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Derek Rausch in his workshop outside of Pretoria, South Africa

Derek Rausch (b. 1959) is a skilled instrument maker and entrepreneur, known for his significant contributions to the knifemaking industry in South Africa. He qualified as an Instrument Maker through the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and established Rausch Engineering in October 1983.

In 1993, Derek completed a knifemaking course with Owen Wood, leading him to join the Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa the following year. Recognizing a gap in the market for a dedicated knifemaking supplies shop, he partnered with Owen Wood to create the first such store in South Africa. This venture not only filled a crucial need but also allowed Derek to leverage his engineering background to manufacture high-quality components and tooling for the industry such as belt sanders, contact wheels, pivots screws, drilling and tapping jigs, screws, thumb studs, and more.

Derek attended his first knife show at the Guild Show in 1994, where he showcased his unique Damascus daggers. His innovative designs quickly gained attention, leading to lucrative orders and the employment of fellow Guild member Louis DeWalt to assist with production. However, as demand for both engineering products and knifemaking supplies grew, Derek faced challenges balancing these expanding businesses.

In 2020, he made the difficult decision to pause his knifemaking endeavors to focus on engineering. Derek, now at 65 is returning to knifemaking, specifically by developing a range of Integral Survival Knives made in house in his own engineering shop. The knives are created from one solid bar of steel for higher durability. The handles are hollowed out, allowing survival equipment to be stored inside. By being made from one single piece of steel, there are no smaller separate parts that can easily break. His knives are exceptional quality, offered at a great price. We are excited to sell his fantastic knives at BladeGallery and are looking forward to what he creates next!

Steel rods prior to being machined into Ruasch's Integral Survival Knives

PREVIOUSLY SOLD ITEMS
(NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE)
Gandanga Integral Survival Knife (8")
click to see more
Operator Integral Survival Knife (5-1/2")
click to see more

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