Mackrill Custom Knives was established in 1991 by Stephen (Snr) and Michele Mackrill.
Knives with a touch of beauty are fast becoming collector’s items and craftsmen are becoming part of the dinosaur age as computer-controlled machines churn out every type of item imaginable; each product being a perfect clone. Stephen Mackrill and his son, Stephen Jnr are custom knife makers, artists and perfectionists.
While working at a pharmaceutical company, his hobby was making steam engines, ships and knives. Today, the hobby has become a business where he works with his son, Stephen Jnr and his wife, Michele, who takes care of administration and marketing.
Stephen Jnr studied law for three years and made knives part-time; deciding that working with his hands making beautiful articles was more to his liking, he decided to join forces with his Dad in 1991. Today, he has been recognized in his own right.
His hobbies are Metallic Silhouette Shooting for which he received his Provincial (State) Colours and Association National Colours. He has shot two world championships, and has obtained three bronze class medals in those championships. He also enjoys scuba diving. He is a Featured Member, and Member of the Year with Madison Who's Who.
The blades are made from 12c27 Sanvik semi-stainless, Bohler N690 semi-stainless and Damascus steel and are hardened to 60 HRC.
Keeping up with modern technology, the 15 basic knife designs are laser-cut to our specific specifications from 2 meter sheets. For the investor of collectibles, historic pieces (which are thoroughly researched before crafting), trophy sets and for the client who designs their own knife, these knives are hand-cut on a metal-cutting band saw. Subsequently, all work is hand-crafted. The blades are then profiled and ground using the stock-removal method. All knives are vacuum heat-treated in-house, therefore ensuring a standard Rockwell of 58-60. The beauty of the knives not only lies in the blade, but in the artistic finish of the handles. The handles are made from indigenous materials of
The fittings are in brass, nickel silver and, if requested, gold or other precious metals.
Specialties of Mackrill Custom Knives are scrimshaw, engraving, silver and gold inlay (not found elsewhere in all of South Africa), as well as silver sheaths.
For the hunter, camper, hiker and outdoorsman, Mackrill Custom Knives crafts working knives specifically made for these activities. Hunter’s Trophy sets, (many of which are made from the horns of the animal that the customer has shot themselves) are custom made to order.
Personal and corporate gifts may be collectibles in either fixed blade or folders. They can be scrimshawed, (much like a tattoo on hippo tooth), engraved, or with silver/gold inlay on the handle.
Many of these knives have plaques, which are personalized, or company logos etched onto the blade.
A lifetime guarantee is given on this outstanding workmanship.
No endangered species like rhino or elephant products are used, as Mackrill Custom Knives are ardent supporters of nature conservation in every possible way.