Over the weekend, I exhibited at the Cape Town Knife Show for the second time. Despite having worked as a professional knife maker for almost a decade, I have exhibited at just three shows throughout my career.
This year marked an important milestone: my first award, for Best Fighting Knife in the novice category.
It is an honour to have my work recognised, particularly by the event’s esteemed judges, Des Horn and Alan Mitchell. The winning knife was my Shrike design, the flagship model I have spent many years developing and refining. To see that continued work recognised in this way is immensely encouraging.
I am also particularly pleased to see a modern, unconventional design like the Shrike recognised in the Fighting Knife category, which has traditionally been dominated by more conventional Western fighter designs. It is encouraging to see room for different approaches to the form and function of a fighting knife.
Beyond the design itself, this award is meaningful to me as recognition of the workmanship behind it.
Akitsu Forge represents a new chapter in my work. I have made a conscious effort to raise the standard of my knives through more considered design, more careful construction, and a greater emphasis on fit and finish. These are standards I intend to keep pushing higher, and the expectations I set for every knife that leaves my workshop.
My thanks go to the organisers of the Cape Town Knife Show and to both judges for their time and consideration. I am grateful for the recognition, and even more motivated to continue refining my work.
The Shrike that received the award can be viewed in full detail here: View the award-winning Shrike.
