Choosing Materials

We’ve spent over 25 years refining the craft and science of making tools. Over that time we’ve continually improved our techniques and processes to create blades that are durable, capable and a pleasure to use.

To make a knife you need to know which materials are the best for your task, and below you can find out the answers you need– from steel choice and blade grinds, to handle materials and finishes.

Heat Treatment

All our blades are tempered in-house to either 59 or 60 Rockwell C, depending on the type of steel. Through extensive testing we’ve found this to be the ideal balance of strength and durability, edge retention and ease of sharpening. 

Blade Thickness

Our full-size bushcraft knives typically use 3.5mm steel stock. This combines slicing ability with strength, balance and handling. Certain knives are available in thinner or thicker stock depending on their intended use.

Size

Some models, such as the Woodlander, are available in multiple sizes. In general, a larger knife gains cutting power but trades it with precision and dexterity. The right size depends on both hand size and intended use.

Handle Materials

Handle material choice comes down to personal preference and working conditions. We offer a large range of the best performing materials. 

Our hardwoods are suited to the outdoors. They all have distinctive grain patterns, and that characteristic warmth and charm that can only come from natural materials. Each of our hardwoods has its strengths, but all of them are strong, durable and comfortable. 

Choose between: 
Elm, Olive Ash, Walnut, Masur Birch, Bird’s Eye Maple, Yew, Desert Ironwood, Antler

Our weatherproof synthetics handle materials with maximum strength and durability, built for wet or demanding environments, outperforming wood in certain conditions. They are also available in distinctive colours, useful for keeping track of your knife in the outdoors.

Choose between various colour choices of: 
Micarta, G10, Carbon Fibre

Liners

Liners sit between the blade tang and the handle scales. They complement and complete the handle, allowing you to personalise your knife. We have a wide colour range available for custom orders.  

Custom laser engraving

We can custom engrave the tang of your knife. We can do important names, dates, or short text. Just ask when checking out. We can also engrave the side of your blade. In the past we’ve done badges, motifs or company logos. Email or message us with your plans.

Sheaths

Leather: We source the highest quality vegetable-tanned leather with beautiful natural graining. After years experimenting with different leathers we developed our own finish: Orford Waxed. Orford Waxed uses a special recipe of waxes and oils that makes the leather hard, highly durable and weather resistant; perfect for long-term outdoor use. Our sheaths will develop a beautiful patina over time.

Every sheath has a personalised locking fit, custom moulded to your knife. This ensures a secure fit for your blade. 

You can choose left and right handed, and our sheaths can be customised with firesteel holders, firesteels and droppers.

Kydex: We also offer our highly durable synthetic Kydex, which is weatherproof and low maintenance. It comes in a variety of colours and is compatible with clips, Tech-Locks, firesteel holders and bolt-on accessories.

Choosing a Knife

Now it’s time to choose your knife. Browse our website or email us for a recommendation. 

For our range of models we select materials to suit your needs. These are available to order immediately, and are dispatched within 48 hours. If you want something more specific, we have a custom builder for many of our models - you can build a knife and order directly on the website or request an order form via email or Whatsapp. 

When choosing a knife the simple question to always return to is: what do I plan to do with my knife? Your answer will guide most of the decisions detailed here.

For any further questions not answered here check out the FAQ page, or please don’t hesitate to contact us.