Frenchy's Custom Knives and Sticks - News and contact information

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DISCLAIMER

Why a Disclaimer? Well, mainly it's because I wish to inform and thus avoid the possibility of anyone misconstruing what I am about.

Therefore, let me say that I don't smelt and forge the blades I work with, so technically I'm not a knife maker in the traditional sense. I mainly commission reputable bladesmiths to make blades to my design and specifications. Occasionally I also obtain other standard stock to satisfy a particular request. Some of the blades are made from bar stock and some are hand forged from raw steel.

I hand build and finish my knives and therefore retain the 'Handmade' title in the description if the blade is also hand made. Where it's not, I state that it's 'Custom Made'. The same goes for the Sheaths. I make most of my own sheaths, but sometimes I do use a ready made sheath if it's good enough for the purpose - I'll always say which is which though.

Although most people I deal with are genuine and are only interested in the knife I make for them, I have learned from experience that occasionally individuals were only interested in the source of my blades for personal gain. That is why I no longer provide the exact blade makers' details. I appreciate that this might put some people off, but in this respect I'm no different to most enterprises that go to great lengths to protect their sourcing interests.

When I describe a knife I take full responsibility for the aspects that I have full control of, including the blade design and measurements. However, when it comes to the actual blade material base specifications I rely on the details as provided to me by my bladesmiths, who I trust.

More relevant though is the fact that should any part of my knives fail or found unfit for the purpose intended I take full responsibility and either repair, replace or make a refund as appropriate.

By acquiring one of my knives you are entrusting me to do right by you. Trust is a two way fundamental principle that underpins our relationship. I take great pride in what I do and will not knowingly act in such a way as to renege on my responsibility to you. 'Doing the right thing' by genuine honest people has, is and will always remain a principle that I will uphold no matter what.

My ultimate aim is to make your knife owning experience as best as I can make it...

NEWS - As at 11th July 2008

1. All ten of the DL1's RWL-34 blades are accounted for.

NB: Next batch of 10 DL1 blades have been ordered but delivery date is as yet unknown.

With the new batch there are going to be four main changes to the original brief, and these are:

a. The maker is going to be Brian Sorenson from Denmark (who also does the 52100 Bearing steel Talisman, Guardian and Leuku's for me). Brian is an exceptionally fine smithy.

b. The thickness of the blade is going to be 3mm as I've been asked often enough now to do a top quality knife in this thickness..

c. The grind is going to be appx. 7-8mm deep. The idea is to give more substance to the cutting edge and yet make the knife more usable in food preparation tasks as well as other tasks one expects from a Bushcraft type knife.

d. The distance between the cutting edge and the start of the handle is being reduced to 10mm to facilitate better handling for fine close work as preferred by experienced Bushcrafters - the same ones who keep asking me for a 3mm thick blade!

2. Two of my Bearing steel knives, the Talisman and the Guardian were field tested and the review of which was posted here:

http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40112

3. I've at last just received a batch of 5 Bearing Steel Leuku blades from Brian Sorenson. If you're after a Leuku that's a bit special, then this could be just what you need.

4. I've been so impressed by the EdgePro knife sharpening system that not only have I bought the Pro version for myself, I also bought some extra 'Apex 3 EdgePro Systems' to share with whoever wants one. The cost is what they cost me plus a little to cover my ancillary expenses. All I can say for now is that a system from me will cost you about the same as if you were to buy it direct from the USA or less - minus the hassle or wait.

5. Wolsingham Show - 6th and 7th September. I shall be attending this show as a guest Knife and Stick maker in support of my friends who run the North East Ferret rescue Centre. Apparently, myself and some other arty crafty friends will be together in a Large Marquee, so if you happen to be at the show, try and look us up for a chat and, I might even sharpen your knife for you for a silver coin!