I am a knifemaker. 

Knifemaking is not my vocation but it is certainly my passion. Back in 1998 I started on this road through the desire to make a simple set of throwing knives. That one act of rebellion against the “just buy it” culture started this strange and wonderful trip. I have met some of the most interesting and giving people on the journey and have learned a few very valuable lessons on the way:

1. A man with a passion needs a very understanding wife.
2. Being a perfectionist is okay.
3. There are still people whose word is their bond.
4. Hands are made to be used.

The knives I make are all one of a kind. I will make a few that are similar but each one is truly unique. Starting with a raw bar of steel, each knife is shaped, heat treated and given the appropriate handle material in my home. The knives are primarily 440C, Damasteel or Matt Walker Damascus. Bolsters will be 416, mokume or occasionally ironwood. The handle material ranges from desert ironwood through stabilized woods to mammoth ivory and the various shades of mother of pearl. I have recently been experimenting with mammoth tooth both as spacers and as handle material. I will not use elephant ivory or narwhal tusk.

The sheaths that come with my knives are mostly made by other knife makers or sheath makers. This is an area I would like to explore at some point but for now I will have my sheaths made by someone who is better at it than I am.

Dress knives have become a large part of my output mostly because I enjoy making them. Anything from the five inch pocket knife in gold lip mother of pearl to the Matt Walker Damascus Dagger and 2007 Blade Annual cover knife named Darkstar. All my knives are guaranteed for as long as I am making knives.

I would like to thank all the folks at the Knife Networks forums for the gifts of knowledge, encouragement and inspiration.

Please be welcome and drop by often.

Steve Vanderkolff

Knifemaker