Howard Hitchmough Custom Knife Damasteel and Mammoth Midlock with 14Kt Gold Accents (Featured in a Video)
Born and raised in London, England, Howard began work in 1958 as a surgical instrument maker and during the early 1960's started making hunting knives. Also at that time, his fascination with mechanisms stimulated him to produce a few folding knives. In 1982, He began attending knife shows in the United States and became a full-time knife maker in 1985. Later in 1997, Howard moved from England to New Hampshire and built an advanced workshop. He has completed numerous courses in jewelry making and continuously expand his knifemaking knowledge by reading and study. According to Howard, "The materials I use are the best available and are carefully selected. I primarily use stainless Damascus and ATS-34 steels for blades." Some handle choices include mammoth, pearl and exotic woods in addition to stainless steel and titanium. Many of his engraved knives are done in collaboration with Simon Lytton from England, Julie Warenski and Tim George. Hitchmough further commented on his design, "The major portion of my current work is folding knives as I relish the challenges involved in creating a properly functioning mechanism within a visually balanced and flowing design."