Hunter in N690 with Desert Ironwood

About the Maker: Peter Reed is from South Africa and has been making knives part-time since 2012. He is part of the Cape Knife Makers Guild, Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa, and The American Knifemakers Guild. 

He sent us his knifemaking story:

As a child growing up in Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape, with hobbies that included hunting and fishing, I enjoyed collecting knives. On the rare occasion when we went on holiday (my Dad is a Dairy Farmer), I would try and buy a knife. I would often get knives for presents and I had built up a nice little collection that I was proud of.

In 1991, I was called up to do my military service in the Air Force. When my parents came to my passing out parade in Hoedspruit, our house was broken into and my knife collection was stolen. I was devastated.

In 1995, once I had finished my studies, I went to do a practical year in New Zealand on dairy farms. I was at a craft market when I met knife maker, Bryan
Baker (SVORD). We got chatting and he allowed me to work with him for a month, making knives.

In 2012 I went to the Cape Knife Show where I met Koos Niemann and Deon Nel. This inspired me to start making knives, part time. In 2015, I was accepted into the Cape Knife Makers Guild and I have been making knives ever since.

In December 2022 I was privileged to be accepted into the Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa.

In June 2024 I was accepted as a probationary member into The American Knifemakers Guild.

As a Dairy farmer in the Knysna District of the Southern Cape, knife making has offered me the opportunity to meet some wonderful people and make some good friends - who are always willing to share their time and information. This is the wonderful thing about friendship.