Question: I'm curious about the designation "Master Knifemaker". How long does it take to become a master knifemaker?

Harald: In my case, I'd have to say it took me 40 years before I truly earned the title. Even as a child growing up in my native Germany, knives, swords and weaponry held a special fascination for me. Of course, as a child, the blades I made were wooden. It's only over the last decade or so that I've been able to achieve the realization of those childhood fantasies.

To be able to finally hold an axe like this one here is the fulfillment of a lifetime of dreaming and honing my craft.

Question: So how one progress from nailing wooden swords together to creating axes like this and winning "International Knifemaker of the Year " awards?

Harald: My formal training was in tool and die making as a precision machinist. Practicing advanced metal work gave me the education and experience I needed to pursue my life's ambition as a knifemaker and a craftsman.

It's been almost three decades since I left the security of the machinist trade to pursue knife making full-time and I still rely on those skills every time I tackle a complex project.

Question: What do you enjoy most about your craft?

Harald: I still enjoy designing and making folding knives the best and I enjoy dealing with people that appreciate my craft.

Knife making is an area where form meets function, where craftsmanship meets artistry.

At it's most basic level, every blade is a tool designed to serve a specific purpose. So, in the case of a throwing knife, it must be perfectly weighted and balanced and feel "just right" in your hand.

With my folding knives, I employ a special lock liner design that allows the knife to opened and closed with a single thumb.

Even with my fantasy pieces... my Barbarian Battle Axe is a good example... even though it's more likely to find its way into a display case than a battle field, it was designed to withstand the rigors of battle and come out swinging. It's a piece that both an art collector and a barbarian king could appreciate.

Question: What you're describing would fall more under engineering and craftsmanship. Where does the design element come into play?

Harald: I love working with rare and exotic materials and using them to accent the functionality of my blades with beautiful design.

I've been fitting my folding knives with 600 million year old Meteorite and handset Burmese rubies and diamonds. I utilize Mother of Pearl, Abalone, Walrus, Water Buffalo, Mosaic Paua Shell, a variety of exotic woods and 20,000 to 30,000 year old Mammoth ivory.

The Damascus steel that I use to create the blades is gorgeous to look at, a feat of engineering and the work of masters in their own right. I'm a huge fan of the Damascus steels being created by Devon Thomas and Robert Eggerling’s Mosaic Damascus.

I use these as the raw materials in my work and allow my sense of style to dictate the final design of my knives.

Question: I'm curious; who buys your knives?

Harald: Knife collectors, of course. But, really, anyone that appreciates beautiful, functional art.

But a high-end blade is one of those rare cases where one can own the best of the best without taking out a bank loan. A quality blade is not inexpensive, but it helps to keep a sense of perspective: These are pieces that will be passed down for generations but cost the same as as an electronic gadget with an expected 18-month lifespan. Besides, they make a great gift.

Question: One last one; where do you find the 20,000 year old woolly mammoth ivory and 600 year old meteorite that you use in your knives?

Harald: That's a really great question and I'd love to answer it. Unfortunately, I'll have to get back to you; I have a flight to catch in half an hour to Dawson City, Yukon if I hope to make the next expedition to the dig for woolly Mammoth ivory!!!