Bird Knife

Mason, Peter

I was born in 1961 in Durban, and moved to Johannesburg during my childhood. As a child I have always had a fascination with steel, and as a young boy I was always trying to make some kind of knife out of anything I could lay my hands on. I am a fitter and turner by trade, having served a 5-year apprenticeship, and have been in the engineering field for 27 years. I started making knives during my apprenticeship and joined the South African Knifemakers Guild for the first time in 1983. I was active for approximately four years, and then started my own engineering business, which I ran for 18 years, during which time I was not as active in the Guild, and made fewer knives in this period ? mainly for friends and business acquaintances. Seven years ago, I decided to revive the hobby and re-joined the Guild. I only make fixed blade knives ? I find making fixed blades more appealing for the styles that I make and my talents are best suited to this. The fixed blade styles that I make include daggers, hunters, fighters, boot knives, utility knives and art knives. In the past two years I have pursued the carving of blades, bolsters and handles in order to offer something different, another characteristic which allows me to apply my skills effectively. I also often make use of engraving in order enhance the overall theme of the knife, although I don?t do the engraving myself. My knives are all unique ? no two knives are the same. My designs are hand drawn and refined until I am satisfied with the specific theme and objective for the knife. Handle materials that are frequently used include stainless steel, bronze, titanium and damascus steel bolsters. I also often use a colouring process for the stainless steel and titanium to enhance the overall look of the knife. I also prefer to use our unique South African hard woods, such as ? black ivory, red ivory, wild olive. Blade materials that I frequently use include mainly Bertie Rietveld, Heather Harvey and Ettore Gianferrari Damascus steel, as well as Schneider Damascus and 440 stainless steel. I have a fully equipped engineering workshop, and also do my own heat treatment and colouring. I am currently a part-time knife-maker residing in Johannesburg, South Africa, and an active member of the Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa.