A custom knife by Erin Aylor is not only an art knife with attention to fit and detail, but also is created with form and function in mind. My process involves a differential heat treat, which makes an incredible tool. Both malleable and able to hold a sharp edge, my blades are heat cycled (normalized- allowing grain structure to grow to its fullest potential) three times and then hardened in Parks 50 quench oil at 1050-1100 degrees Fahrenheit depending on thickness then annealed to a range of temperatures depending on the intended use.

A chef knife will be made to be very hard for edge retention. It will be more brittle than other knives, but will be able to hold a much sharper edge. It will slice through anything like butter, but using it with highly acidic foods will likely cause more patina than neutral and basic foods. This tool is meant to be used but needs a certain amount of care. My kitchen cutlery is designed for slicing, NOT for chopping bones or kindling, use as a screwdriver, or other abuse. They are certainly meant to be hand-washed with soap and water, NEVER run through the dishwasher, and stored with food grade mineral oil. A scotch brite pad can be used to reduce patina and bring back shine. I offer lifetime buffing and sharpening to bring back original shine for $25 plus shipping and handling if required.

Concerning camp knives, hunting knives, hatchets and axes, these are all meant to be used and are designed with such function in mind. These tools, also being made with high carbon steel, are meant to be cared for and are not meant to be left unattended under the seat of your vehicle. Meaning, if you were to harvest an animal and use my knife to process, when you are finished wash thoroughly with soap and water and oil your knife.

Now that I’ve talked you out of a custom high carbon steel tool, I’ll address commissioning a knife. To commission a blade, pricing begins at $250. The process is as follows. We make a drawing. After the drawing and budget are approved construction can begin. If the knife is to be customized with initials or other personalized embellishment, I require half of the agreed upon price as a non refundable deposit. All other knives shall be paid for in full upon completion.

My knives vary in price from $150 to $5000 depending on material, hours, file-work, damascus or not, inlay, etc. Most commissions have the possibility of taking up to three months, depending on my waiting list. The best way to organize a commission is for you to call me and set up an appointment to discuss the parameters of your project. I also offer a one on one instructional experience in which you become the maker of your own knife with my guidance and assistance for $80 an hour. I can be reached at 240-397-3820 or erinlutzeraylor@gmail.com. Click on the Workshops and Instruction album for information on multi person instructional experiences.