FAQ

What is Micarta?

Micarta is a high-performance composite material made by layering fabric, paper, or canvas with resin and compressing it under heat. Known for its durability, moisture resistance, and secure grip—even when wet—Micarta is a popular choice for knife handles used in hunting, bushcraft, and kitchen knives.
Valued for its non-slip grip, natural texture, and long-term durability, Micarta performs reliably in outdoor, hunting, and everyday cutting applications.

What is Stabilized Wood?

Stabilized wood is natural wood that has been infused with resin under vacuum and pressure, creating a strong, moisture-resistant material. This process preserves the beauty of natural grain while improving stability and durability, making stabilized wood a popular choice for high-quality knife handles. Most of our stabilized handle materials come from K&G Stabilization. Their process is widely recognized as the “gold standard” in stabilization.

Are Your Knives Dishwasher Safe

Your custom knives should always be hand washed and dried immediately after use. Dishwashers expose knives to extreme heat, prolonged moisture, and aggressive detergents that can damage blade finishes, dull cutting edges, and weaken handle materials such as wood, Micarta, or composite scales. Hand washing preserves the knife’s sharpness, structural integrity, and handcrafted quality, ensuring it performs and looks its best for years to come.

What is Richlite?

Richlite is an extremely durable, paper-based composite material made from FSC-certified or recycled paper stacked and infused with phenolic resin under high heat and pressure. Originally developed in 1943 for industrial and aerospace applications, it is now widely used for architectural cladding, high-end kitchen countertops, guitar fretboards, and knife handles. I source some of my Richlite from Masecraft Supply.

What is G-Carta?

G-carta is a unique composite of natural fibers and fabrics mixed with epoxy under pressure and heat. G-Carta provides excellent grip, resistance to moisture and temperature changes, and long-lasting strength—ideal for hunting, bushcraft, and everyday carry knives.
You can check out some of the G-Carta products lat their website: G-Carta

Do You Use Outside Services To Process Your Knives?

No. All of my knives are cut out with a small bench top band saw. The profiles are established on a 2” x 72” belt grinder. All of my knives are heat treated by me in my small shop in SE Michigan (using my Hotshot knife oven).. All handles are cut, ground and finished by me.

What Steels Do You Use In Your Knives?

My primary steel is currently AEB-L stainless steel. AEB-L stainless steel is a premium knife steel known for its exceptional edge stability, fine grain structure, and excellent corrosion resistance. Originally developed for razor blades, AEB-L takes an extremely sharp edge and holds it through extended use, making it a favorite for custom and handmade knives.
With its balanced composition, AEB-L offers impressive toughness compared to many high-carbon stainless steels, reducing the risk of chipping while maintaining outstanding cutting performance. It is easy to maintain, sharpens quickly, and resists staining, making it an excellent choice for hunting, kitchen, and everyday carry knives.
Almost all of my steel is sourced from Alpha Knife Supply.

Frequently Asked Questions