Pocket Skinner by Erin Peacock

Based in Fontainebleau, South Africa, Erin William Peacock of EwP Knives blends functional design, artistic flair, and historical reverence into blades that are as personal as they are practical. A maker, musician, and visual craftsman, Erin’s work reflects a lifelong pursuit of precision and self-expression. His knifemaking journey began in 2009 with a “Basic Course in Bladesmithing” under Stuart Smith, and what started as a spark quickly forged into a lasting commitment.

With a background as a guitarist and road manager for some of South Africa’s top bands, Erin approaches knifemaking with the rhythm of an artist and the focus of a technician. Since turning seriously to the craft in 2021, he has developed a signature style of clean, simple knives with “a bit of lipstick” - tools made for use but elevated with thoughtful detail and one-of-a-kind finishes.

Erin prefers high carbon steels like 80CrV2 for their ability to develop unique character through hamons and quench lines, giving each blade a distinct visual identity. Natural wood is his handle material of choice - each piece selected for its tone, texture, and inherent fingerprint. “Every piece of wood has its own warmth and story,” he says, “and I want that to come through in the final knife.”

Design begins with hand sketches and evolves through iterative shaping and sculpting, often refined using French curves, rulers, and old-fashioned intuition. Some knives are forged by hand, especially his Puukkos, while others are stock removed for efficiency. His toolkit includes belt grinders, files, and disc sanders - with each tool, like “Spider-Man,” “Iron Man,” and “Skeletor” (his named grinders), playing a role in the symphony of his workflow.

Among his standout creations is the “Cherry Blossom” Gents Vest Bowie: an 80CrV2 blade with a satin finish, copper and stainless fittings, and a Leadwood coffin-shaped handle adorned with custom copper cherry blossoms, set into a multi-layered leather sheath designed to tell a tactile story.

Inspired by functional blades with historic relevance, Erin’s mantra is simple: “Do your best, every step of the way.” He wants every knife to create a personal connection with its owner - something that feels like a win to hold.

A committed member of the knifemaking community, Erin is an Apprentice Smith with the American Bladesmith Society, a member of SABA, Discovery Knife Club, and Rand Bladecrafters Club. His dedication has already earned him accolades, including:

- Best Culinary Knife – Novice Division (Brooklyn Knife Show, 2023)
- Best Hunting Knife – Novice Division (Brooklyn Knife Show, 2023)

For Erin, knifemaking isn’t just about the blade - it’s about constant improvement, creative challenge, and the joy of making something useful and beautiful. Every knife he makes is the best he can create at that moment in his journey.

Follow or contact:
🌐 Website: www.ewpknives.co.za
📧 Email: erin@ewpknives.co.za
📸 Instagram: @ewpknives
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/ewpknives
📱 Phone: +27 83 256 1556