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I just wanted to take a few minuets and talk about some of the technical details about how I make my knives.
Steels – I have used a wide variety of steels in the past but in the future, I am going to try to cut the number
down to 2 or 3 standard steels. Not sure exactly what steels those will be just yet, but CPM 154 is going to
be one of them. I have been using this steel for folders and I really like its performance and workability. As
with all my components I will try to use American Made components and materials when ever possible. I
prefer to get my steel directly from Crucible Steel
Heat treatment – To me this is where a piece of steel becomes a knife. It is an important part of the
process that makes a knife out of a bar or steel. It is an art and a science unto it’s self. I have enough
skills to work on as it is that I leave this detail to an expert. Paul Bos is the man that heat treats more
custom knives in a year than I even care to think about. He Rockwell tests each and every blade to
ensure that each one is exactly the hardness I asked for.
I have recently been licenced to use the "Spyderco Hole" opening method. Spyderco Inc. has done a lot for the
knife world and I commend them for the willingness to share their intellectual property.
I am licensed to use the IKBS Ikoma Korth Bearing System. This system allows the Balisong pivot to be tightened to
remove virtually all blade play in the handles and still allow smooth and free travel of the blade though the full range of
motion. It is a fantastic system and I am glad the makers in Brazil have been so open in sharing their methods. I’ll
probably try this out in standard folders later on, but for now I’m only using it on Balisongs.
WaterJet – I have recently used WaterJet to profile some of my folder frames. I initially went to WaterJet, since I do not
have the equipment to process titanium in frame lock thicknesses. This allows me to make frame locks and takes a lot of
grunt work out of the frame. As a result of this WaterJet, folders are getting made much quicker and I am grinding of
less finger tips and starting a lot less titanium fires, all good things. Some will say this makes my knives more production
than custom or handmade. Everyone has an opinion of what handmade means, what sole authorship means. That is
fine with me, I would someone didn’t buy one of my knives than to sell a knife under false pretences. Honesty is the most
important thing here in my eyes. You can decide for yourself how much these things matter.
If you truly what to create something from scratch, you must first create the entire universe. Everything comes from
somewhere and every craftsman starts with something. Above is where my things come from and what I start with. If
your still reading, I thank you for reading and indulging me as I ramble on.
Thanks
Respectfully Submitted,
Les George
Steels – I have used a wide variety of steels in the past but in the future, I am going to try to cut the number
down to 2 or 3 standard steels. Not sure exactly what steels those will be just yet, but CPM 154 is going to
be one of them. I have been using this steel for folders and I really like its performance and workability. As
with all my components I will try to use American Made components and materials when ever possible. I
prefer to get my steel directly from Crucible Steel
Heat treatment – To me this is where a piece of steel becomes a knife. It is an important part of the
process that makes a knife out of a bar or steel. It is an art and a science unto it’s self. I have enough
skills to work on as it is that I leave this detail to an expert. Paul Bos is the man that heat treats more
custom knives in a year than I even care to think about. He Rockwell tests each and every blade to
ensure that each one is exactly the hardness I asked for.
I have recently been licenced to use the "Spyderco Hole" opening method. Spyderco Inc. has done a lot for the
knife world and I commend them for the willingness to share their intellectual property.
I am licensed to use the IKBS Ikoma Korth Bearing System. This system allows the Balisong pivot to be tightened to
remove virtually all blade play in the handles and still allow smooth and free travel of the blade though the full range of
motion. It is a fantastic system and I am glad the makers in Brazil have been so open in sharing their methods. I’ll
probably try this out in standard folders later on, but for now I’m only using it on Balisongs.
WaterJet – I have recently used WaterJet to profile some of my folder frames. I initially went to WaterJet, since I do not
have the equipment to process titanium in frame lock thicknesses. This allows me to make frame locks and takes a lot of
grunt work out of the frame. As a result of this WaterJet, folders are getting made much quicker and I am grinding of
less finger tips and starting a lot less titanium fires, all good things. Some will say this makes my knives more production
than custom or handmade. Everyone has an opinion of what handmade means, what sole authorship means. That is
fine with me, I would someone didn’t buy one of my knives than to sell a knife under false pretences. Honesty is the most
important thing here in my eyes. You can decide for yourself how much these things matter.
If you truly what to create something from scratch, you must first create the entire universe. Everything comes from
somewhere and every craftsman starts with something. Above is where my things come from and what I start with. If
your still reading, I thank you for reading and indulging me as I ramble on.
Thanks
Respectfully Submitted,
Les George
