How Karam Knives are Made

Each knife I create is first drawn as a pencil sketch in my design book and then carefully hand crafted using no mechanical jigs, milling machines or lathes.

My blades are ground “freehand” from annealed precision-ground tool steel bar stock, such as Damascus, 01, D2, 440C, ATS-34, or 154-CM. Sometimes I will reshape an old tool, such as a drawknife, to create a unique blade.

Every blade is heat treated, tempered and cryogenically quenched before final assembly.

Almost all the knives I create are hidden tang fixed blades. The tang is held in place not only by a pin through the tang, but also by using 2-ton high weld epoxy on all stacked pieces that form the handle.

I like the unique look and warm feel of horn or antler guards, but will use traditional brass, nickel silver or stainless guards as well.

For the handles, I carefully select warm materials such as wood, horn, bone or antler that fit the character of the blade and feel comfortable in your hand.

When the knife has been finely satin finished, I bring it to my sheath maker for a custom-fitted hand made sheath. Once in a while, I will create my own rustic sheaths that reflect a period in history.

While I get satisfaction out of creating a functional tool, I also like to use my artistic background to create a one-of-a-kind piece that can be passed down to future generations.

Each knife I create is signed and numbered. The numbers correspond to the original sketches in my design books. Any knife purchaser may request a copy of the original sketch of their knife.

I am always happy to discuss a custom piece if there is a design that inspires you.