Hoel, Steve

Steve Hoel made his first fixed blade knife in 1953. In 1974 Steve Hoel ventured to California, where he spent three days in the shop of Bob Loveless and Steve R. Johnson, when they were partners. This was his first real exposure to high quality handmade knives, an experience that gave him a big boost. He also developed a big interest in pocket knives at that time. Shortly thereafter he made his first interframe and multiblade folders. In 1978, he joined the Knifemakers Guild, and one year later he retired and began making knives full time. Steve was one of the first to design his knife shapes for engraving. He worked closely with master engravers including Lynton MacKenzie and Steve Lindsay to develop the engravable art knife design.