A little about the maker:

My love of knives began at an early age. I remember being fascinated with my Dads old knives, several of which are now my most prized possessions. My father was an Industrial Arts teacher and enjoyed making everything from wood furniture and canoes, to wrought iron gates and lamps. Growing up in New York, we had a basement full of machinery and shop tools.

I probably made my first all-wooden knives around the age of 6 or 7 and moved on to actual tool steel knives in my dad's shop class in eighth grade. In the early 70's, carrying pocket knives to school was the norm for boys, and a stacked leather-handled knife was a favorite project in my dad's metal shop class!

Working as a machinist for the past 25 years has kept me constantly around tool steel and much of the equipment needed to make knives. In 1995, I decided to get serious about what had always been just a hobby. At that time, I began to acquire my own knifemaking equipment so I could work on my knives away from my job. The same year my family and I relocated to Lakeland, Florida.

Shortly after our move to Florida, I began developing my first standard models, what are now my Small and Medium Hunters. I called on my experience from deer hunting in New York and I also considered a lot of feedback from local hunters and customers here in Florida. Participating in the various internet forums opened my eyes to the importance of other knife styles. Fighters and Tacticals presently constitute a significant percentage of the knives I make. My latest endeavor is folders. As a machinist, I'm enjoying the challenges involved in making them.

The knives…
I feel that the internet knife forums have played a very key role in my success as a knifemaker. For me, they provide excellent exposure. More importantly, they provide almost instant customer feedback that is shared by literally thousands of members. I make my knives knowing that every one of them could be reviewed on the forums, complete with close-up digital photos. This keeps me striving for the highest level of fit, finish and overall quality. The forums also keep me constantly thinking about new designs. Seeing the work of so many talented makers on a daily basis is quite inspiring. Finally, the forums keep me up to date on the latest materials and processes, which constantly enables me to improve my knives. If you are not a member of one of the forums, please see my links page and check them out. They are a wealth of information and you will meet the NICEST people in the world there!!

I really enjoy making knives and never consider it a job. If the love of what I do ever stops showing in my work, then the time will have come for me to unplug the grinder and pick up a fishing pole!

I appreciate your interest in my knives.
Neil.