The Leather Craftsman's Round Knife is my go to knife when I want to cut, skive, split, v-gouge and belt ends, bevel, cut shapes and rounded corners and more.
Cornelius Smith of Smit Knives is a renowned knife maker and has a worldwide reputation.
When I ordered this knife, I did not expect to receive such a beautiful work of art. Cornelius not only made a knife, but added embellishments.
First off, Cornelius has not made one of these before. I sent a couple of photos and dimensions and a video of how it is held in the hand and used. Cornelius, like any good artisan, was able to translate what I was asking for to what I was expecting - and more.
The blade is chisel shaped, an essential when cutting through thicker leather. The handle is Snakebean - a native tree in Zimbabwe with a beautiful mosaic pin - and I really don't know how he does that but it is stunning. What's more, Cornelius has sandwiched a very thin white (dunno what material it is) lining between the handle and steel. A shaped brass bolster elegantly ties the design from handle to blade.
He has etched the steel used, the manufacturing date and elephant on one side and on the other - the surprise I did not expect my name on the other along with his logo, which has not changed since I first saw Cornelius's work back in the mid 1980's.
This is a serious piece of equipment not to be used and handled carelessly. As Cornelius claims - it cut him four times whilst he was making it! Like it jumped up and cut him!
This round knife is not just a practical instrument. It is a work of art and a showcase of fine craftsmanship, detail and quality and a work of art that I am so proud to use!
In a later post, I will show this knife in action.
Thanks Corn and Sarah for your love.
You will see wonderful work from Smith Knives on Facebook or on their website.
