Superb Blades from Africa

These Handcrafted knives are a great example of African craftsmanship and attention to detail. The blades are made from Damascus steel or Stainless steel.

The handles and sheaths are hand made using gold, silver, copper and titanium. They cannot really be used as an African weapon - more like collectors knives.

Our knives are primarily dress knives...made to be worn out with a suit, or for collectors of fine knives. This does not detract from the quality or strength of the knife, they are made to the same standard as any handmade knife but the size means that they would not be useful as a hunting or utility knife - great for cutting biltong or jerky - or perhaps your steak in a restaurant.

 

The designs and manufacturing are all done in our workshop in Pretoria, South Africa.

 

This particular knife is made from Damascus and sterling silver. The sheath is also sterling and clips to the belt as a dress knife. The height of the knife is 60mm. This knife will definitely be a talking point in any company! The knife on the right is steel and silver - you can see the knife clip and the knife sheathed in sterling silver.

We use different masks and motifs on our knives - I try and tie in African Symbolism as much as I can. We also combine Mokume Gane and Damascus steel to create knives that are unique - in a world of knives that has many master craftsmen competing to show their originality.

 

Damascus steel knives

This type of steel has been known as the 'Steel of the Ancients,' Damascus blades are used for knives and swords. Damascus steel was created about 2000 years ago. It came from the city of Damascus which was one of the biggest centers of production of this kind of folded steel. It is call "Damascus because of where it came from and that the steel looked similar to damask cloth. Damascus steel combines steel that have different properties the process makes blades that are extraordinarily tough and with great edge retention. When viewed under the microscope, the cutting edge  shows tiny saw-tooth carbides, which are created by forging the steel blade in a coal fire. This, combined with superb flexibility, allows the Damascus blades to cut even when the edge seems blunt and  dull. When the blades are forged, each blade or piece of steel will be totally unique following patterns from folding and hammering. A master craftsman is able to manipulate the patterns depending on the types of steel, way it is forged and the way it is ground. The artistic value of a Damascus blade is often overlooked, but in modern times more credence is given to the makers of this fine steel.

 

 

Mokume Gane

This process is very similar to Damascus - except precious metals and non ferrous metals are used - such as gold, silver, palladium, platinum and copper. Beautiful patterns are possible and in the right crafts mans hands the Mokume gane is an art form all of it's own. Layered metals are joined using a long slow heating process at high temperatures. The metals crystalline structure is fused by the metals migrating into one another. The billet of layered or sandwiched metals is then ground and hammered, and then forged or rolled creating stunning visual effects. It is an expensive, time consuming process that few people around the world have mastered. Mokume Gane Knives can be pricey as it is a long involved hand made process

 

Whether you are looking for a men's gift or a corporate gift - these knives will be treasured by the receiver!

 

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