2 Andres Knifemaker Bios

Andre Thorburn

Andre grew up on a farm outside Warmbaths, South Africa, where he learned to think for himself, and work with his hands. After high school he trained as a pastor, married his wonderful wife, Marietjie, and became a family man. While pastoring in 1989, he met Roelf Swanepoel who introduced him to the art of knifemaking. To fund the building of his first grinder he sold his beloved golf clubs and golf cart. He sold his first knife in 1990 to a friend and became a full time knife maker in 1996. He also became a member of the Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa in 1995. He since won several prizes at knife shows around the country for example in 2001 he won “Best Working Folder” at the Durban Easter knife Show and as recent as the 2003 Invitational Show in Hoedspruit where he won the Best Folder Award. He believes that custom knives must be excellent in form and function. Also Andre conducts knife making courses to aspiring knife makers. He also sold many knives to overseas customers and since 1999 attended knife shows in Europe. (Paris, France) Bern and Lugano (Switzerland) Solingen, Munich and Sindelfingen (Germany) as well as Gembloux (Belgium) In 2001 he also became a member of the German Knife makers Guild.

Andre van Heerden

"I have always enjoyed working with my hands. I lived that love through designing and making of custom rifles in a partnership for many years until I finally started making knives in 2002. I am currently a full-time Computer Network Engineer and make knives in my spare time. I currently specialize tactical folders. My liner lock folders are opened either via thumb stud, or IKBS flipper. For liners, I use titanium that I anodize to match the other materials on the knife. I use stainless steel such as S35V, M390, CPM154 and RWL34. I also use both stainless Damascus and Damasteel. All blades are professionally heat treated. I currently collaborate with Andre Thorburn under the brand A² and we make a number of IKBS flippers. I always strive for a perfect fit and finish in every knife whilst using the very best materials to ensure a quality knife. Andre Thorburn and I have been friends since 2002 and we have been attending shows together since 2003. 12 months ago we decided to form a joint venture where we make knives together under our A² brand. We have also started doing collaborations with various knife designers under the same brand."