Making knives since about 1991
From a blade profile to a working knife.
I have the blade profiles cut out, then do the remaining work myself—from heat treatment and grinding to the handle, sheath, and finished edge.
Here is what goes into a Lone Tree Blades knife.
From steel to finished blade
Blade profiling is outsourced. Heat treatment, grinding, finishing, handles, sheaths, and sharpening are my work.
Design and steel
The work starts with the knife's purpose: what it needs to cut, how it should carry, and how it should feel in your hand. For a custom build, we agree on the design and materials before work begins.
The blade profile
I have the blade profiles cut out by an outside supplier. That establishes the outline of the blade. From there, the remaining work is done by me.
Heat treatment
I heat-treat the blades myself, using a process suited to the steel. My 52100 blades finish at approximately 59 HRC. Stainless-steel blades also receive cryogenic treatment.
Grinding and finishing
I grind the blade and complete its finish. The Trail Boss uses a hollow grind. The blade shape, grind, and finish are brought together around the work the knife is intended to do.
Handle and sheath
I shape and finish the handle, then make the sheath. The Trail Boss pairs a G10 handle with a Kydex sheath. Custom materials and sheath details are agreed on for each build.
The finished edge
I sharpen the knife and give the finished build its final attention before it leaves the shop. The work does not end at the sale: every Lone Tree Blades knife includes free lifetime sharpening.
The Trail Boss steel
Why I use 52100.
I chose 52100 for the Trail Boss because I am building a working knife, with the steel, heat treatment, and grind considered together. My 52100 blades finish at approximately 59 HRC.
52100 is high-carbon steel, not stainless. That means caring for exposed steel is part of owning it: clean it after use, dry it thoroughly, and keep it protected.
Different steels, different treatment
Cryogenic treatment for stainless blades.
All of my stainless-steel blades receive cryogenic treatment as part of their heat-treatment process.
That stainless-steel process is separate from the 52100 specification above. The steel and finished hardness for a custom build are discussed as part of that specific order.
After it leaves the shop
An edge backed for life.
Every Lone Tree Blades knife includes free lifetime sharpening. You pay shipping to me, and I cover shipping back to you.
Contact me before mailing your knife so I can provide shipping instructions and the current turnaround estimate.
Built to go with you
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