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I am Stan McKiernan and River's Bend knives have
been my only career since 1993. My first knife was made in 1984. As with many other makers, those early blades were ground
from files and saw blades. I soon began using regular blade steels like ATS-34 and 440C stainless steels. Eventually, Damascus
steel became my favorite blade material.
I work by stock removal and almost all of my blades are hollow ground.
Most of my blades are given a high polish. Even my Damascus steel blades are polished after deep etching. This makes for
a superior finish that catches the light.
Japanese, Persian, and Indian influences can be seen in most of my designs.
Many patterns come as a whole, handle and sheath often crafted from the same piece of exotic hardwood. Most notable among
these are the Tanto designs.
While I do work with other exotic handle materials, wood is my passion. The variety
of color, figure, and texture existing in the world of exotic woods is practically endless. I am constantly discovering new
and interesting woods that most of the knifemaking world isn't aware of.
I also manufacture and supply mosaic pins
for use in knifemaking. Check the mosaic pin page for sizes and pricing. The very large pins I produce can be used as inlays,
either flush with the material or domed and set proud like a cabochon. I accept individual and wholesale orders for pins.
My love for wood has lead me into the world of turning. Working on the lathe is a great deal of fun for me. I have been
able to incorporate turning into some of my newer knife designs. Fine walking sticks and pens are also produced on my lathe.
You will see some of these pictured in Gallery 3.
The knives pictured in the galleries are what I currently have
in stock. Please feel free to contact me for sales. I enjoy complex blade shapes. They provide a challenge and in the end
I'm a better knifemaker for it. If you have a special idea in mind, please let me know. Orders from my patterns or yours
are welcome.
I hope you enjoy my work as much as I do.
Thank you.
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