Arno Bernard Knives, rooted in the rich history of South African craftsmanship, has carved a niche for itself in the competitive knife market with its high-performance hunting, field, and everyday carry knives. Established over 35 years ago, this custom knife manufacturer has not only become a stalwart in its homeland but has also captivated the American market with each piece being handcrafted and meticulously attended to, ensuring unparalleled quality and customer satisfaction.

With a legacy that intertwines with the ancient art of knife making, Arno Bernard Knives stands as a testament to the timeless tradition and innovation, highlighted by their esteemed membership in the Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa for over two decades. The brand's commitment to excellence is further exemplified in its Rinkhals Collection, showcasing the pinnacle of craftsmanship and design, underscoring the company’s dedication to satisfying the evolving tastes and necessities of knife enthusiasts around the globe.

The Roots of South African Knife Making

In the picturesque town of Bethlehem, Eastern Free State, South Africa, Arno Bernard Knives has established itself as a beacon of knife-making excellence. Founded in 1979 by Arno Bernard Sr., this family business has not only contributed significantly to the local economy by employing and training residents, but it has also become synonymous with quality and innovation in the global knife market. The Bernard family, leveraging the rich heritage of South African craftsmanship, has been creating custom knives since the 1990s. Their creations are renowned for their durability, sharpness, and edge retention, thanks to the use of high-quality steel.

Arno Bernard Knives draws inspiration from the natural beauty of Bethlehem, with its rolling hills, green grasslands, and pristine waters. This unique environment fuels the creativity behind their knife designs, making each piece not just a tool, but a work of art that reflects the essence of South Africa's landscape.

Craftsmanship and Materials

Arno Bernard Knives epitomizes the pinnacle of craftsmanship and innovative use of materials, setting a standard that resonates with knife enthusiasts worldwide. The brand's dedication to quality is evident in its choice of materials and meticulous crafting processes:

Blade Material and Construction:

Utilizes Böhler N690Co high carbon stainless steel for blades, ensuring a razor-sharp edge and excellent edge retention.

Blades are hollow ground freehand, hand-polished from world-class Bohler N690 stainless steel, and undergo a liquid nitrogen heat treatment process, tempered to a Rockwell hardness scale of 59-60 for unmatched durability.

Handle Materials:

• Offers a diverse range of exotic materials for handles, including mammoth tooth, giraffe bone, warthog ivory tusk, and more, sourced in perfect specimens to complement the knife designs.
• Handle options extend to include warthog tusk, mammoth tooth ivory, giraffe bone, sambar stag, paua shell, crocodile hide, desert ironwood, select micarta, and G-10s, providing unparalleled aesthetics and grip.

Sheath and Additional Features:

• Each knife is accompanied by a genuine handcrafted African Cape Buffalo leather belt sheath, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality and functionality.
• The Rinkhals Collection, a testament to the brand's innovative design, features hunting knives with simple yet elegant designs available in various styles, embodying the essence of Arno Bernard Knives' craftsmanship.

This meticulous attention to detail and the use of premium materials not only serve to enhance the functionality and durability of Arno Bernard Knives but also underscore the brand's legacy of South African craftsmanship.

The brand's commitment to innovation is evident in the Knife Trends for 2024, highlighting the popularity of EDC knives and the increasing influence of smaller manufacturers on the market. This trend underscores Arno Bernard Knives' position at the forefront of design and material use, ensuring that each knife is not only a tool but a masterpiece of craftsmanship.

South African Knives Today

Arno Bernard Knives not only offers a wide array of products catering to various needs but also ensures each knife achieves a perfect balance between edge retention and performance. This balance is crucial for knives used in survival situations, where durability, stain and corrosion resistance, and added toughness are paramount. The brand's products, celebrated for their craftsmanship and functionality, have found a dedicated audience among hunters, collectors, and those who appreciate the nuanced language of knife and gear culture. Furthermore, the Rinkhals Collection stands as a testament to the brand's innovative spirit, featuring hunting knives with simple yet elegant designs that embody the essence of Arno Bernard Knives' craftsmanship, appealing to a niche market that values quality and heritage.

Prove Yourself

Throughout the exploration of Arno Bernard Knives, we've journeyed through the brand’s dedication to preserving the legacy of South African craftsmanship, its innovative use of materials, and the creation of iconic knife designs that transcend mere functionality to become works of art. The enduring legacy of the brand, coupled with the Rinkhals Collection’s embodiment of craftsmanship and design, showcases Arno Bernard Knives’ unparalleled commitment to quality and innovation. This commitment ensures that each knife is not only a tool but a masterpiece that narrates the rich history and artistry of South African knife-making.

As Arno Bernard Knives continues to forge its path in the knife-making industry, it invites enthusiasts and collectors to partake in its journey and witness firsthand the meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into each piece. The brand's resolve to blend tradition with innovation captures the spirit of its offerings, ensuring that the art of knife-making is not lost but rather enhanced for future generations.

Thus, to truly appreciate the depth of artistry and commitment behind Arno Bernard's creations, explore the esteemed Rinkhals Collection and prove yourself as a connoisseur of fine craftsmanship and enduring legacy.