Mother of Pearl Lockback

Steigerwalt, Ken

"I've been building knives full time since 1981. I started out making my first knife on the kitchen table with a vise and some files in 1978 at the age of 15. Ever since then it's been a passion and a journey to build a better knife than the last. I primarily make pocket knives with a lockback or front lock mechanism. I have made many other types of knives and am always willing to try something new. I'm most widely known for carving seashell patterns in the bolsters and handle material called scalloping. This type of carving has become a trademark of my work and makes my knives easily recognizable to collectors who have heard of me. I won 11 Blade show awards in 7 consecutive years from 2002 to 2008 including 2 best folder awards, one best folder of the year, 3 best handle designs. I ended competing at the Blade show in 2008 with wining best fixed blade which won best of show. I have also won best folder at the Plaza Invitational and the Chicago show."