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Here is a little information about me. The hows and whys of being a bladesmith.

I was interested in knives from a young age and would by buy cheap knives from flea markets, many of which I still own.
However, my pocket money did not allow for my expensive tastes.
My father suggested that I make my own knife. So we got an old file cut a dagger shape into it and got to work.
With crude tools, sweat and determination I filed the dagger to its point and cutting edge. As with all young boys
I soon lost interest in knifemaking afterthat.

In 2000 my interest in knifemaking was rekindled and my father sent me on a knifecourse with Kevin Harvey at his
Gold Reef City workshop. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. Kevin showed me the amazing art of
forging knives, an all but forgotten craft among today's stock removal methods. The thrill of the blazing forge and
ringing anvil struck a cord deep in side me and I knew then what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Money,
however decided otherwise.

Working on knives every second or third weekend while I repped to earn money would have to do for the time being.
Eventually I found a fantastic job that paid a lot of money and it seemed that all our (my wife and I) problems were over.
But as I discovered, money isn't everything. Stressful working conditions and a boss that I despised started to cause me
physical illness. It was then, that, with the support of my wife Michelle, I resigned and started making knives full time.
Sadly, however, being a knife maker is like being an artist of any kind. There is a tendency to starve before you become
known and start making money.

My first official knife show was the Durban Easter Knife Show in 2006. I was pleasantly surprised when I sold half my
stock and a set of wrist mounted blades that I had made, won me a prize for Best Fighting Knife by an Amateur. I give
credit for my success to date to my beloved wife for her constant encouragement and support and just as important I give
credit to my friends and mentors Kevin and Heather Harvey (aka Heavin) whose patience is limitless to my questions and
the seeking of advice. It's like I said to Kevin one day, 'I want to be just like you, ..but taller'.
And a final thanks to my father, Tony, for igniting the spark so many years ago.

So if you went through all the trouble of reading about my dull life, please feel free to browse around the site a little and
see if anything takes your interest. If you would like to discuss knives or have any questions please don't hesitate to
contact me.