Art on Steel

Quality handcrafted knives made from top quality materials and hand picked beautifully figured wood.

What we do

Huntley (named after my son) with spine filing

Huntley with Mopani scales

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Photo credits to a happy client from Finland

Track with Jacbroc scales

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A comfortable Bird & Trout knife and quite popular

Acuti with Mopani scales

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Photo credits to a happy client in Norway

Zebra with Wild Olive scales

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Why Spine Filing?

Hammie allowed me to write an objective review on the spine filing he does on his knives. Now, first of all I think it’s necessary to explain what spine filing is for those who, like me, had no clue what it was before he actually showed me.

It’s the backbone of the knife that he transforms into works of art!

How does he do it, you might ask? Well, he straight-jackets the knife in the vice and armed with files, varying in width from about 3mm - 16mm wide, files out these amazing patterns. You might think he draws it out and measures it meticulously, no. I think once he has a file in hand, he lets the creative juices flow and miracles happen.

Then, you will also hear him talking about progressive spine filing. Say what?? Yeah, my reaction before I became enlightened. He explained it to say that when you look at a tree or shrub in the bushveld, the bottom part of a tree or shrub is thick and becomes thinner towards the top as it reaches for the sunlight.

What else can I say about Hammie’s spine filing? Well, I think it sets him apart from other knifemakers. He is so very talented and I’m not just saying that because he is the love of my life. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

Trust me.

Christelle (fiancé)