The cutting edge

A good knife is something every hunter cherishes. Most of us have more than one - there are skinning knives, gutting knives and boning knives just to name a few.

But from time to time some of us think about making our own. Using a knife that you have created gives you that little extra feeling of independence if you like, an extra contact with the ideal of self sufficiency. Maybe you just want to do it because you like a bit of tinkering.

It can be a bit daunting when you see the gear turned out by professional knifemakers. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is often amazing. But when it’s all boiled down, what is a knife anyway? It’s a tool. Fine bone handles and intricate blade designs may look great in a display case, but out in the bush, covered in blood and guts, does all that count? Not really.

I began making knives a while back and realised I was