Hello! I’m Rob Shrewsbury, and I’m a craftsman, deeply rooted in the heart of Mount Dora, Florida. For as long as I can remember, knives have held a profound fascination for me. Not just as objects, but as timeless tools—primitive in their essence, yet capable of incredible complexity when crafted with purpose. It’s this beautiful paradox that drew me in as a child, collecting blades and marveling at their simple, yet elegant, geometry.
My journey into crafting these remarkable tools was sparked by an unexpected passion: woodworking. As I delved into hand tool woodworking and the art of carving, I discovered the profound satisfaction of honing a blade to perfection. This hands-on experience deepened my appreciation for the knife as an extension of the hand, a tool of creation in itself. It was a natural progression from admiring knives to understanding them, and finally, to making them.
By day, my world is the digital realm of information technology. But like many who spend their hours in the intangible world of code and data, I yearned for something more. For years, vintage swing dancing was my outlet, a vibrant expression of creativity. Yet, a deeper drive persisted: the desire to create something truly tangible, something that could be held, used, and passed down. This yearning, perhaps a echo of the artwork I created in my youth, led me to the workshop. Here, amidst the scent of wood and the clang of steel, I found my true creative outlet, bringing tangible art into the world.
What truly fuels my craft is the timeless nature of woodworking and knife making. There’s an inherent beauty in working with materials like wood and steel, raw creations of nature. But beyond that, these are crafts steeped in history, perfected over millennia and passed down through generations. In our increasingly high-tech world, the traditional techniques that define a true craftsman are slowly fading. I feel a deep responsibility to play my part in preserving these skills, ensuring that the artistry of steel and wood continues to thrive.
For me, woodworking and knife making go hand-in-hand. While I work with a variety of materials, there’s a special joy in crafting a unique wooden handle that perfectly complements a blade. Am I a woodworker or a knife maker? I am both. The two crafts are intrinsically linked by the spirit of craftsmanship, a pursuit of excellence that merges steel and soul. My passion and appreciation for each craft will always remain, regardless of where my creative journey leads me.
I invite you to explore my work and discover the blend of tradition, utility, and artistry in each piece I create.
