Artist's Biography

Ken Steigerwalt lives in Pennsylvania and has been creating knives since the tender age of 15.  “I started out making my first knife on the kitchen table with a vise and some files back in 1978,” says Ken. “Ever since then, it’s been a passion and a journey to build a better knife than the last.” He has been building these works of art full time since 1981.

Ken’s signature trademark is the seashell pattern he carves into the bolsters and handles of his knives. This “scalloping” makes his pieces easily recognizable to collectors who know his work. He primarily creates pocket knives with lock-back or front-lock mechanisms, making these beautiful knives easy to carry and use on a daily basis.  His materials include 18-karat gold, pearl, walrus and mastodon ivory and titanium.  These are not your grandfather’s Swiss Army knives!

Ken’s knives have been featured in shows across the globe, including annual events in California, Boston and Italy. He won 11 Blade show awards in seven consecutive years from 2002 to 2008 - including two “Best Folder” awards, one “Best Folder of the Year” and three “Best Handle” designs.

At his last Blade show competition in 2008, Steigerwalt’s entry was awarded both “Best Fixed Blade” and “Best of Show.” He has also won “Best Folder” at the Plaza Invitational and the Chicago show.

Ken says, “Thank you for the support all have given me in continuing to make knives full time and striving to always make a better knife.”