Stephan Bechet

Knife maker

©Stephan Bechet

The modern tool maker

Stephan is a self taught craftsman
His pieces are functional extensions of man’s hands
Practice and repetition are the secrets to his success

Stephan Bechet, a German born artisan living in Luxembourg for over 30 years, is the perfect example of an autodidact who discovered his passion for creating tools and knives by chance. “My father was collecting knives. After my studies in physical geography at Heidelberg University, I had no money to buy a nice gift for his 65th birthday but I had time, so I made a knife for him.” Ever since, Stephan has been reinterpreting tools and knives as extensions of the human hand using local wood, forgotten rails or old steel around his workshop area. He was honoured to be part of the De Mains de Maîtres biennial exhibition in 2016 and 2018, created by the Grand Duke and Duchess to showcase Luxembourg’s exceptional craftsmanship.

Interview

©Stephan Bechet

©Stephan Bechet

How would you describe your tools and knives?: They are functional pieces with a simple design made mostly from old material I find locally. I reinterpret the first tools created by mankind such as the hand axe. My pieces are the culmination of knowledge, design and experience from former generations.
What technique do you use to make your pieces?: I use the stock removal technique which involves starting with a flat bar then cutting, sanding and polishing it out to create the shape I want. It is quieter than blacksmithing which I also do but as my workshop is in a village it is a better option.
Which is a memorable tool that you created?: A Luxembourgian hammer I made from an old rail bar I found when hiking. As I shaped the hammer, I wanted to pay tribute to the mining workers of the 60s and 70s in this region so I deliberately left some scars on the material.
What is your advice to aspiring toolmakers?: The community of knife makers is growing but there are less artisans creating tools. It takes hours to make a simple tool. You must have a lot of endurance as you really only learn by doing and repeating the gesture again and again.

Stephan Bechet is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1982