Shopping Cart Items: 0   Sub-Total : $0.00
Welcome, Guest ( Login )

Smith, Stuart, J.S.

$
to
     
  • 1

Page 1 of 1
New
New
New
     
  • 1


Arno Bernard Sr. in his knifemaking studio

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:

  • Southern Africa Knifemakers' Guild
  • American Bladesmith Society - Journeyman Smith
PREVIOUSLY SOLD ITEMS
(NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE)
Black Prince Crusader Bowie
click to see more
Clip Point Hunter (Model LR) with Masur Birch
click to see more
Clip Point Hunter with Ironwood
click to see more
Coffin Bowie with Faux Ivory
click to see more
Damascus Bowie with Desert Ironwood
click to see more
Damascus Bowie with Maple Burl
click to see more
Damascus Bowie with Resin Cast Cone
click to see more
Damascus Clip Point Hunter with Curly Tambotie
click to see more
Damascus Dagger with Fluted Ironwood
click to see more
Damascus Drop Point Hunter with Curly Tambotie
click to see more
Damascus Drop Point Hunter with Raffir Noble
click to see more
Damascus Drop Point Hunter with Weathered Stag Crown
click to see more
Damascus Fighter with Contoured Linear Carbon Fiber
click to see more
Damascus Hunter with Curly Maple and Sheephorn
click to see more
Damascus Hunter with Stabilized Birch
click to see more
Damascus Hunter/Utility with Ironwood
click to see more
Damascus LR Hunter with Spalted Red Bushwillow
click to see more
Damascus Puukko with African Wild Olive
click to see more
Damascus Puukko with Birch and Swordfish Bill
click to see more
Damascus Puukko with Masur Birch
click to see more
Damascus Puukko with Red Ivory Burl
click to see more
Damascus Sunburst Persian Style Fighter with Maple Burl
click to see more
Damascus Trapper with Thuya Burl
click to see more
Damascus Upswept Skinner with Sneezewood
click to see more
Damascus Utility with Snakewood
click to see more
Damascus Vest Bowie with Giraffe Bone
click to see more
Damascus Woodhead Bowie with Mammoth Molar
click to see more
Drop Point Hunter (Model LR) with Amboyna Burl
click to see more
Drop Point Hunter (Model LR) with Camel Thorn
click to see more
Drop Point Hunter (Model LR) with Sneezewood
click to see more
Drop Point Hunter (Model R) with Sycamore
click to see more
Drop Point Hunter with Canarywood
click to see more
Drop Point Hunter with Carbon Fiber
click to see more
Drop Point Hunter with Carbon Fiber
click to see more
Drop Point Hunter with Damascus and Giraffe Bone
click to see more
Drop Point Hunter with Damascus and Giraffe Bone
click to see more
Drop Point Hunter with Ebony
click to see more
Drop Point Hunter with Ebony and Mammoth Molar
click to see more
Drop Point Hunter with Red Bushwillow and Ironwood
click to see more
Drop Point Hunter with Skunk Bush Burl
click to see more
Drop Point Hunter with Snake Bean Wood
click to see more
Drop Point Hunter with Thuya and Maple Burl
click to see more
Drop Point Hunter with Wild Olive
click to see more
Engraved Damascus Drop Point Hunter (Model LR) with Curly Maple
click to see more
Engraved Drop Point Hunter (Model LR) with Snakewood
click to see more
Forge Finish Puukko with Wax Wood
click to see more
Forged Clip Point Hunter with Green Shokwood
click to see more
Forged Clip Point Hunter with Sycamore Burl
click to see more
Forged Custom Puukko with Damascus and Applewood
click to see more
Forged Custom Puukko with Damascus and Ironwood
click to see more
Forged Custom Puukko with Damascus and Masur Birch
click to see more
Forged Drop Point Hunter with Wild Olive
click to see more
Forged Hunting Bowie with Elk, Bog Oak, Mammoth Molar, and Ironwood
click to see more
Forged Integral Puukko with Curly Ash
click to see more
Hamon Bowie Wild Olive Burl
click to see more
Hamon Bowie with Ironwood
click to see more
Hamon Camp Knife with Amboyna Burl
click to see more
Hamon Hunter (Model LR) with Elk and Maple Burl
click to see more
Hunter (Model LR) with Ironwood
click to see more
Hunter Model R with Curly Maple
click to see more
Hunter with Ash
click to see more
Hunter/Utility (Model L) with African Blackwood and Ironwood
click to see more
Hunter/Utility (Model L) with Camphor Burl and Maple Burl
click to see more
Hunter/Utility (Model L) with Chakate Preto and Ironwood
click to see more
Hunter/Utility (Model L) with Mopane and Red Bushwillow
click to see more
Hunter/Utility (Model L) with Red Bushwillow
click to see more
Hunter/Utility (Model L) with Red Bushwillow and Maple Burl
click to see more
Hunter/Utility (Model S) with African Blackwood and Box Elder
click to see more
Hunter/Utility (Model S) with Camphor Burl and Ironwood
click to see more
Hunter/Utility (Model S) with Chakate Preto and Spalted Maple
click to see more
Hunter/Utility (Model S) with Mopane and African Blackwood
click to see more
Hunter/Utility (Model S) with Red Bushwillow and African Blackwood
click to see more
Hunter/Utility (Model S) with Red Bushwillow Burl and Spalted Maple Burl
click to see more
Hunter/Utility (Model S) with Resin-Cast Giraffe Bone
click to see more
Hunter/Utility (Model S) with Wild Olive and Blackwood
click to see more
Hunter/Utility Puukko with Elk Antler
click to see more
Hunter/Utility Puukko with Maple Burl and Birch
click to see more
Hunter/Utility Puukko with Teak Burl
click to see more
Hunter/Utility with African Blackwood and Ash
click to see more
Hunter/Utility with Blackwood and Snakewood
click to see more
Hunter/Utility with Madagascar Rosewood and Box Elder Burl
click to see more
Hunter/Utility with Mopane and African Blackwood
click to see more
Hunter/Utility with Pink Ivory and Chittum
click to see more
Large Drop Point Hunter with Quilted Birch
click to see more
Lion Hunter with Buckeye Burl
click to see more
Majestic D-Guard Bowie with Curly Walnut
click to see more
Midnight Special with Bog Oak
click to see more
Moose Crown Chopper
click to see more
Mountain Man Bowie with Stag
click to see more
Puukko with African Blackwood and Ironwood
click to see more
Puukko with Wild Olive and Snakewood
click to see more
Raised Clip Hunter with Masur Birch
click to see more
S-Guard Damascus Bowie with Redwood Burl
click to see more
San Francisco Bowie with Elk Antler
click to see more
Scandi Puukko with Damasteel and Mammoth Molar
click to see more
Shield Maiden Puukko with Damascus, Snake Bean, Ebony, and Maple
click to see more
Stealth Fighter with Carbon Fiber
click to see more
Stealth Hell's Belle Bowie with Carbon Fiber
click to see more
Stealth Puukko with Ancient Bog Oak
click to see more
Sub-Hilt Bowie with Golden Amboyna Burl
click to see more
Trapper with Lacewood
click to see more
Twist Damascus Hunter with Ironwood
click to see more
Upswept Skinner with Sneezewood
click to see more
Utility with Wild Olive
click to see more
Vest Bowie with Skunkbush Burl
click to see more

Featured Products