Deon Nel Utility w/Maple Burl Wood

Finely crafted Medium Utiltiy with a full tang fixed blade that's ideal for all hunting, caping and skinning.
Features a unique piece of polished Premium Maple Burl, with a utilitarian blade of highly polished Stainless Steel.
A collectors item, but also designed for functional outdoor applications.

Custom Knifemaker Profile: Deon Nel

A member of the Knifemakers' Guild Of Southern Africa.

I was born in the town of Springs during September 1962 and spent 44 years here before moving to Port Elizabeth during 2006 in the Eastern Cape.

I qualified as a Tool, Jig and Die maker in 1986 and then moved into the Building trade in 1987. I was always interested in hand made knives and did a knife making course with Thinus and Gawie Herbst in September 2008. Once I had all the necessary machines etc. I started making knives full time in December 2008. At first I made mostly fixed blades but now I make folders as well as any other shape or design as requested by a client. I also make quality compact biltong cutters of my own design.

With the help and coaching of knifemakers Rob Brown and Cedric Pannell, I became a member of the K.G.S.A (Knifemakers Guild of South Africa) in April 2011. I use the stock removal method and use mostly N690, RWL34, Damasteel and Carbon Damascus. For handle material I use hard woods, horn, bone, G10, Dymondwood and ivory. My favourite handle material is Giraffe Bone.

Since I started making knives I have received numerous awards among others best Hunter for novices at the Pretoria winter show in 2009, and the same award at the 'In the Bush' festival in Nelspruit 2009. Best Hunting Knife in the Open Category at the Durban Easter knife show 2011. At my first Guild Show during 2011, I was judged best knew knife maker.

I have a well equipped workshop with everything needed for knife making. All my knives are professionally vacuum heat treated by Bohler Steel South Africa. My aim is to produce quality knives and I continually strive to make knives to the highest degree of craftsmanship possible.

"Quality comes with pride."