The best materials are the ones that are durable and beautiful, but are also sourced ethically, consciously, and gathered with awareness.
I collect materials from our forest as a way of managing and tending the woods. Unique natural materials such as granite stones, shells, and fabrics find their way into my work as well. It is also possible to incorporate materials from your life into your knife. An old crib, branch from a favorite tree, or local stones can become a component of your knife.
I offer a range of options for customers from hand-harvested materials to some that may be more synthetic but will fit your lifestyle needs.
Blade
Witri Knives blades are designed, shaped, and cut by hand from raw materials in my workshop. Once the blade is ready, I harden the metal through a rigorous heat treatment process which has taken years to perfect. I primarily work with two grades of steel: Stainless Steel, and what is generally referred to as “High Carbon” steel. The main differences between the two are aesthetic style and knife maintenance over time.
Stainless Steel
- Made from Magnacut, a newly developed steel with high vanadium and niobium for increased hardness and wear resistance.
- Retains its reflective luster over time, highly resistant to rust.
- Less maintenance for the owner.
- Incredible edge retention.
- Made from AEB-l, the same steel used for shaving razors.
- Retains its reflective luster over time, highly resistant to rust.
- Less maintenance for the owner.
- Excellent edge retention.
High Carbon Steel
- Made from 52100, the same steel used for industrial ball bearings. This is a classic cutlery steel often sought after by chefs for its renowned edge retention and durability.
- Will patina, or take a unique grey-blue hue over time.
- More maintenance for the owner, will rust if not cared for properly and consistently.
- Excellent edge retention.
Blade
Witri Knives blades are designed, shaped, and cut by hand from raw materials in my workshop. Once the blade is ready, I harden the metal through a rigorous heat treatment process which has taken years to perfect. I primarily work with two grades of steel: Stainless Steel, and what is generally referred to as “High Carbon” steel. The main differences between the two are aesthetic style and knife maintenance over time.
Stainless Steel
- Made from AEB-l, the same steel used for shaving razors.
- Retains its reflective luster over time, highly resistant to rust.
- Less maintenance for the owner.
- Excellent edge retention.
High Carbon Steel
- Made from 52100, the same steel used for industrial ball bearings. This is a classic cutlery steel often sought after by chefs for its renowned edge retention and durability.
- Will patina, or take a unique grey-blue hue over time.
- More maintenance for the owner, will rust if not cared for properly and consistently.
- Excellent edge retention.
Handle
Witri Knife handles can be made from a variety of materials depending on your intended use and style preferences. The main materials I work with are wood, micarta, and a range of experimental pieces.
Wood
I work with wood that I source from the forests that surround me, which is stabilized for proper balance and durability. I can also work with wood that you provide me, to give your knife an even more personal touch.
Micarta
Micarta is made by layering a type of natural fiber cloth, typically linen or canvas, with a resin. You can see the layers of laminations, giving it a similar look to wood grain when it is sanded into shape. This very durable handle material requires slightly less maintenance but has a less natural look. Available in many colors.
Experimental
I have made handles from a variety of experimental natural materials, such as chaga mushrooms, tree roots, and mica flakes suspended in resin. All materials are treated with a stabilization process to ensure longevity and durability.
Handle
Witri Knives handles can be made from a variety of materials depending on your intended use and style preferences. The main materials I work with are wood, micarta, and g10. Similar to the blades, the main differences in materials are aesthetic style and overall durability/maintenance over time.
Wood
I work with wood that I source from the forests that surround me, which is stabilized for proper balance and durability. The hardwoods of our forest here offer beautiful black cherry burls, curly maple, natural spalting, and more.
I can also work with wood that you provide me, to give your knife an even more personal touch. The stabilization process ensures a silky feel and natural look. It also creates a durability in the wood which prevents swelling and cracking.
Micarta
Micarta is made by layering a type of natural fiber cloth, typically linen or canvas, with a resin. You can see the layers of laminations, giving it a similar look to wood grain when it is sanded into shape. This very durable handle material requires slightly less maintenance but has a less natural look. Available in many colors.
g10
g10 is a fiberglass and epoxy composite, and has a more flat, uniform appearance as opposed to the textured look of micarta. It is the most stable, durable material, but looks the least natural. Available in many colors.
Also Customizable
Bolsters – Bolsters are an optional transition piece between the handle and blade, which impact balance, durability, and style. Bolsters can be made from stone, brass, nickel silver alloy, stainless steel, and more.
Pins – Pins are the small circles you see on the handle that hold the knife handle together. They can be made of brass, copper, stainless steel, nickel silver alloy, and more.
Sayas – A saya is an optional thin wooden sleeve for your knife. It can have a variety of wood that either matches or compliments the handle of the knife.
Gift Box – A gift box is a lightweight wooden case for your knife. Handcrafted and magnetic to hold the knife in place, great for gifts or general storage. It can have a variety of wood that either matches or compliments the handle of the knife.
Also Customizable
Bolsters – Bolsters are an optional transition piece between the handle and blade, which impact balance, durability, and style. Bolsters can be made from stone, brass, nickel silver alloy, stainless steel, and more.
Pins – Pins are the small circles you see on the handle that hold the knife handle together. They can be made of brass, copper, stainless steel, nickel silver alloy, and more.
Sayas – A saya is an optional thin wooden sleeve for your knife. It can have a variety of wood that either matches or compliments the handle of the knife.
Gift Box – A gift box is a lightweight wooden case for your knife. Handcrafted and magnetic to hold the knife in place, great for gifts or general storage. It can have a variety of wood that either matches or compliments the handle of the knife.
The perfect gift for,
the perfect couple.
the perfect couple.
Give a custom knife for a wedding gift,
that will last a lifetime.
Gift a knife.
that will last a lifetime.