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Stuart Smith (b. 1975) lives in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is an exceptional craftsman, whose passion for forging and knifemaking pushes beyond simple utility, delving deep into the realms of artistry. Stuart has carved out a niche for himself, specializing mostly in the iconic Bowie knife as well as the elegant, but functional Scandinavian Puukko. “The Bowie knife, with its bold and impressive design, speaks to me on a spiritual level. I like to make ‘em big!” recalls Stuart. “On the other side of the coin, the Puukko is a simple and practical knife which offers a canvas to apply techniques to elevate this functional knife.” This reflects his appreciation for refined craftsmanship and practicality.
Stuart's journey into the world of knifemaking started as a hobby in 2000. His father sent him on a knife forging course at the prestigious Heavin Forge bladesmithing school - headed by Mastersmiths Kevin Harvey and Heather Harvey in Belfast, South Africa. Though Stuart’s first lesson was definitely aimed at beginners, he came away with a knife that is now a coveted artifact that he still has today! Over the years, Stuart continued to tap into Kevin and Heather’s extensive knowledge, allowing him to become better with each knife he made. Stuart continued making knives part-time while working his job as a salesman. In 2004 Stuart quit his job and took the plunge into full-time knifemaking. His decision paid off, as he swiftly immersed himself in the knifemaking community, participating in his first knife show shortly thereafter. His dedication to bladesmithing led him onto a successful path, quickly becoming an exceptional knifemaker recognized for his talents. In 2015 he joined the Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa. In 2019 he received his Journeyman Smith accreditation from the American Blade Society - one of the proudest achievements of his life.
For Stuart, the allure of knifemaking extends far beyond mere technical skill. He feels that knives are more than tools; they are canvases for self-expression. He finds a deep satisfaction in forging steel and bending it to his will. He loves the feeling of creating something from nothing, and when he is done, he can say “I made that”. Having someone compensate him for his work makes it even better because it brings the feeling of adding value to the world.
Throughout his career, Stuart has drawn inspiration and guidance from mentors like Kevin and Heather Harvey. They laid the foundation of his craft. Additionally, he holds ABS Mastersmiths Lin Rhea, Mike Quesenberry, Harvey Dean, and others in high regard for their expertise and influence on his work.
Beyond his own achievements, Stuart takes immense pride in his wife's involvement in his craft. During the pandemic, when his wife was looking for a change of career, Stuart taught her how to make sheaths. "Now, her excellent sheath work accompanies all my knives, adding another dimension of quality and craftsmanship to my creations. I couldn't be prouder of her."
Stuart continues to hone his skills and push boundaries as a knifemaker. His fit and finish is exceptional. He combines the best materials available into an heirloom designed to last a lifetime. For several years, Stuart has been one of our “makers to watch”. We are proud to carry his work at BladeGallery.com.
Affiliations:
15" Damascus Coffin Handle Bowie with Amboyna Burl |
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Black Prince Crusader Bowie |
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Bowie with Mango |
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Bowie with Stabilized Elm Burl |
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Clip Point Hunter (Model LR) with Masur Birch |
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Clip Point Hunter with Ironwood |
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Coffin Bowie with Faux Ivory |
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Damascus Bowie with Desert Ironwood |
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Damascus Bowie with Maple Burl |
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Damascus Bowie with Resin Cast Cone |
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Damascus Clip Point Bowie with Curly Koa |
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Damascus Clip Point Bowie with Mammoth Molar |
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Damascus Clip Point Hunter with Curly Tambotie |
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Damascus Dagger with Fluted Ironwood |
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Damascus Drop Point Hunter with Curly Tambotie |
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Damascus Drop Point Hunter with Raffir Noble |
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Damascus Drop Point Hunter with Weathered Stag Crown |
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Damascus Fighter with Contoured Linear Carbon Fiber |
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Damascus Hunter with Curly Maple and Sheephorn |
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Damascus Hunter with Stabilized Birch |
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Damascus Hunter/Utility with Ironwood |
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Damascus Hunting Bowie with Ironwood |
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Damascus LR Hunter with Spalted Red Bushwillow |
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Damascus Puukko with African Wild Olive |
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Damascus Puukko with Birch and Swordfish Bill |
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Damascus Puukko with Masur Birch |
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Damascus Puukko with Red Ivory Burl |
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Damascus Sunburst Persian Style Fighter with Maple Burl |
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Damascus Trapper with Thuya Burl |
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Damascus Upswept Skinner with Sneezewood |
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Damascus Utility with Snakewood |
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Damascus Vest Bowie with Giraffe Bone |
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Damascus Woodhead Bowie with Mammoth Molar |
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Drop Point Hunter (Model LR) with Amboyna Burl |
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Drop Point Hunter (Model LR) with Camel Thorn |
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Drop Point Hunter (Model LR) with Sneezewood |
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Drop Point Hunter (Model R) with Sycamore |
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Drop Point Hunter with Canarywood |
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Drop Point Hunter with Carbon Fiber |
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Drop Point Hunter with Carbon Fiber |
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Drop Point Hunter with Damascus and Giraffe Bone |
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Drop Point Hunter with Damascus and Giraffe Bone |
