Gareth Bull is a Cape Town resident creating magic straight from his garage at home with his family. Art encapsulates so many mediums, and Bull is celebrating a craft lesser known to the Mother City — knives.
So much more than a kitchen tool, this local family is showcasing the artistry behind each blade. Handmade, custom, stunning. Their creations have become sought-after around the globe.
Growing up on a farm, knives were part of Bull’s everyday practicalities. But at 13-years-old, he began crafting his own — the beginning of a lifetime of art.
At 18-years old, Bull and his family got the machinery needed to turn what was then a hobby into what is now a celebrated mastery.
Working as a dream team, Gareth Bull, his father, Mike Bull (AKA ‘OG Bull’), youngest Bull Jason, and Jason Van Straaten are the artists behind every unique product.
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Introducing Gareth Bull Knives…
Bull’s knives are completely handmade, using the best materials he can lay his hands on, most of which are imported from Europe. The results are nothing short of mesmerising.
The final product is the result of a journey. From simple samples to digitalising the idea to hand-cutting the basic shape. Bull loves a challenge, so folding knives are a speciality.
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These knives don’t just look beautiful. They are fully functional, and every family member plays an important role in the process.
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The family create styles including Shamwari, Miura, and Wolfmouse.
The foundation of the Shamwari design is simplicity. Nothing to add, nothing to take away – paperclip simple. Classic, user-friendly blade shapes, simple comfortable handles and a front flipper that allows for easy deployment and a maximum usable blade. Intended as an all-round EDC tool, the name Shamwari means ‘friend/companion’.
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Miura knives are tactical/fighter folders and draw inspiration from Bob Terzuola’s style with aggressive lines and grinds. Longer proportions than the Shamwari, this knife offers maximum grip with a long sleek blade and needle-sharp tip. The name stems from the most famous line of Spanish fighting Bulls – the Miura line.
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Finally, the Wolfmouse. This is a compact yet capable design, punching way outside its weight category. It has a different spin on the front flipper found on their other models. It’s named after a tiny mouse that hunts scorpions and howls at the moon.
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For more information, visit bullknives.com or follow this cutting-edge journey on Instagram and Facebook.
#MadeinCapeTown by Cape {town} Etc.
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Pictures/Video: Cape {town} Etc / Gareth Bull Knives