Owen became interested in making knives in 1972 and seven years later became South Africa’s first professional knifemaker. In 1980 he was involved in founding the Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa and was chairman of the organization for 10 years. 

        In 1999 Owen and his family moved from South Africa to Denver, Colorado, where he spent two years working for Spyderco, both in their research and development department, and running their Golden factory before returning to full-time knife making.

        But in the end, it is Owen’s approach to design that really makes him stand out. He sees the knife as a complete object, and he tries to design the entire knife, handle, scales, bolsters, pommel and blade into a fully integrated work of art. When he makes his steel, he is thinking of how the pattern of the blade will integrate with the elements in the handle, and of course, the overall shape of the knife. In choosing material for a bolster or pommel he takes a similar approach.

        This integrated approach also applies to the scale or handle material, particularly when it has strong directional qualities. Similarly, he feels the engravers work should complement the design as well. In collaborating with an engraver, Owen believes their ideas should run in a similar vein to his own to create a truly great piece.