Premium Knife with Custom Handle
Choose the knife, personalization options, and style. Expect two to three weeks from your order until shipping.
All knives are Zhen brand.
I’ll be in contact with you throughout the process so we can be sure you get exactly what you want. Be ready to discuss your desired design (as specific or vague as you’re ready to share) and personalization options — name, font, color, inlay material; again, however specific or vague works best for you.
Design:
The price includes a basic design of one or more woods, laid out in parallel stripes, mounted at any angle.
More advanced layouts -- such as herringbone -- are extra (~$15+, depending on the layout).
I'm happy to work with any woods you'd like, but usually keep the following on hand:
Options:
Rivets (free; help prevent handle from separating from the tang; can leave off if a clean/minimalistic look is desired)
Finger grooves ($20)
Personalization/Inlays (any font, inlays with metals, semi-precious stones, glow-in-the-dark powder, etc.)
Finishes:
Basic options (included in price):
Oil-based
Matte to satin
Limited water protection; requires a little additional diligence
Rivets strongly recommended
Very natural wood feel
Shellac
Satin to semi-gloss
Moderate water protection
Polyurethane
Semi-gloss
Great water protection / ease of care
Premium finish (extra $30)
Cyanoacrylate
Glossy
Completely waterproof
Very easy care
Downsides:
Plasticky feel
Can crack when dropped
Add-on Products:
I also make magnetic knife blocks and strips, which I can make to match or contrast with your knife handles. These can be purchased at any time -- I'll have a record of what you order and can match it at a later date.
Design:
One or more woods, laid out in parallel stripes, mounted at any angle.
More advanced layouts -- such as herringbone -- may (or may not) be extra (~$15, depending on the layout).
I'm happy to work with any woods you'd like. I typically have at least the following on hand:
Options:
Rivets (free; help prevent handle from separating from the tang; can leave off if a clean/minimalistic look is desired)
Finger grooves ($10 extra)
Personalization: icons or text (your choice of font; bold/plain fonts work best) cut into the handle
Filled with various metals (aluminum, copper, brass, pewter), semi-precious stone powder (malachite, fuchsite, lapis lazuli, chrysocolla, red coral, pipestone, jet), glow powders (~8 colors available)
Filled with mix of synthetic opals (colors your choice, ~15 colors available; additional fee)
Finishes:
Basic options (included in price, sorted from most natural to most plasticky / least to most water resistant):
Oil-based
Matte to satin
Limited water protection; requires a little additional diligence
Rivets strongly recommended
Very natural wood feel
Several extra days required
Shellac
Satin to semi-gloss
Moderate water protection
Polyurethane
Semi-gloss
Great water protection / ease of care
Several extra days required
Premium finish (extra $30)
Cyanoacrylate
Glossy
Completely waterproof (in theory, at least)
Extra easy washing
Downsides:
Plasticky feel
Can crack when dropped
Several extra days required
The knife should not be placed in the dishwasher nor submerged, regardless of finish.
Add-on Products:
I also make magnetic knife blocks and strips, which I can make to match or contrast with your knife handles. These can be purchased at any time if you're interested -- I'll have a record of what you order and can match it at a later date.
