Knifemaker · KGSA

Ettienne Vorster

Ettienne Vorster Custom Knives

Pretoria (Bultfontein), Gauteng

In Ettienne’s own words

I was born in 1965 in Welkom, Free State. I am married to Hantie Vorster and have two beautiful children, Michelle and Jean. I am a Tool, Jig & Die maker by trade and qualified in this profession in 1986 I started making knives in 1995 as a hobby and made it a full time business in 2004. I stay on a small holding just north of Pretoria at Bultfontein from where I create my knives by Hand. I have been doing quite a few presentations at KMTS with their Knice friend’s events. I do give knife courses from time to time for people that are serious in perusing their passion. I love to help my fellow knife makers where I can.

I make anything out of the ordinary as I get bored easily. Most of my knives are for collecting purposes although I do cater for the hunting market as well. I love to make liner locks and just started to make an open assist folder.

I make knives out of 12c27, 14c28N, 19c27, N690, D2, 01, Panzer 36 and M390. I use all sorts of handle materials but like to work with Organic materials such as tusks, bone and indigenous wood, and Synthetic materials as Kirinite.

Written for this directory in 2020.

Courses

Knife courses from time to time for serious beginners.

Past work

These pieces show Ettienne’s style; most have found owners. Ask what’s on the bench now or commission your own.

  • JPS 4-8 by Ettienne Vorster

    JPS 4-8

    Blade: 14C28N · Length: 85mm · Overall length: 210mm · Liners: Titanium grade 5 anodized gold.

  • MTL 001 2021 by Ettienne Vorster

    MTL 001 2021

    Blade: Damascus steel 95mm · Overall length 215mm · Liners: Grade 5 Titanium. · Bolsters: Feather Damascus.

  • JPS 3-8 by Ettienne Vorster

    JPS 3-8

    Blade: 14C28N · Length: 85mm · Overall length: 210mm · Liners: Titanium grade 5 anodized gold.

  • JPS 2-8 by Ettienne Vorster

    JPS 2-8

    Blade: 14C28N · Length: 85mm · Overall length: 210mm · Liners: Titanium grade 5 anodized gold.

  • JPS 1-8 by Ettienne Vorster

    JPS 1-8

    Blade: 14C28N · Length: 85mm · Overall length: 210mm · Liners: Titanium grade 5 anodized gold.

  • Gentlemen’s folder by Ettienne Vorster

    Gentlemen’s folder

    Model: ATL001 2021. · Blade: 95mm Chevron Damascus from A&E Forge. · Bolsters: Dragon skin Damascus from Eric Els. · Scales: Silver Carbon fiber.

  • EV Knife 6 Folder by Ettienne Vorster

    EV Knife 6 Folder

    Steel – L4528 · Bolsters – Nikel silver mukume · Handle – Mamoth ivory. · Liners – Spring steel.

  • EV Knife 5 by Ettienne Vorster

    EV Knife 5

    Steel – L4528 · Damascus with Stag Horn (Lefty)

  • EV Knife 4 by Ettienne Vorster

    EV Knife 4

    Steel – L4528 · Brass with Birchwood

  • EV Knife 3 by Ettienne Vorster

    EV Knife 3

    Steel – L4528 · Damascus with Maple Burl

  • EV Knife 2 by Ettienne Vorster

    EV Knife 2

    Steel – L4528 · Black and Orange G 10

  • EV Knife 1 by Ettienne Vorster

    EV Knife 1

    Steel – L4528 · Damascus with Wild Olive