Testimonials

The following is a rather random collection of email responses gathered over the years. Not originally planned to become “testimonials”, the names of the customers were not saved along with the responses in a number of these entries. These are simply excerpts from correspondences with buyers that I found to be particularly interesting, entertaining or moving.
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Just a quick note to say I stopped by the site and love the new pieces you have up for sale.  Those swords in particular are stunning.  The details are what get my mind spinning and thinking of the possibilities for my own work.  It also got me thinking about an aspect of old-world craftsmanship that I think is overlooked by most people today… when you possess a functional work of art such as this, you aspire to be worthy of possessing it.  It becomes a means to developing your character and a check on ignoble behavior.  In these times of mass consumer objects, we think wealth is the accumulation of “stuff,” oblivious to how such shoddiness ends up being mirrored in our own character.

Happy New Year,

Sam Spiczka

…As for the razor, I’d have emailed you already but didn’t want to bombard you-
I might just be a natural at it but 5 shaves and no nicks, and I have always managed nick myself with a safety razor around my Adam’s apple. So I am damned pleased and will probably want the other one you have up there as well (with the slightly narrower blade) for safe keeping. So far, it’s the best shaving experience I’ve had. So I guess I owe it to your badass razor design skills for convincing me to try something I’d probably have never tried otherwise. 🙂

Hello, I recently stumbled upon your site and had to reach out and say how beautiful your blades are. The organic yet thoughtful and refined details truly are remarkable. You are an inspiration. Among a sea of talented and respected bladesmiths you truly stand apart. Thank you sincerely for setting this novice to task! Continue the amazing work. Please.

-Chris

BTW the “knapping” texture you use on the Raven, Korvus Kukri and elsewhere, how it “spoons” out the blade without actually cutting through the edge of the spine really is gorgeous and has my brain spinning as to how it was done. A great puzzle to keep me up past bedtime!

Opened the package today, and wow… I could not be more pleased. Fantastic craftsmanship and quality, shave-ready to perfection. I truly appreciate it. Your work reflects a level of pride in artisanship that is becoming nearly extinct in today’s society.

Thank you,

-Aaron Slemker

Pre-Script: Quality. Panache. Style. Breathtaking Aesthetics. Purity of Function. Usefulness. A Trustworthy Blade. These are among the ideas that sprang to my noggin’ when i saw your work. That, and “Ohhhhh…! He makes stone-age textured knives: Coolest thing i ever saw, man.”
I am most impressed with the achievements you’ve made in the Primitive Look, & no doubt, Feel, of the textured pieces. (Although after gazing upon the sublime designs on the Straight Razor page, I am more & more convinced that you are from the 24th century; But I’ll never tell. 😉

Clifton Loucks

Got the shipment in the mail today, and I must say the razor looks even more beautiful in person. The finish on it is insane, especially the wooden texture on handle portion. Would have been cool to see that on one of your edc blades as a finish. And it works great in the hand, makes shaving look easy with a straight razor. Funny thing is that not even my custom Dovo razor is as sharp as your razor. It really gives me a baby smooth shave. So again, thank you for a superb product.

Hello brother: ), Brother I wants stone age razor, I belongs to India, When it will be available?  I will get it in India or Russia, where you think is good for you ask me for address…and how much it will cost with shipping?  also leather case, and leather sharpening strap,,, Your products are cocaine.  Thanks.

I recently purchased a razor that you designed with fossilized ivory scales and I can say without a doubt it is a better shaving tool than any of my other straight razors.

Thank you, Best,

John Rasmussen

…showed another guy your wares on the Sage Blades site last night; Another man in total awe of your 24th Century Stone Age craftings…! How does he do this….? How does steel get worked to look like wood? How does he get the patterns on the blades? How does he do that on the sheaths…? “He’s from the future;” was my standard response.

Clifton Loucks

Just got the razor today and it’s even better than I had anticipated. Everything about it is exceptional; I couldn’t be more pleased. Going with the 8/8 was the right choice. I don’t think I would like the feel as much if it were smaller. I will definitely be ordering more blades from you in the near future.

I received my Stone Age razor and I must say, your work is incredible! I can’t wait to use it. Thanks again for all your help Dylan. I look forward to future purchases of your razors!

