Grand Design

VALAVIAN EDGE CRAFT’S PRIMAL BOWIE IS IDEAL FOR THE RUGGED OUTDOORS, SURVIVAL AND UTILITY

- Jonathan Kilburn

What is your worst nightmare? For me, there is nothing more disastrous than having a knife fail when I need it the most. While many would say this is only an inconvenience, some rely on these tools as their main item for survival. To them, knives are not just a statement piece — they are tools to be utilized in multiple scenarios. Jeremy Valentine is an example.

As a youngster, he got lost in the woods during a hunting trip. Of course, it’s routine for hunters or campers to carry some essential tools. Regardless, these tools are scarcely put through demanding tests. Sure, they hold up just fine to normal use and mild abuse, but survival needs are different. Like all hunters, Jeremy had several of the knives that held up well under normal circumstances. As he wandered deeper into the woods over several days, however, each knife failed with simple fire prep or shelter building. After he discovered a river and navigated his way back, he made a promise to himself: Make an indestructible knife that would never fail in the field. Years later, Jeremy used this experience and his knifemaking skills to do just that, as he established a company called Valavian Edge Craft.

Why He is Different

My first exposure to Jeremy’s work was an oversized sword that looked like it was from an animated game or movie. As I began to follow his work more closely, I started admiring the details and themes that all his creations breathe. He is one of the few current knifemakers that is consistently pushing the limits of materials and design while keeping his knives completely functional. His designs are big, bold, beautiful and brilliant.