​Steve Marsh 

Steve has only recently become interested in crafting knife handles. Previously he spent many years creating landscape painting in oils, with a later emphasis on plein air.

His interest started with US made production knives from the 1950’s and 1960’s and he has built up a small collection of these. Many of these types of knives are no longer in production. Those manufacturers that have survived have had to adapt their products to reflect sustainable materials and more cost effective production methods.

As an artist/craftsman his choice is NZ native hardwood as the handle material. These need to be accurately machined to a smooth, level surface prior to shaping and fixing with metal pins and epoxy resin. Initial sanding is done with a bench top belt sander and final sanding by hand. The wood is finished with an application of candle wax and linseed oil which gives a durable finish and emphasises the natural wood qualities.

There is a wide variety of blade shapes available for different purposes and some have become classics in their fields. There is a long history for American designs such as Kephart, Nessmuk and Bowie hunting knives and Green River kitchen, butcher and carving knives. Scandinavian blade shapes differ in their style, simplicity and functionality. Among native populations in the Arctic circle a hunting knife was an essential day to day tool.
 
Steve Marsh ​stevemarsh352@gmail.com

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