Wicklow
Full Time Professional
Knife Maker
Originally a custom furniture maker, now full time knife maker and leather worker, from Avoca, Co Wicklow.
In 2012 I moved to Alberta, Canada, for better job prospects. I spent 8 years working and trying to get citizenship there. After that plan fell through at the last minute i decided to go on a road trip around Canada before I had to leave.
I converted a Dodge Grand Caravan into a mini camper and set off for 8 months. And what an epic journey that was. It was on one of the many evenings around the campfire that I began to contemplate my future. I was tired of working for others and dealing with false promises etc... While scrolling through YouTube I came upon a video from an older english gentleman who had been in a similar position to myself. He started to make knives as a hobby.
After watching many of his videos, watching his skills and passion for quality work, I came to the conclusion that it was something I could do. With my woodworking and metal working background I could make it happen. And as soon as i moved back to Ireland in 2019 i did exactly that.
I started by buying premade blades and making the handles and leather sheaths. I concentrated on building up those skills till I was in a position to make my own blades after 2 years.
Up untill I decided to become a knife maker I had actualy forgotten how much knife making was a part of me. I remember as a kid, in first year woodwork, making wooden knives in class when id finished my projects early, much to the amusement of my teacher. Ive always used knives since im an avid outdoorsman, hunter and flyfisher. I'm also into online gaming and sci-fi, and alot of my inspiration comes from these sources, practical and fantastical. Just because it's a tool doesnt mean it cant look nice or be improved upon.
Anything is possible, but you have to make it happen. Dont be afraid to change, step outside your comfort zone and take a risk!
Full Time Professional
Knife Maker
Originally a custom furniture maker, now full time knife maker and leather worker, from Avoca, Co Wicklow.
In 2012 I moved to Alberta, Canada, for better job prospects. I spent 8 years working and trying to get citizenship there. After that plan fell through at the last minute i decided to go on a road trip around Canada before I had to leave.
I converted a Dodge Grand Caravan into a mini camper and set off for 8 months. And what an epic journey that was. It was on one of the many evenings around the campfire that I began to contemplate my future. I was tired of working for others and dealing with false promises etc... While scrolling through YouTube I came upon a video from an older english gentleman who had been in a similar position to myself. He started to make knives as a hobby.
After watching many of his videos, watching his skills and passion for quality work, I came to the conclusion that it was something I could do. With my woodworking and metal working background I could make it happen. And as soon as i moved back to Ireland in 2019 i did exactly that.
I started by buying premade blades and making the handles and leather sheaths. I concentrated on building up those skills till I was in a position to make my own blades after 2 years.
Up untill I decided to become a knife maker I had actualy forgotten how much knife making was a part of me. I remember as a kid, in first year woodwork, making wooden knives in class when id finished my projects early, much to the amusement of my teacher. Ive always used knives since im an avid outdoorsman, hunter and flyfisher. I'm also into online gaming and sci-fi, and alot of my inspiration comes from these sources, practical and fantastical. Just because it's a tool doesnt mean it cant look nice or be improved upon.
Anything is possible, but you have to make it happen. Dont be afraid to change, step outside your comfort zone and take a risk!
Links
Visit Fran O Toole - Mountain Man Knives website
Location
Gallery
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