Material and Processes Used

I employ both stock removal and forging processes, and work with stainless, damascus and carbon steels. I create my own damascus in various patterns and steel combinations. Handle materials range from carbon fiber, micarta, to mastodon ivory, antler and exotic wood. Stainless Steels used include ATS-34, 440C, S30V, S90V and D-2 planer blades in the stainless department. Carbon steels used include 0-1, 52100, 1084, 15N20, and L-6 from used gang-saw blades.

Heat Treat

Stainless steels are sent for out-of house heat treatment to Murry Southgate Knives. I currently do not possess an appropriate heat treat oven, which is required to successfully heat treat air-quenchable steels. These steels require very specific temperature and time controls. Each of these blades is Rockwell tested for quality assurance.

Carbon and damascus steels are heat treat by myself through the use of my forge. I can create fully hardened or differentially hardened blades through edge quenching or clay back hardening processes. Which process is used depends upon what specific application the knife was designed for and customer request. It is my suggestion that knives such as bowies and camp knives have a differentially hardened blade for toughness due to the large tasks they are asked to accomplish.

In addition to receiving input from customers on how my knives have performed in service, I also test various blades for edge holding ability and toughness. These tests include cutting manila rope, hacking 2x4s in two and destructive bend tests. These give me a good idea of how each steel and design responds to various heat treat techniques and what can be expected of it in the arena of performance. Each year I do my best to test out a blade on at least one deer as well! I have had nothing but positive feedback from those that have used my knives.