Theunis Coetzee

My fascination with knives and everyday carry (EDC) started long before I ever made my first knife. I’ve always been drawn to well-designed, practical tools — things that are built to be used, carried and relied upon every day.
Eventually, that fascination turned into frustration. I wanted better knives in my own kitchen: knives that weren’t just functional, but were something special — something I could use every day and be proud to have in my home.
That was the beginning of my journey into knifemaking.
I started small, making compact, EDC-friendly knives for friends and family and gradually learning the craft through countless hours of experimenting, grinding, finishing and, inevitably, making mistakes along the way.
After about two years of making knives, I decided to take on a new challenge and turn my attention to kitchen knives. It was a completely different world. The focus shifted from compact, hard-working EDC tools to creating blades that needed to perform beautifully while also feeling right in the hand.
As my skills developed, my interest in the craft grew beyond making the knives themselves. I started making custom Kydex sheaths to order for production knives — giving factory-made knives a more personalised, secure and practical carry solution.
From there, I also ventured into leatherwork. Working with leather opened up another side of the craft, allowing me to create practical, handmade pieces that complement the knives and everyday-carry gear I enjoy making.
Today, I’m still a part-time knifemaker, learning, experimenting and refining my craft with every piece I make. Whether it’s a handmade knife, a custom Kydex sheath or a piece of leatherwork, I approach each project with the same focus on functionality, durability and craftsmanship.
For me, it’s not about simply making another knife or another piece of gear. It’s about creating something useful, personal and built to be used — something that can become part of someone’s everyday life and hopefully be appreciated for years to come.