Designing a knife with Rainy Day Forge
I receive a fair number of messages from people wanting to get a knife made by me. Some were referred by a friend, some saw a photo of one of my blades online, and others found me through a simple Google search. However they arrive, I’m always glad to hear from folks looking for something meaningful, something built to last.
Often, they’re looking for a knife to mark a special occasion: a wedding gift, an anniversary keepsake, a graduation present, something unique for Father’s Day, a housewarming gesture, or the perfect Christmas surprise. A knife might seem like an unconventional gift to some, but those who know, know! A well-made blade carries weight, both literally and symbolically.
Because there are so many aspects to knife making, the process usually begins with a conversation. We start with the basics: what the knife is for and what inspired them to reach out. From there, we dive deeper. Preferences, priorities, and vision. We talk about size, feel, and style. We explore steel types and heat treatments, the pros and cons of different grinds, and how each decision affects performance. Handle materials alone are a rabbit hole: wood, synthetics, hybrids. Each with their own story and character.
The creative palette is massive. But that’s what makes it exciting. Every knife I make is the result of that collaboration: a blend of your story and my craft.
From here, I usually move on to drawing the design. It’s a collaborative process—I’ll sketch, we’ll revise, and we’ll keep working until we land on a final draft that feels right. But sometimes, this is also where we part ways. If our visions differ too much, I’ll be honest about it. I’m not interested in forcing something that doesn’t fit. My style is my style, and I want every knife to reflect the kind of work I stand behind. When that match isn’t there, I’ll often suggest they connect with another smith who might be a better fit. At the end of the day, it’s about making sure they get something they’ll truly love.
If you're thinking about having something made, send me a message. I’d be happy to help build something you'll be proud to use, or proud to give.