Bespoke Orders: A Conversation on Craft
I am a researcher of arms history and a part-time knifemaker, split between my workshops in Riga and Sheffield. For me, making knives is not a mass-market business; it is a way to study the evolution of European folding mechanisms through my own hands. If you appreciate the traditional engineering of Solingen, Sheffield, or Thiers, we likely speak the same language.
My Technical Stand
I am often called a “thermal orthodox.” This simply means I don’t take risks with “mystery” steels or forgings from unknown sources. I’ve seen too many hidden defects in unverified Damascus or carbon bars to trust a blade to chance. To ensure the integrity of the steel, I work exclusively with proven rolled stocks like Bohler N690, Elmax, and Sandvik.
Heat treatment is the heart of the knife. I zonally harden my springs so they are tough at the head for wear resistance but remain flexible in the body to endure thousands of cycles. I also heat-treat my liners to reinforce the critical pivot areas—the “skeleton” of the folder. I don’t use CNC or industrial bearings. My knives are built using traditional pinned construction or hardened steel bushings (55 HRC). This is the way knives were meant to be made before the age of mass production.
What We Can Build Together
I don’t copy modern designs; it’s simply not where my interest lies. I find it much more challenging to take a legendary fixed-blade design from the past and re-engineer it into a functional folding EDC, such as my Patented Folding Cinquedea.
- Mechanisms: My focus is on the sophisticated locks of the 18th and 19th centuries. This includes the Cran Forcé (notched slipjoint) and the traditional Spanish “de ventana” backlock. I also enjoy incorporating unusual engineering solutions like the “carraca” — a functional ratcheting system.
- Materials: I work with a wide range of materials, many of which I stabilize in-house using Cactus Juice. My options for handle scales include:
- Synthetics: Textured or smooth G10 and high-grade Carbon Fiber.
- Woods: Ancient Bog Oak, Walnut Burl, and various types of Ironwood.
- Natural Organics: Moose antler (dense and less porous than deer), Water Buffalo horn, and bone.
- Exotics: Ethically sourced Mammoth and Walrus ivory (where legally permitted).
What I Don’t Work With
To maintain technical integrity and ethics, I have strict limits:
- No “Mystery” Forgings: I avoid unverified billets to prevent hidden micro-cracks and unpredictable quality.
- No Protected Species: I refuse to work with materials from endangered animals (elephant, rhino, etc.).
- No Clones: I do not produce replicas of modern commercial designs. My work is exclusively original or historical.
Legal Clarity & Global Shipping
My background is in law, so I take the legalities of knife ownership seriously. I have designed and patented the FX Legal Carry construction, specifically engineered for strict jurisdictions like the UK, New York, and Japan.
Every commission is checked against your local regulations. Shipping to the USA is handled via UPS with Age Verification.
How it Works
Since this is my hobby and passion, I don’t rush. A typical build takes 2 to 3 months.
- A 30% non-refundable deposit covers materials and secures your spot.
- The remaining 70% balance is due upon completion, after final photo approval.
If you value historical accuracy and transparent engineering, I’m open to a conversation.
You can reach me directly at: : denis (et) denischerevichnikknives (dot) com