If you don’t know the name yet, here’s the quick version. Arno Bernard Knives are a family-run mid-tech knife workshop based in Bethlehem, South Africa. In collector circles, they’re often spoken about in the same breath as Chris Reeve Knives. Some even call them the South African CRK.
And after handling them?
We get it. We totally get it.
We’re also incredibly honoured to be one of only four Arno Bernard dealers worldwide, hand-picked by the company. Bringing them to Australia is a big moment for us — and for local collectors who’ve been chasing these for years.
The Collector Journey (You Know the One)
Every knife collector starts somewhere.
Maybe it was a solid budget blade. Then you levelled up to premium production offerings like Jack Wolf Knives with premium materials and dialled tolerances.
And then… there are the grails.
The knives people whisper about in Facebook groups or forums. The ones you save for. The ones that reset your expectations.
Arno Bernard sits firmly in grail territory.
Each knife is lovingly built to order. Not mass churned. Not rushed. We’re talking hours of design, CNC precision, hand grinding, hand finishing, testing - and then refining it again.
These are true mid-tech knives, often described as semi-customs - a hybrid category that bridges the gap between full customs and production pieces, combining precision machining with hands-on finishing.
When you handle one, it’s different. The tolerances. The acoustics. The action. The finishing. It’s one of those “ahhh… so this is what everyone meant” moments.
The Models We’ve Brought to Australia
For our first batch, we’ve secured two heavy hitters: The iMamba & the Turaco.
The iMamba
The iMamba is a modern icon.
Available in flipper and flipper-delete configurations, with refinement evident in every detail. From the bank-vault framelock to the pursposeful blade shape, unique pivot and no-screw pocket clip, these features make it an instant classic. This is a knife with real presence.
Blade-wise:
- 3.2mm thick
- Combined flat grind finished with a hollow grind (a technique they’ve absolutely mastered)
- Stonewashed or mirror (satin-sheen) options.
On the stonewashed version, the blade is fully ground and polished before tumbling. On the mirror version, they apply an ultra-fine tumble that gives a near-mirror appearance, then hand-finish specific areas for that satin sheen look.
It’s technical. It’s precise. It’s beautifully executed.
The Turaco
Their latest release and it’s been receiving serious acclaim.
We’ll say this clearly:
This is the best button lock action we’ve ever handled.
It’s smooth. It’s secure. It’s confidence-inspiring. No blade play. No rattle. No lock stick. No weirdness. Just buttery, controlled deployment and rock-solid lock-up. We've been advised that the Turaco model has passed multiple spine whackings and torture testing over at Arno Bernard HQ and has withstood all the abuse without any blade play or lock fail. This mechanism has been installed on all their Turaco knives.
AB took their time designing and producing this model - nothing short of perfection would do. They nailed it.
Blade specs:
- 3.2mm thick
- Same combined flat + hollow grind finish
- Stonewashed base finish
- Mirror version hand-finished with a fine belt for that satin sheen, while select areas retain the stonewash for contrast
The mirror Turaco has a slightly different visual personality compared to the iMamba - the finishing approach creates nuanced differences that collectors will absolutely appreciate.
The Arno Bernard Experience (Yes, Even the Unboxing)
This isn’t just about the knife.
It’s the full experience.
Open the box and you’re greeted with:
- A collector's coin
- A beautifully made Frank Hanx handkerchief / cleaning cloth
- Leather slip
- Torx Keys
- The Knife
It’s all part of the Arno Bernard philosophy. Nothing feels rushed. Nothing feels overlooked.
Built in Bethlehem: A True Family Operation
The workshop sits on the outskirts of Bethlehem, South Africa. What began in 1979 as a one-man operation by Arno Bernard Sr. has grown into a business supporting over 11 families.
Today, the four Bernard brothers each play a role in the company:
- Arno (CEO): product development & CNC
- Franco: grinding, new designs, testing
- Juan: handle division
- Ruan: operations & coordination
Their father still contributes to design and testing, and together they’ve built a close-knit workshop of around 12 people.
One of the things we love most? They actively source authentic South African handle materials. Mammoth molar (below). Desert ironwood. Exotic local materials that make each knife genuinely unique. You’re not just getting titanium and steel, you’re getting a piece of South African heritage built into the handle.
Simple designs. Beautiful execution. Built to be used - and even if they end up in a display case/cabinet, we don't blame you.
Arno once said:
“There is no greater pleasure than seeing our knives being used.”
That sums it up.
These are grails - yes.
They’re collector-worthy - absolutely.
But they’re also built to be carried, cut with, and appreciated daily.
We’re incredibly proud to bring Arno Bernard to Australia. And if you’ve been waiting to understand what true high-end craftsmanship feels like in hand… this is your moment.
View Our in-stock Arno Bernard knives or reach out directly to us at info@adventurecarry.com.au to secure your dream Arno Bernard configuration.
