Riverina knifemaker designed by experience 

By Rod Hoare 

Mal has been making knives for 30-plus years under the name OTIS Knives, from Deniliquin, NSW. His passion for the outdoors and functional tools has shaped his work. Having lived on his family property since 1978, where they grow crops, run sheep and harvest timber, Mal has gained a diverse set of skills far beyond the general ‘jack of all trades’ a farmer is renowned for, including professional shearing, a certified wool classer, professional timber harvester and tattooer. However, knifemaking is his true passion and a hobby that gives him a break from the day-to-day duties of farming. Anytime he has a spare minute, you will find him in the shed making knives. 

Throughout the years, Mal has become known for creating comfortable, functional knives with a strong emphasis on balance and comfort. After initially exploring forging, he found hand engraving a more captivating hobby, and has since dedicated himself to this art form, while doing stock removal knifemaking. Between his knifemaking craftsmanship and unique engraving work, Mal’s knives are ‘functional art’ at their core. A proud member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild and Knife Art Association, he attends knife shows across Australia when farming life allows, always sharing his passion and experience with other makers, users and collectors. 

Whether a custom bushcraft knife, kitchen knife or a stunning Sgian Dubh engraved display piece, each blade reflects his dedication to the craft, and his knives have become sought after by users and collectors across Australia. 

For anyone in the market for a quality Australian made knife, look no further than Mal and OTIS Knives. With a dedication to quality, functionality and artistic expression, Mal’s knives are sure to impress and perform in any outdoor setting. 

Review: OTIS Knives tactical utility knife 

This knife has a distinct, aggressive profile and has been designed for both performance, ease of maintenance and aesthetics. 

Using a robust D2 high carbon hollow ground blade with convex cutting edge, hardened to 60 Rockwell (60hrc), this knife proves that when correctly heat treated, combined with an optimal blade grind, D2 is still right up there as a great knife steel. The bead blasted finish on the blade not only contributes to its sleek, matte appearance, but also helps with corrosion resistance, ensuring that it will withstand the elements during outdoor use. This finish provides a tactical, no-nonsense look, perfectly suited for a tool that is suited to rugged environments. The result is a blade that delivers fantastic edge retention while also being tough, making it an excellent choice for any outdoor task such as cutting, slicing, and general utility work, through to camping and hunting. 

The D2 blade performed above and beyond, while still being sharp after all our tests, including battening through timber and aggressively stabbing hardwood for tip testing. With a quick strop with medium paste afterward, it was quickly sharper then when we began; tough, edge retention and ease of sharpening/maintenance, what more can you ask for in a utility blade? 

The handle is crafted from black canvas micarta, a material well known for its durability and ability to maintain a solid grip, even under wet conditions. It also works perfectly with the bead blasted blade, which continues across the micarta adding even more grip and is combined with perfectly placed grooves and jimping. This ensures a secure hold, giving excellent control and confidence during use. The handle’s design is ergonomic, allowing for a comfortable grip for continued use. 

The leather sheath that accompanies the knife is also worth noting. It securely holds the knife, ensuring it stays in place while remaining easy to draw when needed. The removable frog is a nice touch, meaning you can remove the sheath without undoing your belt, just leaving the frog in place, a useful feature after being out bush and popping into the local on your way home for a beer. The dark leather complements the matte finish of the blade and black canvas micarta, creating a balanced look that ties the whole package together. 

Whether you’re looking for a knife for outdoor activities, a collector’s piece, or simply a tool that can handle everyday utility tasks, this tactical utility from OTIS Knives is a wise choice. It perfectly combines top-tier materials, thoughtful design and Aussie craftsmanship, making it the perfect tool for any enthusiast or professional. 

Key features: 

• Blade: Hollow ground D2 steel (60 HRC) slight recurve, bead blasted, convex edge 

• Handle: Black canvas micarta, bead blasted, jimping and grooves 

• Sheath: Handmade leather with frog 

• Overall design: Tactical utility 

• Specs: blade 130mm, overall 235mm, thickness 4.5mm, weight 208 grams 

• Price: $495 

Note: Mal is running a special for The Report readers of $450. To discuss this knife or something similar, you can contact him through his Instagram account: @otisknives or by phone/text on 0428 236 866. (At the time of writing – June 2026. Check to ensure this offer is still available.)

Check out @AussieKnifeGearReviews on YouTube to see all the testing and further details on this knife.