Steve Hoel started making knives for himself in 1952, and sold his first one in 1962. He spent time with Bob Loveless and Steve Johnson when they were partners. Known by many as perhaps the father of the interframe, he started making single and multiblade folders in the mid seventies. Steve has made Bowies, boot knives, and daggers, but his investor class folding knives in lockback and slipjoint design are collector favorites. His steels of choice are 154CM, ATS-34, 416, and commercial damascus. He favors natural materials for scales and inlays such as various woods, mother of pearl, fossil ivories, sheep horn, abalone, jade, and many others. His knives are favored for engraving by many of the top artists in the field. Steve has been a Knifemakers Guild member since 1978.