Pirklbauer Helmut

The creator of unusual custom folders Helmut Pirklebauer

Helmut Pirklbauer is an Austrian knifemaker. Each of his customs is not like the other, Helmut experiments constantly search for new inspiration, creates unusual forms, and assembles unique mechanisms.

Helmut grew up in the Alps, his hometown Eisenerz is imbued with the spirit of antiquity. The town lies at the foot of Mount Erzberg. The narrow streets, the old town hall tower in the center, the Church of St. Oswald at the north. Life there is calm and measured. Some housework, some mountain treks, local amateur performances, and hangouts with friends. This is the life Helmut lives with his wife, a daughter, a dog, and a cat nicknamed Tiger. The only thing that distinguishes him from his fellow citizens is his unquenchable thirst for creativity.

The master has two passions: making knives and assembling models. Pirklebauer collects models of complex technical devices of the past, for example, a cruise ship of the last century, old steam engines, and a 19th-century locomotive with wagons. Reduced copies are created with amazing attention to detail.

Helmut doesn't have any particular preferences in knifemaking — he does everything! Including machines. All the machines on which the master creates his Austrian folding knives are assembled by his hands.

The master makes both folders and fixes. Among knives with a fixed blade, the typical “Scandinavians” with a straight butt and a type-setting handle are more common. A little less common is the Drop-Point profile and the handle with scales. Most of Pirklebauer's fixes are EDC, but the master is no stranger to making kitchen or hunting knives.

The knifemaker's fantasy knows no boundaries. He makes lightweight butterflies, Button-Lock Folders, Back-Lock Gravity Knives, Button-Lock 2 Way Tactics, and Suit Folding Knives.

Helmut Pirklbauer prefers Damascus, the Swedish steel of the concern Böhler-Uddeholm AG, and the Austrian steel N690. The handles are made of a wide variety of materials: from precious woods to micarta and carbon fiber.

Helmut Pirklebauer is an amazing master, a virtuoso of his craft. The knifemaker is a non-public person and it is almost impossible to purchase his knives outside the European Union, but the Maria Stalina Knives store gives you such an opportunity.