Over the last couple of years Joel Pirela has worked with some of the top names in custom knifemaking to produce a unique series of custom designed knives. KnifeArt.com is proud to sell his highly collectible knives and contracts for exclusive projects each year. Each Pirela design is a collaboration between him and the knifemaker. Joel is able to design a knife with the both the knifemaker and function in mind. The designs have been widely profiled in magazines such as 'American Handgunner', 'Blade' and 'Tactical Knives'. The popularity of the designs continues to grow even as his projects are largely sold-out before they are even completed. When you see a Pirela Design you definately know it!
1. How did you get started designing knives, what influences your design?
I have a degree in graphic design and I work in an ad agency here in south florida. Since an early age, I have been intrigued by anything mechanical. I always try to find a better way to do and create things. After being a collector of knives for several years, I noticed that some of the knives I had, didn't have the features I wanted. I decided to draw my "prerfect knife". With the help of my wife, I was able to materialize that design and the Vector was born.
I mostly use nature as an inspiration for designs and forms. Talons, Fangs, spikes.... yes, everything have been done before... by mother nature!
2. Where are you originally from?
Born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1969.
3. What other areas of your life influenced your designs? (Interesting life
experiences, collections or activities...)
I was influenced by the military and law enforcement in Venezuela. I also worked as a firearms instructor there.
At the same time, worked in collaboration with a local zoo in order to go on expeditions to collect reptiles in the Amazon for the exhibition. I have always known that a good knife can make the difference between life and death!
4. Explain the design process?
The begining is very basic. Normally I start with paper and pen. The drawing is then scanned and re-drawm with a two dimensional drawing program. There I make sure everything mechanical works, pivot points, screw placement and overal looks. Then, I transfer the file to Adobe Photoshop where I start the "rendering process"
where we can see how the knife is going to look after is done. The process includes layers of textures, shadows, metallic elements, screws and other bits that I create in some other software programs (Painter, Bryce 3D, etc). Once done, it's ready to upload and introduce to the maker
in charge of the project.
5. What makes a Pirela design special?
The very limited run of the knives, the exceptional makers that join the projects, The designs I give the makers, (sometimes something that they may never thought of doing ever!), presentation of the product and high value as a collector stand point.
6. How many designs and how often do they come out?
Due to the different schedules for the makers, it varies from time to time on each project. I do like 12 designs a year but delivery in that year is usually never more than 5-6 projects.
Allen Elishewitz was the first maker I approached and we decided to make an special run of 10 serialized custom knives. Allen and I worked together to achieve our
goal, to bring the best tactical folder possible. (enter the Polaris) Allen's advice regarding knife business related issues are still being used by Pirela Blade
Design these days.
I continue to develop projects with Allen. So far I have designed eight knives with Elishewitz and I’m very proud to be working with him.
8. What are the names of some of the makers you have collaborated with?
Makers like Walter Brend, Allen Elishewitz, Warren Thomas, Wally Hayes, Ernest Emerson,
Jeff Hall, Howard Viele, Mike Obenauf, Trace Rinaldi, Pat Crawford, Mick & Duane from
Strider Knives, Brad Duncan, Andre DeVilliers, Greg Lightfoot, Brian Tighe, Mike Snody and
others enrolled the team with Pirela Blade Design and each maker was given a different
design to make it his project.
9. What’s next with Joel Pirela and Pirela Blade Design?
Well, I will try to push the envelope even further and create knives that haven’t been done before and provide the collector something that it’s unique yet funtional and very, very tactical.
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