born into this rich musical environment, David began playing music at just five years old, a common pursuit for many in the area influenced by the local studios.

His childhood was shaped by strong Christian values and the lessons he learned from playing baseball. One of his most influential mentors was Rodney Hall, son of famed music producer Rick Hall of FAME Recording Studios. David played baseball for Rodney’s team and practiced tirelessly, learning the discipline and commitment that would later guide him in bladesports.

David Moore

- David Moore was born and raised in Muscle Shoals, Alabama

However, an unfortunate knee injury in his sophomore year of high school shifted his focus from sports to music. His talent in show choir earned him a full-ride scholarship to junior college, and he continued to immerse himself in music while also working part-time for the local utilities company. After finishing his degree, David began teaching microbiology and environmental sciences at a community college, all while balancing his deep love for music with his newfound career in public service.

Discovering Bladesports and a Life-Changing Diagnosis

David’s path toward bladesports began in 2018, a year that would dramatically alter his life. During a family trip to the Blade Show in Atlanta, his daughter Emma spotted a bladesports demonstration while they were preparing to leave. Intrigued, she convinced her father to stay and watch. As they observed bladesports champions like Dan Keffler and Donovan Phillips expertly cut through a variety of obstacles, Emma turned to David and said, “Dad, you can do this.”

Encouraged by his daughter’s words, David reached out to the bladesports community and trained with renowned figures like Robby Bowman. He entered his first amateur competition soon after, where he placed first. This victory marked the beginning of a deep passion for bladesports, a sport that would become both a personal outlet and a tool for overcoming a life-altering diagnosis.

Robby Bowman

- After observing bladesports at the 2018 Blade Show, David began training under Robby Bowman (pictured above)

- In late 2018, David was diagnosed with acromegaly

In late 2018, around the same time he began competing in bladesports, David started experiencing severe joint pain and noticed changes in his physical appearance. A visit to the doctor revealed the cause, he had acromegaly, a rare disorder caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland that results in the overproduction of growth hormone. Acromegaly causes abnormal growth of the hands, feet, and facial features, and if left untreated, can lead to serious health complications.

For David, one of the most noticeable symptoms was the enlargement of his hands, which led to his nickname, "Big Hand Dave." This moniker was given to him by legendary knife maker Ken Onion, who, after noticing the size of David’s hands, remarked, "Big Hand Dave," a name that stuck ever since.

David’s diagnosis was a life-changing moment. While competing at the World Championship in 2019, he received a call from his doctor confirming the presence of a tumor on his pituitary gland. Shortly after that competition, David underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Although the surgery was successful, the tumor returned in 2023, requiring ongoing treatment. Despite this, David has continued to compete in bladesports, using the sport as a form of motivation and physical therapy to keep his body moving and strong.

Mastering Bladesports and Raising Acromegaly Awareness

David’s approach to bladesports is not just about competition, it’s a proving ground for both knives and character. Through his involvement in the sport, David has gained an in-depth understanding of blade geometry, knife sharpening, and performance, learning from some of the best in the industry, including Donovan Phillips, James Clifton, and Dan Keffler. These mentors taught him valuable lessons about blade angles, edge retention, and the importance of sharpening for specific tasks.

Bladesports is an intense test of a knife’s cutting ability across a variety of materials, from ropes to wooden dowels, and David approaches each competition with a focus on improving his personal best. For him, bladesports is about competing against himself, always striving to perform better than his last event.

One of his proudest moments came during the 2019 National Championship, where he placed third, finishing just .3 points behind Donovan Phillips, a bladesports legend. This marked the beginning of a long partnership with POPs Knife Supply, which became his sponsor after that event. POPs has supported David throughout his bladesports career, and David, in turn, promotes their knives and products at events across the country.

David’s commitment to bladesports is fueled not just by his love for the sport but by his battle with acromegaly. The physical demands of bladesports help him combat the debilitating effects of the disorder, keeping him active and focused on staying in shape.

Beyond bladesports, David is a tireless advocate for acromegaly awareness. He has worked with several pharmaceutical companies to create awareness videos about the disorder. His involvement has been instrumental in raising awareness about the condition and offering support to others facing similar challenges. Acromegaly Awareness Day, observed annually on November 1st, holds special significance in his mission to spread knowledge about the condition.

David Moore in Pops Knife Supply Shirt

- Pops Knife Supply began sponsoring David in 2019 after placing 3rd at the Blade Sports National Championship

- Beyond bladesports, David is a tireless advocate for acromegaly awareness

- Acromegaly Awareness Day is observed annually on November 1st

A Life of Service, Faith, and Family

David is also deeply involved in his local community. He has worked for over 32 years in water treatment for the Muscle Shoals utilities company and serves as a city councilman, a position he was elected to in 2020. His public service extends to foster care, where he and his wife, Susan, have been actively involved with the Muscle Shoals C.A.S.A. (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program. Over the years, they have had 38 foster grandchildren, five of whom have been adopted into their family.

David’s passion for helping others is rooted in his Christian faith, which he relies on to guide his decisions and provide strength in the face of adversity. Whether it’s fostering children, raising awareness for acromegaly, or serving his community as a councilman, David approaches everything with a spirit of service and humility.

At the core of David’s success is his family. His wife, Susan, is his unwavering supporter, accompanying him to competitions, helping him prepare, and cheering him on at every event. His five children and eight grandchildren are a constant source of inspiration, and David takes great pride in teaching them the importance of self-reliance, problem-solving, and resilience.

Muscle Shoals, Alabama

- David has worked for the city of Muscle Shoals in water treatment for over 32 years

- David was also elected a city councilman of Muscle Shoals in 2020

- Both David and his wife Susan are actively involved in the Muscle Shoals C.A.S.A. program, helping foster of 38 grandchildren

“Remember who you are and whose you are,” is a phrase David’s mother and grandmother instilled in him, a reminder of the importance of faith and identity. He now passes that same wisdom onto his children and grandchildren, emphasizing the importance of integrity and character in everything they do.

David Moore’s story is one of persistence, determination, and a deep commitment to helping others. From his early days growing up in the music-rich town of Muscle Shoals to his rise as a bladesports competitor, David has never backed down from a challenge. His fight against acromegaly highlights his inner strength, and his dedication to raising awareness about the disorder has helped countless others find the support they need.

Whether he’s competing in bladesports, crafting knives, or advocating for acromegaly awareness, David continues to inspire those around him with his passion, faith, and unwavering commitment to his community. For David, every competition, every foster child, and every awareness campaign is an opportunity to make a difference, and he approaches each one with the same focus and determination that have defined his entire life.

As David Moore looks to the future, he remains committed to growing both in bladesports and in his advocacy work, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, community service, and a reminder that no challenge is too great to overcome with faith, family, and determination.

David Moore and the Pops Knife Supply family

David Moore and the Pops Knife Supply family

Written By
Drew Clifton

Links
https://acromegalycommunity.org/

Expert Reviewed

T.C. Barnette

T.C. Barnette

T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.

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