


About
Forged for the Hunt. Born of Africa.
The TIA Knife is more than a blade — it’s a working tool, a piece of African craftsmanship, and a symbol of the modern conservation-minded hunter.
Designed for those who pursue wild places with respect and responsibility, this knife represents a tribe — hunters who understand that conservation and hunting walk hand in hand. Carrying a TIA Knife marks you as part of that brotherhood.
The branded blade features a thinner-than-average spine to reduce weight while increasing slicing efficiency and control. The result is a knife that cuts cleaner, works longer, and handles effortlessly during demanding tasks.
Because hunters often work inside the abdomen and ribcage where visibility is limited, the handle incorporates strong positive reference points. This allows you to maintain safe blade orientation and confident hand placement — even when working blind.
And when conditions get wet, slippery, and messy — as they always do — the grip remains secure and reliable
The handle tells a story no other knife can.
Its material begins its journey in the African bush, harvested naturally by elephants from trees such as Acacia, Mopane, and Combretum (Jesse bush). After being carried across the savanna by these giants, the fibres are collected and preserved in a blend of chopped carbon fibre and epoxy resin, then cured under high pressure.
The result is incredibly strong, completely unique, and deeply symbolic — a piece of African DNA forever captured in your hand.
A handmade form of African amber.
No two handles are ever the same.
Heritage in every stitch
The Selous carry sheath pays tribute to Andy’s father, Donald Buchanan — a renowned Selous Scout who operated behind enemy lines during the Rhodesian Bush War, and the man who first passed down a love of Africa’s wild places.
It honors legacy, resilience, and bushcraft in its purest form.
Crafted by a master
Each knife is handmade by Stuart Hay of Turriff Knives — a South African knife maker with Scottish roots and a lifelong passion for wildlife and fine bladework. His skill and attention to detail ensure every piece is both functional tool and heirloom-quality work of art.
Steel type
Böhler K110 Steel (German equivalent of D2)
Böhler K110 is the German equivalent of D2 tool steel. D2 gained prominence during World War II, where it was widely used to manufacture dies, shear blades, and forming tools for munitions and aircraft production. Its exceptional ability to hold a sharp edge under heavy, continuous use made it ideal for demanding industrial applications.
Today, D2 — and by extension Böhler K110 — remains a top choice in mid-to-high-end knives due to its outstanding performance characteristics:
Hardness: 58–62 HRC
Wear resistance: Rivalling carbide steels
Fun fact: D2 earned the nickname “the steel that won’t quit” in industrial circles. With proper maintenance, some original 1940s-era dies made from D2 are still in service today.
Specifications
- Overall length: 225 mm
- Blade length: 100 mm
- Weight: 115 g
- Steel type: Böhler K110 (D2 equivalent)
- Finish: Acid etch & stonewash
- Liner: 0.8 mm G10
- Fasteners / pins: Countersunk screws and barrels
- Sheath: Custom leather
Care & Maintenance:
Hand wash only using warm water
Dry immediately and apply a water-repelling oil
Böhler K110 is a semi-stainless steel and should be kept clean and lightly oiled, similar to maintaining a rifle
Recommended sharpening angle: 20°
get kitted out for the bush in our tia merch
Designed in Africa, for African safaris - USA Orders will ship out on the 1st and 15th of every month!
