For many of us that appreciate a quality knife, our attraction to them began at an early age. For me, a knife was the symbol for coming of age. A fixed blade that hung on my belt as we fished for bass on the river. A tool used to clean them and to make a green stick skillet to cook them on.
It seemed that I almost always had a knife with me. A tool used to make fire sticks, carve out a tent peg in an emergency, dress out game, or cut some cord to secure a load of deer or elk meat for the pack-out.
Like all tools, a good knife needs to perform well for the user. It's fit to the hand, the balance, the ability to hold an edge, and for many of us how it looks. It's that matching of materials that gives it the look that catches someones eye.
Many of us have a rifle, shotgun, or knife given to us by our father or mother. After providing valuable service to it's owner, a quality knife should be passed to the next generation. With that passing goes it's history. The hunts it's been on, the processing of the largest bull you ever took or the admiration given it by a young hunter or angler when they say they want to own one like that some day. I design and build my knives, both for the sportsperson and the chef with that thought in mind.
Please check out my website to see if what I offer is something you would be interested in.
Thank you.
I use many different steels for my knives. Generally though, the steels are either stainless or non-stainless. Within each category there many alloys for me to select from. The alloy I select is matched to meet the needs of the client.
Typically I use natural materials for the knife handle. Matching of different metals for bolsters with a distinctive piece of wood, antler, or horn helps create a one of a kind knife for the client.
Many of the materials I use are collected as I roam the mountains of Utah and Colorado yet I also source material from around the world.
Many are interested in how I do what I do, what tools and machines are used. The photos show my shop with a few machine tools that are used to help make knife components as well as tools that I use in the many steps in knife building. In the photos you will see a surface grinder, a combination horizontal and vertical milling machine, and a 1956 Craftsman metal lathe that belonged to my grandfather.
Even though I have some nice machines, they don't make the knives. That's a collaboration between the client and myself.
As each knife is a unique creation I do not have set prices. Depending on materials, uniqueness of the knife, sheath, or display system, the specific heat treating process, and the time involved are all part of the equation.
Please contact me if you would like me to create a knife for you.
Monday - Friday: 8am - 4:30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
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