I just received the wrench razor (it had an interesting journey…I moved bases so someone at my other base received it, tracked down someone heading my way, and passed it off to them on a Blackhawk with instructions how to find me), and I wanted to say that the pictures did not do it justice. It is without a doubt a work of art in both form and function. When I opened the package and unsheathed the razor, everyone immediately commented on the design, amazed that it started life as a wrench and was crafted into something that was at once beautiful and aggressive. Not only does it look great, it has the sharpest edge out of any blade I have ever worked with. I was pleasantly surprised by just how sharp it was, and thrilled it needed no sharpening prior to use. After shaving, I was left with the cleanest feeling I have had in a while (well, my face at least), which over here is nice to have every now and again. I wanted to thank you not only for your excellent craftsmanship, but for answering all my emails promptly and being extremely accommodating with mailing. I look forward to your future projects and where you take Sage Blades.

Thank you again, and take care!

I ordered a wrench razor from you a while back and I absolutely love it. So much so, I’d like to get a 2nd…My wrench razor is still shave ready after 9 months with only daily stropping…

Jared Agius

How do I purchase these blades?! I must buy these blades?!

I must say that you are a remarkable professional and I have not dealt with anyone – certainly not on internet and faceless purchases – who has given so much of his time answering emails, sending photos, etc. You have a true personal touch and it shows in the fine art which you produce.

It has been almost two months since I picked up my bush sword and the excitement has not abated one bit.  Even now when I unsheathe it, it still elicits goose bumps as though I were seeing it for the first time.  Never before have I been so please with a purchase.  You truly are a master craftsman of the highest order!

Sean Heumann

I just wanted to let you know that you are making AMAZING knives. I just so happened to stumble upon your site when I was looking for a Karambit and I have fallen in love with everything!!! Awesome job! I love how you recycle different parts! I live on an army post and totally will spread the word of how awesome these knifes look, since knives are big around here. I am hoping to save up to hopefully get one! it may take a long while but maybe I will even become a collector! Awesome job!!!!!

Katie

I picked up the razor this morning but didn’t open it until a few minutes ago. One word for now – Wow!!!! Looks absolutely incredible – finish is amazing, ergonomics of handle are spot on…it looks just plain bad ass.  love the sheath/case too.
Update after a couple of uses – Simply phenomenal!  The finish is just incredible. That alone was well worth the wait.  What do you call it? How is it done? Also I can’t believe how freaking well it shaves.  The edge you put on it, how well it was ground,  the weight behind the edge, a combo of all – I have no idea but it immediately goes in the top tier out my several dozen large razor rotation. Dylan you my man are a remarkable craftsman (not that you needed me to tell you).  I’ll be picking up another razor or 2 of yours at some point. But first I may want to pick up one of your knives.

All the best, Piyush

I wanted to say how much I appreciate your work and I also wanted to ask you a question.  This blade is definitely the sharpest I have ever owned and it was honed so well that I had to ask you if you honed it yourself and if so, what technique you use. Thank you very much and again, it’s truly the most treasured razor I own.

Hello, I am Gabriel from Romania and I like very much your work with razors and knives. I am thinking to make a knife for myself and I was wondering if you may tell me what tools do I need to do it. I would like to make it a hobby, I like knives very much. Hope I will get to 50% of your level, I will be more than pleased. I appreciate your work. Respect, you are the best I’ve seen.

Thank you,

Gabriel Albu

Received the knife on Friday.  It’s as beautiful as it looked in the photo, though the sheath is nicer than I expected. Points for the presentation in the box as well. Felt like I was unwrapping an undiscovered piece of history. I haven’t had the pleasure yet of really putting it through its paces but I did decide to see how shaving sharp it was and promptly incurred a really obvious bare spot on my arm. 😀 So far so good on the not cutting myself, which I understand twice as well why you warned me. I’ll be in touch after I’ve gotten to play with it some more but truly exquisite work.

😀 thank you again, one of the best birthday presents I’ve gotten.

