TACTICAL GRIP, KITCHEN EDGE
I don't separate design from function, regardless of the environment. A knife is a tool built for a specific job. This is one of the core principles of Bladetricks.
The challenge this time was unique (at least for me): two custom chef knives: a thin cleaver and a boning knife, requested by another loyal customer. These are the first two chef knives ever made by Bladetricks and this immediately set the parameters for the entire project, forcing design decisions that prioritize performance in the kitchen.
THE COMPLETE DEMAND
The client provided a set of functional parameters that dictated every step of the design: stainless steel, affordability, a thin profile, easy-maintenance handle material, and the use of my standard tactical grinding geometry, a feature he was already accustomed to.
FROM TACTICAL GRIP TO KITCHEN ERGONOMICS
The client's list included one crucial ergonomic requirement: apply the profile of a tactical fixed blade (The custom Parks double edge karambit) to these new kitchen knives. The reason was simple: the client had already tested the grip on a previous custom knife I made for him and found it comfortable and ergonomic for his hand. I kept the design intact, ensuring the grip’s stability and control translated directly to the kitchen setting.
THE STAINLESS STEEL NECESSITY
The overall design required light, agile tools, and high longevity, which I achieved with a thin 2mm stock. This agility, combined with the demand for longevity, forced the definitive move into stainless steels.
To achieve superior edge retention and maintain a good price point, I used 14C28N stock. This is where the tactical mindset meets the kitchen: the alloy offers high toughness. Critically, it delivers superior corrosion resistance. This is not about flair; it is a pragmatic choice that frees the user from constant maintenance worries.
PRECISION CUTTING AND TACTICAL ROOTS
Both the cleaver and the boning knife feature a functional chisel grind, built for maximizing slicing performance. This is the same geometry I employ on the vast majority of my tactical knives. I complemented this with a secondary micro bevel on the flat side. This is design focused on extreme sharpness and clean cuts.
For the handles, the priority was simplicity, durability, and affordability. I chose black Delrin, a reliable material that delivers a secure grip without unnecessary complexity and is highly resistant to the demanding environment of a professional kitchen.
Finally, I made two custom Kydex sheaths. This feature is a direct homage to the tactical roots of Bladetricks and its fixed-blade origins. It ensures safe transport and provides a clear, strong visual contrast.
These two knives demonstrate that every choice, from handle material to steel thickness, is a cold, functional decision for pure performance in the kitchen.
