Kit Rae
Kit Rae (born 1966 in Burlington, Ontario, Canada) is a fantasy collectibles designer who specializes in knife design, fantasy and sci-fi art. His first job as a designer was for Smoky Mountain Knife Works in the mid-1980s. Kit’s background in art started when he was a child with charcoal drawing, acrylic and oil painting. He was influenced by such varied artists as Frank Frazetta, Michael Whelan, Boris Vallejo, Jim Burns, Moebius, and H.R. Giger. Writers such as Frank Herbert and J.R.R. Tolkien were also big influences. These days Kit uses a mixed media approach to his art, utilizing drawing, painting, photography, and the computer.
Kit's chronicle Swords of the Ancients is an extensive Tolkien-like story spanning several centuries and the legends for the basis for many of his fantasy weapon designs. The entire story is featured on his web site.
Kit is also an accomplished musician. His guitar and gear collection is extensive and he has posted several guitar lesson sessions on YouTube. His style is heavily influenced by David Gilmour (ex Pink Floyd).