Owen has a long history in knife making. His initial interest began in 1972 and in 1980 he became South Africa's first professional knife maker. Owen focused on the international knife making scene and began exhibiting in the US, France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. In 1999 Owen moved from South Africa to Denver, Colorado, where he spent two years working for Spyderco before returning to full-time knife making. Owen has won numerous awards and has had his knives featured in many publications.

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Owen's approach to knife design is to focus on all the parts; handle, scales, bolsters, pommel and blade, as well as the materials that go into making the parts, blending them into a fully integrated work of art. Owen's knives are works of art.