The design and crafting of working knives was my intention in founding Sursum Knife Works in 1986. Born and raised in the South, I spent a great deal of time hunting and fishing. During this period of my life I carried a variety of different blades, and soon learned the value of steel performance. I started making knives to fill a gap between large folders and small straight knives. Most of the smaller straight knives at the time were built along the lines of Bird & Trout knives. I wanted something compact with the strength of larger knives. Having carried a Randall Bushmaster for a number of years, I had learned a short stout blade was more then adequate, but wanted something a little more compact. Working in different fields, gave me the opportunity to experiment with different grinds, blade steels, and sharpening techniques on a variety of different materials, and the challenge of developing knives that work well in a given arena. Having been the plant manager at a hard wood flooring plant, and later working in machinery design for the textile industry, I have work with both natural and man made materials. I make working knives; therefore most of my knives are micarta handled and bead blasted, but I will satin finish a blade on request. I do not Mirror polish blades since it is very time consuming and will not last long on a working knife. I do not make knives for art sake, I feel the true art in a knife is how it performs and how well the design fits it intended use. I will use artistically pleasing materials such as Damascus steel, Mokume fittings, mosaic pins and stag or hardwood for handles as long as they do not compromise the knifes intended use. A knifes intended purpose dictates construction, blade steel and handle material. A Damascus blade with Desert Ironwood handles would be poor choices for a saltwater fillet knife. I flat grind only; this produces the best combination of strength and cutting ability. I have tried both hollow and convex grinds. Although each has its strong point, you also make sacrifices. With flat grinds, the benefits out way the sacrifices. I try to promote the positive image of knives and custom makers. Knives have received so much bad press in the past several years along with the tragic events of September 11th; the general population automatically associates a knife as a weapon. This coupled with the explosion of makers who specialize in combat and defensive pieces; it is small wonder knives are no longer viewed as the oldest tool known to man but something to fear. I will only make combat knives for active law enforcement or active military personal.

Address: 1237 Browns Ferry Road, Chattanooga, TN 37419
Telephone: 423-667-6193
Website: http://www.sursumknife.com/index2.html