High-Carbon steel is easier to sharpen and hone, especially in the field, and will throw sparks when struck with a flint. However, it will discolor and rust over time, so the blades are treated with olive oil upon completion. Olive oil is food-safe and readily available. Think of it as caring for a cast iron pan. Extended discoloration is often favored for aesthetics as "patina" and also carries an element of rust inhibition (a forced patina is also available). In some cases, superficial scale and tooling marks from the smithing process are left on the steel for a unique effect.
Stainless steels are lower maintenance in that they won't discolor or rust, and hold their shine forever. This makes them more popular for display pieces and especially kitchen tools. Due to metallurgical make-up, stainless is more labor-intensive to manipulate, and the process of heat treating involves extremely precise equipment to both heat and cool thesteel in a very controlled manner. For this reason, heat treating of stainless steel is the only step I have to outsource.
This is an ancient process of combining 2 or more steels which react differently to an acidic etching process. The steel is layered like a sandwich and forge-welded together to become one piece. When the bevel is ground the inner layers of steel are exposed, and then a bath of special acid brings contrast to show them off.
The process is very similar to San Mai, except taken to the extreme. Once the layers are forged together, the bar is then cut and stacked, over and over, to build the layer count into the hundreds, sometimes thousands. The billet can also be manipulated in any number of ways to produce interesting and unique patterns when the final product is etched in the acid bath.
Blades are made of either high-carbon or stainless steels, from 1/16" to 1/4" in thickness. They are heat treated and tempered appropriate to their intended use. Bevels are flat ground with a micro bevel for durability and ease of maintenance. A maker's mark is electrolytically etched into each blade upon completion.
Wooden handles are hand-shaped and sanded for optimum comfort and control and secured with pins. Wood is treated with several coats of Tung Oil to protect from drying out. The oil is absorbed into the wood, it can last for years depending on use, and can be reapplied any time. Tung Oil does not leave a shiny coating on top of the handle like a varnish, which ruins the natural feel and grip of wood, and can cause blisters. Some handles are flame-scorched to accentuate the natural grain of the wood, and then sanded and finished. Other handle materials, like antler and synthetics are also available.
All sheaths are made of veg-tanned leather, hand-cut and -stitched custom for each knife. Sheathes are dyed with eco-friendly pigments and treated with an absorbable wax to keep the good moisture in and the bad out.
Every step of production is done in-house, by hand, by me. From design, shaping, grinding, heat treating, handle making and shaping, etching, sharpening, and sheath construction. Each piece is 100% unique and one-of-a-kind.
Knives range in prices, certain processes and designs are more labour-intensive and therefore cost a little more. Custom knives and sheaths require extra design as well, but most pricing is dependent on many variables and determined on an individual basis. Shipping is from Central B.C. Canada. Please contact me for a quote!
● "I really love that Woodsman knife, how much is one with a brown sheath?"
● "I'd like a knife with the blade of the Bowhunter, but a handle like the Hunter. Can you do that?"
● "Here is a photo of a knife I really like, can you recreate it, but with a slightly shorter blade?"
● "I have an idea of a knife I want but I've never seen one like it. If I draw it for you, can you make one for me?"
Made to order to your specs and preferences, or choose from some finished kitchen and outdoor knives in the shop.
Everything in the gallery can be recreated as close as possible. Additionally, most blade shapes, handle designs, and sheath styles can be matched to create a personalized final product. Fully custom concepts can also be arranged on individual basis.
Choose from blade shapes; steel size and type; handle material; shape and finish; pin locations and materials; sheath style and colour; belt loops and snap options. Make it your own.