Unmatched Durability
Our knives are engineered to withstand the harshest conditions, ensuring they remain tough and dependable when you need them most. Built to last, they’re true companions for any outdoorsman.
Precision Engineering
Meticulously designed with a focus on functionality and ergonomics, every curve and edge serves a purpose. The designs enhance your grip and precision, making our knives a joy to use in any situation.
Craftsmanship Beyond Compare
Each knife is crafted by skilled artisans who take pride in their work. We’ve combined time-tested techniques with modern innovation to create a knife that is as beautiful as it is functional.
Field-Tested Excellence
These knives have undergone rigorous testing in real-world outdoor scenarios, ensuring they perform flawlessly when it matters most. They are trusted by outdoorsmen who demand the best.
Unrivaled Legacy
With years of experience and a commitment to quality, we’ve earned a reputation for excellence. Our knives are the culmination of that legacy, representing the very best in outdoorsmanship.
Join the ranks of satisfied customers who have discovered the difference in owning the finest knife ever made. Your outdoor experience will never be the same.
We use a variety of steels. Selection depends on the knife’s primary use.
| Steel | Carbon | Chromium | Manganese | Molybdenum | Niobium | Phosphorus | Silicon | Sulphur | Vanadium | Nitrogen: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D2 | 1.55% | 12.00% | .030% | 0.80% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.45% | 0.00% | 0.90% | 0.00% |
| CPM S30V | 1.45% | 14.08% | 0.50% | 2.050% | 0.00% | 0.017% | 0.52% | 0.018% | 4.13% | 0.22% |
| 440C | 1.20% | 16-18% | 1.00% | 0.75% | 0.00% | 0.04% | 1.00% | 0.03% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| MAGNACUT | 1.15% | 10.70% | 0.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 4.00% | 0.20% |
Blade steel is the heart of a knife. Knife steels fall into three general economic groups– inexpensive; moderately priced, and most expensive. Consequently, knife blade performance generally follows these same classifications with the least expensive being low in the chemical ingredients that can produce a quality blade while the moderately and most expensive knives have the “right stuff” in them and consequently are more resistant to edge wear, are tougher and more corrosion resistant.
Knife blade chemical elements coupled with precise heat treat and tempering determine the basic building blocks of a high-performance blade. The following list are the common chemical element additions to iron to produce certain effects in steels used in knife making.
Increases hardness and strength of steel but can reduce corrosion resistance and toughness by forming chromium carbides which removes the chromium from the ferrite.
Increases corrosion resistance. Increases cost and more difficult to machine due to increased toughness. Reduces ductility of the steel.
Improves the corrosion resistance in steel by forming an oxide coating on the steel and also increases toughness, strength, and hardness. Reduces the potential for cracking.
Increases the steels strength and corrosion resistance. Reduces brittleness and improves the hardenability.
Enhances corrosion resistance by making the grain structures finer and increases the steel’s strength. A strong carbide former.
Improves machinability and strengthens the ferrite when added in very small percentages . Increases the corrosion resistance.
Increases oxidation resistance. Helps promote ferrite microstructures and moderately increases hardening capacity.
Improves the machinability of steel.
Forms carbides in the ferrite grain microstructure and increases strength and toughness and hardness after heat-treating and tempering.
Alloying element used in some stainless steels that increases the stability in the austenite phase when heat-treating.
We use four different steels for manufacturing our knife blades. These steels are all American made and come to us in sheet form where we laser cut our blade shapes and begin the knife making process. The first steel to discuss is D2 Tool Steel and the following chart indicates the chemistry.
| Carbon | Chromium | Manganese | Molybdenum | Silicon | Vanadium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.55% | 12.00% | .030% | 0.80% | 0.45% | 0.90% |
PROS: D2 is an excellent high carbon tool steel that has a proven track record as a high-quality knife steel since the 1960’s. It has been one of Knives of Alaska’s flagship steels for the last 30 years and continues today to be an important component in our blade manufacturing. It is a more economical choice when compared to other high-performance steels. The mix of carbon, chromium, moly, and vanadium along with the other trace elements produces a blade that has good edge wear resistance, toughness and strength, and corrosion resistance. We heat-treat and temper the D2 to Rc 59-61 which is a good hardness to promote edge wear resistance and provide a tough edge that resists chipping.
