FAQ
Do You Accept Book Spots?
Generally, no. While custom orders were essential in the early stages of my journey and helped me refine my skills, my current focus is on perfecting my process. Until I achieve that goal, I won’t be committing to book spots.
When Is the Next Run of the Production Strix?
Round III is scheduled for 2025. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter and follow me on Instagram to stay updated and secure your spot during the pre-order phase.
What Is Your Definition of a Custom Knife?
To me, a custom knife is crafted by a single maker or a small group of makers working under one roof. Some people define “custom” as 100% handmade, but I view this as outdated due to the prevalence of CNC technology today. My process involves CNC for some steps, but I hand-grind bevels, hand-fit and finish parts, set locks and detents manually, and perform individual heat treatments. While some may refer to this as a "machine-assisted custom knife" (MACK), I believe these distinctions lack clarity. For instance, is a knife using waterjet still handmade? What if you use a pantograph, and 3D print your templets, is that a MACK? Ultimately, I consider my knives custom made.
What Is Your Definition of a Production Knife?
Production knives are mass-produced in a factory environment. While I design these knives, they are manufactured in factories with minimal hands-on finishing by me. This distinction explains the significant price difference between a production knife and a custom knife. They are my product, I retain full control over material selection, design specifications, production volume, quality control, and distribution. In today's global economy, most production facilities are overseas. U.S.-based factories are hard to come by and often incurs costs similar to custom knives.
How Do Production Knives Differ from Factory Collaboration Knives (e.g., Sparrow Knife Co. with Kansept)?
In collaborations, I serve as the designer, but the knife is their product. Their maker’s mark appears on the show side, they control the final design specifications, materials, production volumes, pricing, quality control, and distribution.
What Is Your Definition of “Mid-Tech”?
“Mid-tech” generally refers to knives where some or all components are outsourced to various job shops or factories, with the maker performing the final finishing, assembly, and fitting. I don’t produce knives in this manner. However, I mention it because my production and custom knives are sometimes incorrectly labeled as “Mid-tech.”
What Is the Best Way to Purchase a Knife?
Easy, be the highest bidder on an auction. Joking aside, I strive for fairness by offering a mix of options: auctions, lottos, website drops, and in-person sales at shows. Auctions and lottos are hosted in my private Facebook group or on Instagram, as well as at events. For production knives, I often conduct open-ended preorders lasting about a week to ensure everyone has an opportunity to purchase without feeling rushed in the drop. To stay informed, sign up for my newsletter, follow me on Instagram, join the Facebook group, and attend shows. Shows are fun even if you don’t plan to buy or sell anything!
Why Is Insurance Automatically Added to My Cart?
Insurance is crucial, especially for custom orders. Checkout is your only opportunity to add insurance to your shipment. If you choose to opt-out, your package will ship uninsured. I cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. Unlike peer-to-peer sales, where the shipper buys the label and assumes responsibility, when you check out on my website you are buying the shipping label, I am printing and affixing your label to your package, then delivering it to the courier you selected. For expensive, one-of-a-kind items, I strongly recommend insuring your shipment.
What Are PVD and DLC, and How Do They Differ?
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) refers to the process used to apply a coating, while DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) is a type of coating applied via PVD. DLC is black, highly scratch-resistant, and commonly used in the knife and watch industries. PVD creates an ultra-thin, permanent bond and is used for various coatings with different colors and properties. For example, Titanium Nitride (TiN) is a gold-colored PVD coating often applied to drill bits. While all DLC coatings are PVD, not all PVD coatings are DLC.
What Is ZirBlast, and How Does It Differ from Bead Blasting and Sandblasting?
ZirBlast is a brand name of ceramic bead-blast media made from zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂). It’s expensive and produces a bright, smooth finish. “Bead blast” refers to other ceramic or glass bead media that achieve similar results. The process involves beads bouncing off the part, micro peening the surface, creating the smooth bright finish. In contrast, sandblasting uses abrasive materials like crushed glass or aluminum oxide, which sand or tear the surface for a darker, coarser finish, often used prior to stone wash.
What Is Vapor honing and "Micro Satin" finish?
Vapor honing combines water and air pressure with blast media to create an array unique surface finishes depending on the media used. I use an extremely fine micro-mesh media mix to achieve an almost glass-like satin finish I call "Micro Satin". The part must be mirror-polished beforehand, which increases the cost.
How Durable Is Black Anodization?
Black anodization isn’t as durable as PVD finishes and will wear on high-contact areas over time, creating a “battle-worn” look. To enhance this aesthetic, I often stonewash black anodized surfaces, a finish I call “black-washed.”
What’s the Difference Between Timascus, Zircu-Ti, Rainbow-Ti, and Similar Materials?
Titanium Damascus is a material created by layering different grades of titanium to achieve a variety of colors. Adding zirconium introduces black tones. Only a few artisans produce this material, each using proprietary names. For example:
- Timascus and Black Timascus: Trademarks of Alpha Knife Supply
- Zircu-Ti and Moku-Ti: Names by Chad Nichols
- Rainbow-Zr and Rainbow-Ti: Names by Futuron Forge
When issuing certificates of authenticity, I credit the respective maker, but in casual conversation, I often use the most widely recognized terms, such as “Timascus” or “Zircu-Ti.”
Do you do easter eggs?
Yes, the first person who reads this and emails me the phrase "free bird" I'll send a free coin. (Already claimed thanks Brittany!)