The Art of Custom Knife Making

Knives have been part of human history for thousands of years. From the earliest stone tools to modern kitchen and outdoor blades, a knife has always been more than just a tool — it is a companion, a piece of craftsmanship, and often, a work of art.

My mission is simple: to create blades that are strong enough for daily use, yet beautiful enough to be passed down through generations. I want to make something unique with a person in mind, so that it’s not just a run of the mill knife that everyone can buy, but something made for YOU. With your input and my artistic interpretation I craft a blade individualized to you.

Why Custom?

A custom EDC in 80Crv2, G10 and Desert Ironwood.

While mass-produced knives are widely available, a custom knife is built with intention. Every detail — from the steel selection to the handle material, from the shape to the finish — is chosen for balance, performance, and beauty. Whether it is a chef’s knife designed for precision in the kitchen or a hunting blade crafted for the outdoors, each custom piece is made to fit its specific purpose and use, and to last for years. I’ll address my opinion on whether a custom knife is right for everyone or not in a later post.

The Process

Each knife begins as raw steel selected for the end purpose. Whether that’s custom made damascus, high-carbon mono steel, or premium super steels. My blades are often one-off designs and are shaped by hand through forging, grinding, heat treating, and finishing to meet the end purpose. Every step matters. Even small choices — such as the geometry, materials used, and even the fit and finish.

All these decisions affect performance, comfort and shape the end product to match as closely to my vision as possible. Because every knife is created one at a time in my shop, no two are ever the same.

More Than Just a Tool

Though knives are practical, they are also personal. Many customers seek a blade they can hand down to their children, something that’s functional but also a talking piece. They love to show them off to friends, and family. The most rewarding part of this work is watching someone hold a finished knife and seeing the reaction on their faces, surpassing what they expected and hearing how much they love their unique blade.

Sharing the Journey

Through this blog, I’ll share more about the craft of knifemaking — from insights into steel and handle materials to care tips that keep your knife performing at its best. Whether you’re simply curious or already a collector, my hope is that you’ll learn something new and maybe even find the knife that speaks to you.

Thank you for supporting handmade craftsmanship. Every knife I make is built to serve you well today and to tell a story tomorrow.

-Austin