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Drop Point Hunter with Ebony |
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Drop Point Hunter with Ebony and Mammoth Molar |
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Drop Point Hunter with Leadwood |
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Drop Point Hunter with Red Bushwillow and Ironwood |
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Drop Point Hunter with Skunk Bush Burl |
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Drop Point Hunter with Snake Bean Wood |
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Drop Point Hunter with Thuya and Maple Burl |
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Drop Point Hunter with Wild Olive |
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Engraved Damascus Drop Point Hunter (Model LR) with Curly Maple |
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Engraved Drop Point Hunter (Model LR) with Snakewood |
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Forge Finish Puukko with Wax Wood |
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Forged Clip Point Hunter with Green Shokwood |
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Forged Clip Point Hunter with Sycamore Burl |
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Forged Custom Puukko with Damascus and Applewood |
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Forged Custom Puukko with Damascus and Ironwood |
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Forged Custom Puukko with Damascus and Masur Birch |
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Forged Drop Point Hunter with Wild Olive |
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Forged Hunting Bowie with Amboyna Burl |
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Forged Hunting Bowie with Elk, Bog Oak, Mammoth Molar, and Ironwood |
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Forged Integral Puukko with Curly Ash |
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Hamon Bowie Wild Olive Burl |
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Hamon Bowie with Ironwood |
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Hamon Camp Knife with Amboyna Burl |
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Hamon Hunter (Model LR) with Elk and Maple Burl |
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Hunter (Model LR) with Ironwood |
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Hunter Model R with Curly Maple |
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Hunter with Ash |
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Hunter/Utility (Model L Puukko) with Camphor Burl and Tambotie |
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Hunter/Utility (Model L) with African Blackwood and Ironwood |
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Hunter/Utility (Model L) with Camphor Burl and Maple Burl |
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Hunter/Utility (Model L) with Chakate Preto and Ironwood |
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Hunter/Utility (Model L) with Mopane and Red Bushwillow |
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Hunter/Utility (Model L) with Red Bushwillow |
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Hunter/Utility (Model L) with Red Bushwillow and Maple Burl |
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Hunter/Utility (Model S) with African Blackwood and Box Elder |
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Hunter/Utility (Model S) with Camphor Burl and Ironwood |
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Hunter/Utility (Model S) with Chakate Preto and Spalted Maple |
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Hunter/Utility (Model S) with Mopane and African Blackwood |
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Hunter/Utility (Model S) with Red Bushwillow and African Blackwood |
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Hunter/Utility (Model S) with Red Bushwillow Burl and Spalted Maple Burl |
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Hunter/Utility (Model S) with Resin-Cast Giraffe Bone |
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Hunter/Utility (Model S) with Wild Olive and Blackwood |
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Hunter/Utility Puukko with Elk Antler |
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Hunter/Utility Puukko with Maple Burl and Birch |
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Hunter/Utility Puukko with Teak Burl |
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Hunter/Utility with African Blackwood and Ash |
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Hunter/Utility with Blackwood and Snakewood |
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Hunter/Utility with Madagascar Rosewood and Box Elder Burl |
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Hunter/Utility with Mopane and African Blackwood |
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Hunter/Utility with Pink Ivory and Chittum |
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Integral Sgian Dubh with Walnut |
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Integral Utility with Curly Tambooti |
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Large Drop Point Hunter with Quilted Birch |
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Lion Hunter with Buckeye Burl |
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Majestic D-Guard Bowie with Curly Walnut |
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Midnight Special with Bog Oak |
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Moose Crown Chopper |
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Mountain Man Bowie with Stag |
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Puukko with African Blackwood and Ironwood |
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Puukko with Wild Olive and Snakewood |
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Raised Clip Hunter with Masur Birch |
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S-Guard Damascus Bowie with Redwood Burl |
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San Francisco Bowie with Elk Antler |
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Scandi Puukko with Damasteel and Mammoth Molar |
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Shield Maiden Puukko with Damascus, Snake Bean, Ebony, and Maple |
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Sow Belly Hunter with Camel Thorn Burl |
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Stealth Fighter with Carbon Fiber |
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Stealth Hell's Belle Bowie with Carbon Fiber |
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Stealth Puukko with Ancient Bog Oak |
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Sub-Hilt Bowie with Golden Amboyna Burl |
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Trapper with Lacewood |
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Twist Damascus Hunter with Ironwood |
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Upswept Skinner with Sneezewood |
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Utility with Wild Olive |
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Vest Bowie with Skunkbush Burl |
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