This week’s maker is a true gentleman. From the first time we spoke I was struck by his earnestness and personable demeanor. His works are a feast for the eyes, with every element giving evidence of his attention to detail. I am very pleased to be able to share his story.
To start off, please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Jacco Van de Bruinhorst, I am a 26-year-old knifemaker from southern Ontario, Canada. My wife Martina and I have four children, and we live a rather simple life, growing our own food.
What sparked your interest in knives?
Knives have always interested me. My mother has a great collection of bowies and fighters and seeing them and handling them further sparked my interest in knives.
What inspired you to do this and how did you learn?
From early on I enjoyed seeing my father work with steel and crafting beautiful things. My parents had a blacksmith shop in the Netherlands where they made beautiful ornamental gates. Very heavy steel gates that were installed around fancy properties.
When did you start making knives?
I made my first knife in 2013, became more serious in 2019, and finally, I have been a full-time maker sinch March 2021.
What did you make your first knife with?
My first knife I forged out of a railroad spike, and it had a very, shall I say, “organic” shape!
Do you have a favorite knife you made, tell me about it?
While I do not really have a singular favorite knife, I have a few California style bowies that I made with metal sheaths that I really love!
What is the most important aspect of a well-made knife?
Because the vast majority of my knives are not being used, but only collected for display/investment, I would say the most important thing for me is making sure lines work well together. With careful design decisions, my knives stand out in the crowd.
What keeps you going?
I have a very good work ethic, which I am very thankful for. Thereby I do not typically associate myself with the “artist” crowd.
Biggest struggle?
My single most biggest struggle is not making my entire life only and solely about knives.
What kinds of knives do you make?
I consider myself a “Maker of fine handmade knives”. I enjoy making bowie knives, hunting knives, and gentleman style knives. some lockback folders as well. I select expensive materials for my knives which add to the element of being a fine knife.
How did your background affect your approach to knives?
Since a very early age, I have used knives for breaking down animals, and therefore, I do not typically stray away from the “usability” aspect of knives. My knives are tools, whether they are used or not!
Who helped you early on?
My mother always gave me very valuable feedback/critique, which to this day is probably still the single most influential person in my knifemaking. As for classes, I have never taken any until Wolfgang Loerchner taught me how to make a sterling silver sheath, and in 2024, taught me how to make a lockback folding knife.
Who are your influences/inspirations?
There are a few, knife design wise, Wolfe is the most recognizable maker in the world, with flawless design decisions. Since I make damascus too, Cliff Parker is a maker who has made the best pictorial damascus I have ever seen, meaning, forging a big block of mosaic damascus into a little bar without, or with very minimal distortion. Inspirational indeed.
How do you think those inspirations translates into your work?
Both these people have proven to the world that the boundaries can be changed, and that what seems impossible to do, is just an indication that your mind is limiting your creativity.
Any specific breakthroughs or revelations in your knife making journey?
A single design line can seem out of place, but together all lines make the individual lines harmonious.
What is the perfect knife?
My perception of a perfect knife, is a knife that bears the maker’s thought process, finger prints, and distinct flavor. Whether some agree or not, a knife that embodies the one who created it, IS the perfect knife.
How do you approach a new concept and that concept’s implementation?
I try out new concepts just by trying them out. You can learn a lot by making a knife the wrong way.
How do you approach knife testing?
My testing is quite minimal these days as most of my knives see no use. The steels I use are rather simple steels so there is very little variability for me.
How do you develop a design, select a steel, and fine-tune a heat treatment?
I honestly enjoy making a variety of knives, so I forge a variety of different types of patterns, and use a host of different materials!
What do you like about damascus steels?
I love to forge damascus steels because of the really cool patterns I can create! Striving for that pattern consistency is always a good reason to make better and better patterns!
How has the knife world changed since you started?
It really has not changed much for me other than I have certainly moved into a much wealthier buyer market.
You have also been making some fantastic video content on YouTube, what do you like about that medium?
I love to share about my process because it makes knifemaking more transparent to those who are collectors and beginner makers to get a better grasp on this world of handmade knives.
What’s up next for you? Any exciting new projects to tell us about?
Every year I have planned to increase the collectability of my knives, and this is the fun part for me! I have plans with engraving that I am excited to pursue. Hand engraving is another avenue I have begun to explore these past few years, and I am excited to see what the future holds!!
To keep up with what Jacco has going on check out his website https://www.jvbknives.ca follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jaccovandebruinhorst/ and subscribe to his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@jvbknives
Leave a Reply