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Casteel Knives |
Voting Members:
The first known blade fashioned by man came from the Stone Age. They were created of flint or a similar stone. Museum displays show that even in the Stone Age, the primitive man showed pride in the invaluable tool by adding decoration. Knives have been found in every corner of the earth.
During the Bronze Age, blades were made of bronze, creating the first metal-bladed knives. Bronze was
also used for handles during this period.During the Greek and Roman period, early Egyptians used bronze, iron and even copper. The Romans used
bronze knives for ceremonial blades in religious and sacrificial rites. The handles were of ivory, bone or bronze. The first known folding knives were made during this period. The Greeks were the first to use knives for eating utensils and for hunting.During the Middle Ages steel was developed. Cutlery industries sprang up across the world. The most well known being Sheffield, England.
The Turks developed Damascus steel and the process has been revived today.
Modern day knives are made from tool steels, stainless steels and Damascus. Each steel has its own properties and uses. The type of knife and the intended use will determine the type of steel to be used.
Dianna and I make one-of-a-kind art knives. Hours of thought and sketching are done before the knife is started. The finest materials available are used to create the hand-made knife. We prefer to use stainless steel or Damascus. Most of our Damascus is purchased from John M. Smith of Centralia, IL. John not only makes beautiful Damascus; he is also a skilled knifemaker. Damascus blades and fittings adorn some of our more elaborate pieces. The patterns in the Damascus create a very dramatic effect.
Our knives are made one at a time. This allows us to devote the necessary time and labor to achieve the best possible knife. We make bowies, fighters, daggers, swords, miniatures and folders.
About eight years ago, Dianna and I decided to try our hand using stone for handles. Although we found it very difficult and laborious, we feel the end result is worth it. Our favorite stones are jade ( all colors), and the deep blue of lapis. The different colors, texture and irregularities in the natural stones add to the beauty of the handles. The stone handles are widely accepted and are found on a few other makers' knives.
I usually make the larger, more elaborate knives. My favorites are the bowies and daggers. The larger pieces allow more space for the makers to express themselves. I usually make at least one sword each year. They are very elaborate and time consuming. I also make fancy folding knives. I prefer to use pearl or ivory on the handles and they are embellished with carving and engraving. I have received many awards for best of show and won the prestigious "Cronk award" in 1993.
Dianna usually makes the smaller pieces such as daggers, bowies, push daggers and miniatures. She started making knives in 1989. At first, she made miniatures because she thought they would be easier. She soon found that this was not true. However, she still makes several beautiful miniatures. Dianna is one of the first few women to be a member of the Knifemakers Guild. She has won several best of show awards. Her work has been featured in several magazines such as Blade, Knives Illustrated and Knife World.
We appreciate your interest in our custom knives. Browse through our photo gallery or give us a call if you have something different in mind. We prefer to design our knives but we will work with you to create the knife you want. Prices depend on the complexity of design and the materials used. We provide a quality product for a moderate price.
We enjoy traveling to the shows and meeting new friends. We are always in the mood to talk knives with the people we meet. If we are at a show stop by our table and say hello.
Dianna and I attend the following shows:
Knifemakers Guild Show- Orlando, FL
New York Custom Show- New York, NY
Chesapeake Bay Show- Timonium, MD
Las Vegas Classic- Las Vegas, NV
Mt. Vernon Knive Show- Mt.Vernon, IL
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