Mick Penfold, trading as Penfold Knives, has been making knives since late 1999.
Mick's workshop will attest to the small amount of equipment (drill press, belt grinder and buffing wheel) used in his knife making. Mick's wide range - from Bowies to Fillets and Kukri Knives, from Hunting Knives to Miniatures and Persian Recurve-style Knives to utility knives and Damascus letter openers - all demonstrate his dedication to his craftsmanship.
Mick's first show was in April 2000 in Eugene, Oregon, USA, followed by the Bay Area Knife Collectors' Association show in South San Francisco, USA.
In 2001 Mick was awarded Best New Knife Maker at BAKCA's Show, San Francisco, California.
During 2001 Mick continued to show in Eugene, added two shows in Tacoma (Washington), participated in the Professional Knifemaker's Association show in Denver, Colorado, USA, as well as his local show -BAKCA in the Bay Area.
During 2002 to 2003 he has regularly showed at the Knife Expo in Los Angeles, the North West Knife Collector's Show in Eugene, Oregon, the Blade Show West in Los Angeles, and the BAKCA Los Altos show. He was also invited to attend and display his knives at the Safari Club's Annual Banquet in Carmel, California.
Mick won Best Bowie at the Knife Expo in 2003 held in Buena Park, Los Angeles, and has been featured in the top Knife Collector's Magazine - Blade Magazine - in the March and August 2003 issues.
Mick had moved to California in 1980 (with his wife Sue who accompanies him to the shows) and in late 2003 they moved back to England, settling in Cornwall, near Liskeard. He can be contacted at mickpenfold@btinternet.com.
In 2004 and 2005 Mick attended numerous County Fairs, Game Shows and Antique Arms Fairs, up and down the country, including: Newbury, Launceston, Fenland, Bisley, Shepton Mallet, Marriott Hotel London, and the Midlands show at Shifnal Park.
He also travelled to Lugano in Switzerland, Paris, France, and Milan, Italy to attend their premier knife shows.
In Milan, in November 2004, Mick was awarded 2nd Premier Best Knife in Show, for the Large Bowie that features Jim Ferguson's Damascus.
Since returning home, Mick's knives have been featured regularly Gun Mart.
Lame, the knife collectors magazine in Italy has featured Mick in many issues including the October 2004 issue which had a four page, full colour article on Mick and his knives.
The Italian Culter Show featured one of Mick's bowies in its publicity.
Blade, the premier American Knife Magazine continues to feature Mick since his return to England.
Finally, Mick was featured in the newly released 500 Knives publication - a great honour.
Mick and Sue were actively involved in the set up and the continued success of Mike Keogh's UK Knife Show. In 2007 the show moved to the Aztec Resort Centre and is usually held in May. In 2010 the show date will move to 20th June in the hope of capturing a better day for the outside demonstrations and will be held at the Tortworth Four Pillars Hotel just outside of Bristol. See Show Dates for full information.
More information, the portfolio and gallery can be found at Mick’s specially created website: www.penfoldknives.com.
Our reassurance: Mick creates knives to his high standard and each knife is photographed and numbered; they are collectible as well as practical.
He works with all steels and Damascus from Europe and American. Handles range from stag, bone, horn, stabilized wood, mother of pearl and laminates for working knives.
Penfold Knives continues to feature at the UK Knife Show (Mick was the Professional Knife maker Competition Judge in 2009) and the Bisley Pavilion Show. We hope to travel to the Paris Show in 2010.
Happy collecting!
