Let’s design your knife

There are a number of variables that go into making a custom one-of-a-kind blade. From the method used, to the type of steel, to the shape and function, and finally the choice of handle materials. The level of detail and personalization makes every blade that comes out of Amoureux Knives a truly unique piece that will last for generations.

The Method

Knives are generally made by two methods, stock removal or forging. Both can make equally strong, durable, and proficient blades.

STOCK REMOVAL

Develop a design and profile of a knife by first drawing a blueprint of it. Then trace a pattern on a bar of steel and cut it out using band saw or water jet. I then heat treat the steel and grind to the proper profile.

FORGED

“Forging” is literally the process of ‘moving’ metal - as opposed to removing it by sawing, drilling or grinding as in the stock removal process.

Hand hammered carbon steel is used to create the profile of the knife. Both full and hidden tang knives are available utilizing this technique as well as integral style knives.

An “integral” knife is single piece of carbon steel which is forged in a way where the bolster is integrated into the knife creating a smooth transition between the handle and the blade.  These knives can only be hand forged and represent many of the elements inherent in traditional blacksmithing methods.

Shape and Function

What are you looking for? A robust camping knife to aid you in the back woods, A stylized and comfortable chef knife for your passion for cooking, a razor-sharp skinning knife to aid you with your prized hunt, Or an EDC for on duty or next deployment.

Every knife starts with what it will be used for. The shape, thickness, weight, and edge profile are all dependent on the needs of the knife. With a custom order you will be hand in hand with the profile of the knife guided by my knowledge and expertise in what the knife requires.

Personal Note: I will not copy another makers personal designs. I will take inspiration or influences from other makers but I will add my own spin or touch to them.

The Steel

There are several steel options to choose from when having a custom knife made. High-carbon, stainless, Damascus, stainless Damascus, or pattern wielded steel. Each steel has its own limitations and unique properties. Choosing the right steel will be based on the design and needs of the blade. In perfecting my craft, I have limited myself to a few types of steel so I can guarantee the knife’s performance and strength.

Stainless steel

For stainless steel I use AEB-L. AEB-L have been used in production knives for many years. It is high carbon steel with added chromium which resists patina and rusting.  Note - it's stain-LESS, not stain-NOT, so you're still going to want to keep it dry. This steel can also achieve high levels of hardness so after you establish an edge it tends to stay put.

Stainless steel is only used for the stock removal knife making method.

High-Carbon steel

For High-Carbon steel I use W1 or W2. W1 and W2 are great steels for thousands of uses. I enjoy W1 and W2 for their ability to produce beautiful and active Hamons. You can see many of my knives with Hamons in my gallery.  With using a High-Carbon steel and cutting acidic food will discolor the metal creating a patina which some people like and appreciate. A little abrasive scrub can bring it back to its original sheen. This metal lacks the corrosion resistance of stainless steel and any moisture left on the blade will begin to rust it way more quickly than you think is possible but take care of it properly and you will have a kitchen compatriot for life.

Damascus, Stainless Damascus, and pattern wielded steel.

I acquire my Damascus and pattern wielded steel from Baker Forge & Tool. They make quality steel with stunning designs. Unless folding of the steel gives the blade a sense of life and purpose. I get my stainless Damascus from Damasteel. They are on the leading edge of stainless Damascus production and have endless patterns to choose from.

Damascus and pattern wielded steels need the same care as High carbon blades and patina will form.

Stainless Damascus has the same stainless-steel properties of being less prone to staining or rusting. The steel still need cared for.  

Handle material

The final step would be picking your handle material. You can pick from Wood, Stabilized Wood, Bone, Antler, G10, Carbon Fiber, Micarta and many more. With layering or combining materials there is an endless tapestry to be made. There are also one-of-a-kind handle materials and the harder to find (expensive) stuff. Which can be anything from a crazy burl to various items cast in resin, to a petrified piece of bog oak…carbon dated to 3600 BC.

Let’s make your dream blade become a reality. Please fill out this form and I will contact you to get started.