CONS: It is not classified as a stainless and requires care and maintenance after field-dressing game to prevent rusting. Machinability and re-sharpening are more challenging than S30V, 440C and MagnaCut steels. It will not hold as good an edge as will S30V and MagnaCut steels.
PRODUCTS: All models except fillet knives and some folders.
| Carbon | Chromium | Manganese | Molybdenum | Phosphorus | Silicon | Sulfur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.20% | 16—18% | 1.00% | .75% | 1.00% | 0.45% | .03% |
PROS: 440C has the highest carbon content of all the 400 series stainless steels. It is heat-treated and tempered to a Rc hardness of 58-60 and it has good to excellent edge holding capability due to its high carbon content forming tough and hard chromium carbides. It is a tough stainless steel that we use in all our fillet knives and it is easier to re-sharpen than D2.
CONS: It is the most expensive of all the 400 series stainless steels and more expensive than D2.
PRODUCTS: Coho and Steelheader fillet knives.
| Carbon | Chromium | Manganese | Molybdenum | Phosphorus | Silicon | Sulfur | Vanadium | Nitrogen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.45% | 14.08% | .50% | 2.05% | .017% | .52% | .018% | 4.13% | .22% |
PROS: A powder metallurgy stainless steel that has excellent edge holding characteristics due to it’s formation of vanadium carbides which are more wear resistant than chromium carbides. The powder metallurgy process reduces the ferrite, carbon, and vanadium grain structures which facilitates edge hardness, sharpness and longevity. Rc hardness values of 59—61 are achieved. The fine grain structures assists in re-sharpening.
CONS: Transmission electron microscopy analysis (TEM) at 80,000X indicates the presence of voids and oxides in the steel matrix. This results in a blade that can be more prone to edge fracturing (chipping) if used to impact hard surfaces like bone and if the edge is geometrically too thin. One of the more expensive knife steels available.
PRODUCTS: Alpha Wolf; Cub Bear; Muskrat; folders.
| Carbon | Chromium | Molybdenum | Niobium | Vanadium | Nitrogen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.15% | 10.70% | 2.00% | 2.00% | 4.00% | .20% |
PROS: Another powder metallurgy stainless steel that has a high level of vanadium and niobium which in combination adds to toughness and wear resistance by forming very fine-grained vanadium carbides. Corrosion resistance (stainlessness) is exceptional and is achieved in part due to the small amount of chromium carbides thus releasing the chromium to be attached to the ferrite. Due in part to the formation of fine-grained ferrite and vanadium carbides, the Rc hardness can be elevated to 61—63. These higher hardness values in conjunction with the very fine grain structures results in a longer lasting shaving sharp edge. Resharpening is not difficult due to the very fine grain structures even though the Rc hardness is high.
CONS: The most expensive knife steel available resulting in a more expensive knife. Like S30V, MagnaCut is a powder metallurgy steel and voids and oxides in the powder steels are documented and can lead to edge fracturing when striking hard bone and if the edge geometry is too thin.
PRODUCTS: Classic Hunter; Alpha Wolf; Cub Bear; all automatic folders.
THE STEEL’S GRAIN SIZE—WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT AND WHAT IS A “GRAIN”?
A grain is a collection of atoms formed into a crystalline structure all arranged in the same direction. When two or more grains meet arranged in different directions, a grain boundary is formed. Fine grain size increases the yield strength of the steel. The many grains and grain boundaries are what make up the steel.
