I was born and raised in South Africa on a farm outside Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape, and was never without a knife in my pocket, as it was with my father and grandfather.
On leaving school I started off in the glass trade where the fine intricate cutting of glass tops, for the furniture trade, was part of my duties. I never lost my interest in knives however.
After retiring I was given a handmade knife by my son and I could not imagine that chaps were making such beautiful knives. The gentleman who made this particular knife then gave me Rob Brown's address and I immediately contacted Rob who is one of the top knifemakers in South Africa. With his help and guidence I became a member of the Knifemakers' Guild of Southern Africa during 1999 after winning the competition for non-Guild members.
I now pursue this fascinating age-old craft full-time. I produce only fixed blade knives and all the work is done by myself. I also strive for the highest possible quality.
