Since 1994, Arno Bernard Knives has operated as a family-run business in South Africa, building a reputation for handcrafted knives that blend traditional craftsmanship with premium materials. What began as a small workshop has evolved into an internationally recognized brand, now maintaining a U.S. distribution facility to better serve North American customers while preserving its South African roots and manufacturing heritage.
The company specializes in both fixed-blade and folding knives designed for hunting, bushcraft, and everyday carry applications. At the core of their construction is premium Böhler N690 stainless steel, which undergoes proprietary in-house heat treatment to optimize edge retention and corrosion resistance. This Austrian steel has become a signature element across their product line, offering reliable performance whether field dressing game or handling daily cutting tasks.
What truly distinguishes Arno Bernard from competitors is their extensive use of exotic natural handle materials sourced from the African continent. Their knives feature distinctive materials including warthog tusk, giraffe bone, kudu horn, and even fossilized mammoth tooth. Each handle showcases unique grain patterns and coloration, ensuring no two knives are identical. This commitment to natural materials appeals equally to working hunters who appreciate functional beauty and collectors seeking distinctive pieces.
The brand's catalog spans the spectrum from rugged field knives built for hard use to meticulously finished collector-grade pieces. Their fixed-blade offerings include dedicated skinning knives with upswept bellies and robust bushcraft designs with full tang construction. The folding knife selection incorporates both traditional slip-joint patterns and modern locking mechanisms, all featuring the same attention to material quality and finishing details that define the brand.
For knife enthusiasts seeking functional tools with distinctive character and African heritage, Arno Bernard Knives delivers handcrafted quality that stands apart in an increasingly mass-produced marketplace.
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