Corrie Schoeman (b. 1945) is a seasoned South African knifemaker from Bloemfontein in the Free State province. He is known for his craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication to the art of custom knives. Corrie lives with his wife Elsa and border collie Patch in a beautiful hundred year old house that he renovated. He has two kids and five grandchildren. His knifemaking workshop is in the garage – as he says, their “cars have never had the luxury of sleeping in the garage.” Corrie’s family has stood by him through his knifemaking career. His wife, Elsa, has always been a sounding board and has given him advice and support. His daughter Lonxi goes with him to Guild Show each year where she helps at the table.
His journey into knifemaking started over 50 years ago while he was attending university. At the time, he was very interested in karate and martial arts weapons. Using an emery grinding wheel and files, he made himself a three-pronged Japanese sai. As soon as his fellow martial arts friends saw it, they wanted Corrie to make sais for them as well! These were not commercially available at the time, and being a student in need of funds, he happily got to work in making more for his friends.
Before becoming a full-time knifemaker, Schoeman attended university, first achieving a bachelor of science degree, followed by a degree in quantity surveying. He worked as a building surveyor until 1996 when he decided to leave his job and pursue his true calling of knifemaking. Initially, he focused on crafting large fixed-blade knives, using thick 6mm steel -- the only steel that was available to him at the time. He made his first knives with just a drill and files. As his skills grew, he used proceeds from knives to build his own machinery, including the grinders which he still uses today.
Over the years, martial arts and knifemaking were his driving hobbies and he spent his spare time fiddling in the workshop. In those days, a typical day was long. He started by training in the gym early in the morning, followed by a bit of karate training and then working till five. This was followed by training and teaching karate until about seven. He would then go home, have a quick supper and then work on knives until late into evening.
Schoeman’s journey for knowledge was not without its challenges. At the time, there was no internet, cellphones, or access to easy information. Without knowing any fellow knifemakers in the area, progressing in his craft and obtaining new knowledge and skills was difficult. He began reading hunting magazines as they were the only place he could find articles and pictures about custom knives. In 1985, he joined the Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa, a decision that would be the catalyst for his growth as a craftsman. Schoeman traveled long distances to attend Guild shows, where he would observe, ask questions, and absorb as much knowledge as he could.
His work evolved significantly after seeing a linerlock folder made by a fellow South African knifemaker Owen Wood at the Guild Show. Inspired by this artistic knife, Schoeman tried his hand at folder making, despite the lack of mentorship or local resources. He recalls not even knowing what a belt grinder was when he first started, making the road to mastering his craft a long, but rewarding one. He taught himself through a combination of trial and error, and the limited articles he could find.
Today Corrie primarily makes folding knives and has created a style that is immediately recognizable and unique. He creates functional, aesthetically pleasing tools that reflect his meticulous attention to detail. His knives often push the boundaries between utility and art. His folders tend to have hand fileworked liners and backstraps, with many featuring an inlaid jewel somewhere on the knife as well as in the thumbstud. His stacked construction is immediately identifiable. His knives are works of art that incorporate an array of materials including mammoth ivory, mother of pearl, and damascus. His fit and finish are excellent and his folding knives have silky-smooth action when opening and closing. His knives are completely handmade with no two folders being identical. Corrie sees every knife he makes as a small piece of art designed to last a lifetime! Corrie has gained a loyal following, and his high level of craftsmanship has earned him recognition in the global knifemaking community.