Arno Bernard Knives

Arno Bernard Knives brings South African craftsmanship into the world of premium hunting knives, field knives, and modern folding knives. Founded by Arno Bernard Sr., the brand is known for clean blade geometry, hand-finished details, exotic natural handle materials, and a strong family workshop identity. Today, the company operates near Bethlehem, South Africa, where the Bernard family continues to build knives that feel both refined and highly usable.

Arno Bernard Knives: South African Craftsmanship With Collector Appeal

The brand’s story began with Arno Bernard Sr., who made his first knife from a saw blade in 1979. Over time, that early passion became a full-time custom knife business. The workshop later grew into a family operation, with Arno’s sons helping shape the modern direction of the company. That multi-generational structure gives the brand a clear identity: practical performance, traditional craftsmanship, and materials that reflect South African outdoor culture.

Many collectors first discovered the maker through fixed blades built for hunting, field use, and outdoor work. Those knives often feature clean hollow grinds, premium stainless steels, and natural handle materials such as kudu bone, giraffe bone, warthog tusk, mammoth molar, and African hardwoods. Because these materials vary from knife to knife, each piece carries a visual character that feels personal rather than generic.

In recent years, the iMamba helped introduce Arno Bernard Knives to a wider everyday carry audience. The iMamba is a premium titanium frame lock folder offered in flipper and non-flipper configurations, often with RWL34 blade steel, caged ceramic ball bearings, refined handle inlays, and a slim carry profile. It keeps the brand’s traditional attention to finishing while moving into the high-end folding knife category.

The appeal is not only visual. These knives are known for thin, useful blade geometry and a clean hand feel. The company’s folding models are especially popular with collectors who want South African maker heritage in a modern pocketknife format. Meanwhile, the fixed blade lineup continues to attract buyers who value hunting knives, outdoor tools, and natural handle materials with strong provenance.

For current availability, explore Shop by Maker, New Arrivals, and Folding Knives at We Buy Knife Collections. Collectors comparing handle materials, steel choices, and condition may also find useful guidance in Knife Knowledge, including articles about premium blade steels, buying custom knives, and how condition affects collector value. If you own Arno Bernard Knives or other high-end custom knives and are considering selling, Sell Your Knife Collection and What We Buy explain how We Buy Knife Collections evaluates maker demand, originality, materials, condition, accessories, and provenance.

Arno Bernard is also a member in good standing of the South African Knifemakers Guild.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arno Bernard Knives

Who founded Arno Bernard Knives?
Arno Bernard Sr. founded the company after beginning his knifemaking journey in 1979. The business later developed into a respected family-run South African knife company.

Where are these knives made?
The workshop is located near Bethlehem, South Africa, where the Bernard family and their team produce fixed blades, folding knives, and related EDC pieces.

What is the iMamba?
The iMamba is a premium titanium frame lock folder from the brand. It is known for refined action, clean ergonomics, inlay options, and modern everyday carry appeal.

What materials does the maker use?
Common materials include premium stainless blade steels, titanium frames, African hardwoods, kudu bone, giraffe bone, warthog tusk, mammoth molar, and other natural inlay or handle materials.

Does We Buy Knife Collections buy Arno Bernard Knives?
Yes. We Buy Knife Collections buys Arno Bernard Knives and other collectible custom knives, especially examples with strong condition, original packaging, desirable materials, and documented provenance.