Grain size in knife steel is incredibly important as the smaller the grain, the greater the yield strength and ductility. Larger grain boundaries can fracture under stress whereas fine grain boundaries have more “give” in them and the steel will flex rather than fracture. Other positive aspects of a fine grain for a knife blade is the ability to increase hardness without increasing brittleness. Grain size in knife blades is influenced by the elements added to the steel, heat-treating, tempering, the techniques employed by powder metallurgy and the patented extreme forging process known as “Friction Forging” which produces the finest grain size.
Premium Grade Stabilized Elk Stag
Our stag is of the highest quality and is stabilized to prevent moisture from damaging the stag knife handle.
G-10™
This tough material is another mainstay in hard-use knives. We finish it with a shot peened surfacing that leaves a “tacky” finish. Secured with brass or stainless steel rivets and lanyards.
Suregrip Checkered
Made with Santoprene, our injection molded handles are tough, somewhat “tacky” to the feel and impervious to the elements and to most chemicals. Santoprene is a thermoplastic elastomer. Black and hunter’s orange are available for most products.
Suregrip Smooth
Made with Santoprene, our injection molded handles are tough, somewhat “tacky” to the feel and impervious to the elements and to most chemicals. Santoprene is a thermoplastic elastomer. Black and hunter’s orange are available for most products.
Mosaic Pins and Lanyards
These beautiful pins and lanyards anchor the handles to the full-tang blade. Used primarily in making custom knifes of exceptional quality, these pins and lanyards offer color, contrast, and distinction to any handle.
Presentation Grade Desert Ironwood (PRDI)
A magnificent tight-grained tough wood that is beautifully figured.
Drop Point
The combination of sharp point and robust skinning radius provides an excellent tool for all field dressing duties.
Spear Point
Designed for precision cutting and convenient every day carry tasks.
Clip Point
With its upswept point, this shape is ideal for the initial incision cuts and general field dressing duties. Final dispatch/bleeding knife for big-game. Blade is straight spined with an ultra-sharp point for deep penetration.
Tanto
“Tanto” style blade has proven itself as a self-defense tactical style blade that is also remarkably effective in everyday cutting chores.
Wharncliffe
This is an excellent choice for making precise cuts, as in field-dressing birds and trout sized fish.
Hatchet
The hatchet is still one of the most basic and timeless tools for an outdoorsman. Useful for camping survival, field dressing and firewood chores.
Normal Straight
One of the best all around designs ever conceived. Sharp, fine, upswept clip-point provides efficient method for skinning under and around game animal’s legs and other close-quarter situations. Yet the blade retains a long radius for skinning and field-dressingthe larger areas of the animal.
Caping Knife
Lightweight and designed for fine detail work. This blade works like a scalpel for fine caping.
Boning
Whether at the cleaning station, on the farm or in the home kitchen, this knife will make your butchering chores more efficient.
Survival/Defense
You can slice and cut, stab, hammer, chop, or pry with this knife. It works well field dressing large game and is a prefect choice for emergency preparedness.
Saw
Sometimes nothing will take the place of a good compact saw in the outdoors. Very efficient and stable full-tang saw.
Rounded Cleaver
The cleaver can chop through the sternum and pelvic girdle, and can be used for other field dressing tasks. It can also be used to cut saplings to build emergency shelter or blinds. The rounded tip provides a long efficient skinning radius.
Round Tip
This unusually shaped knife is unbelievably effective for skinning and fleshing. The razor sharp edge extends completely around the rounded tip and along the top side for one inch. This allows the user to skin very quickly with the knife by cutting in both directions with a quick flick of the wrist. The rounded point is also much less likely to accidentally cut through the skin of a valuable cape than is a very sharp pointed blade.
Ulu
Used by Alaskan Natives for centuries, the Ulu’s long curved edge is excellent for skinning, fleshing, and slicing.
Elliptical
Made for hunters and trappers due to its long skinning radius with low drag. Features a thumb groove with gimping for increased grip, comfort and safety.