David Levinger

Dylan, Honestly Bro’, I looked at the pictures numerous times and I honestly don’t know what to say…I appreciate everything you’ve done on it. The time, effort, and modifications you’ve put into this project have drastically changed the character of my razor and I was definitely not picturing this as the final outcome for razor.   From the reduction of material along the spine length, the pronounced material reduction at the front, blade tip softening, bark pattern carvings, scale reconditioning, blue coat, and deeper bevel, this razor looks AMAZING!!!!!!!! =)   I’m so stoked that this project turned out so well Dylan, you are a true metal Artisan!!! I am really excited about being able to physically see the razor and shaving with it too! It’s DEFINITELY going to be my showcase piece and  “Sunday Driver”! 😉 I honestly didn’t think the idea was going to look THIS great! ha ha. Everything flows so well together, like the way the blued blade seamlessly blends with the reconditioned scales. Bro, even the way your bark carvings bleed into the patina on the flat surfaces of the blade, it just looks like a masterpiece! I’m really diggin’ the cut you made into the front notch of the blade along with the flow of the bark carvings into that area! I hope I don’t sound dumb, but the spine and notch actually remind me of a tree’s branch, the new look looks PRICELESS!!  I love your other works that you’ve created, but the fact that you did this to mine, man you turned my 1988 IROC Camaro into a 1969 Camaro SS, CLASSIC!!!! ha ha! I’m really happy to know that my time piece is forged; kept in true old-world fashion! =)   Thank you for taking the time and effort to work this one, I could only IMAGINE how long it took you to hone this sucker. I honestly tried for over an hour on my 2000/4000 and I couldn’t dent it, so I gave up! So I could only think that it took you MANY more to get it shave ready! How did you peen the pin without breaking it? Shoot, I can barely Dremel the rust off of some razors without chipping blades past repairability and “wasting history” (I’ve wasted 2 Wade&Butchers, 1 Schumate, and 1 Engels) much less properly putting a hammer to hardware on a razor! Will I be able to just lather up and give it a test run when I receive it from you? I’m anxiously looking forward to that! =)   Just let me know what I need to do in order to enjoy this creation Brother!! My razor looks the Ultimate, all of its imperfections came together for a perfect blend! 😉

Joey

Good Afternoon! =)

I just wanted to let you know that I ran into my mailman as I was pulling into my driveway and I spotted my EBC box that I mailed out to you! I quickly went into the house and could not believe my eyes when I opened the box!!! Man, my razor looks indescribably SICK! =) I’m ecstatic! This piece of art looks WAY better in person than in the pic’s and I thought the pic’s were smokin’!   I just wanted to let you know that I am truly grateful for what you’ve transformed this piece of history into and I’m really looking forward to my first shave, which by the way, will be Sunday! 😉   Thank you for everything Brother, I’m eternally grateful!

Sincerely,

Joey

Dylan!   I meant to write this sooner, but I had to tell you about my 1st shave with my razor you restored for me: Fit & finish- Top Quality! The retained pitting, dark patina spots blended in with the patina, applied on the blade, and the original horn scales restored with the brass pins refitted are amazing!  The icing on the cake has to be the hand carved “Tree bark” engraving along the blade’s spine and the barber’s notch, along with the deepening of the barber’s notch and softening of the blade tip (subtle but noticable features) it makes the blade stand out a lot from its former form!

Initial Shave- The razor’s heavy weighted blade and the scales’ natural grip created a strange but nice balance initially it felt awkward, until the 1st stroke! The blade’s weight and sharpness are remarkable! Out of the 5 straight razors I have, this modified W&B you made me, is BAR NONE! The way you sharpened the blade felt like I was only using the blade weight and it glided on my face with every stroke. I was wondering if it was even cutting my facial hair! My Sunday shave was the best ever, no , pulling, dragging, and I really appreciated the softened blade tip, no cuts around my nostrils! =)   My Sunday Shaver that you’ve restored for me only makes me wish I had 4 more to replace the 5 others I currently have, again, thank you for the best straight razor in my collection, have a great weekend Brother!

Joey

Dylan,

I received the knife in the mail a short time ago. It is impressively sharp to say the least. I’ve pulled out at least a dozen of my own beard hairs just to watch this knife cut them in half, lol. I have to do kind of a quick swipe to get them to cut completely in half, but if I gently drag them across the blade it will split and slice them. Excuse my language if you’re a religious man, but it’s fucking awesome!   The craftsmanship is perfect to my eye it looks to have a convex grind, my favorite. The mirrored edge is spectacular. This is the sharpest knife I own by far… I haven’t figured out what I want to do with it yet. Chopping and hard use, though I know it will do it, don’t seem to be in its best interest. Self-defense, maybe? But I’m not trained enough and if someone took it from me and turned it against me I’d run like hell. It’s hard to tell what I’ll end up doing with her…. The artistry equals her function. It’s dark and rustic, but her mirror polished edge is like the glimmer of beauty and light in her soul. She reminds me of something a pirate would carry, I love it.   I do know this, I need more sage blades. I need a sword, a razor, and a kitchen knife!! Can’t wait to do more business with you, thanks for all the extra work you put into this one!

Sincerely,   E

OMG, this thing is simply amazing!  it cut so well on the first with-grain pass that i didn’t think I needed a follow-up pass like I usually would with my other straight or safety razor.  Also, I love the handle on this.  With the uneven surface, it made gripping some getting used to, but once I found the sweet spot for my hand, the movement pattern, etc I needed for this blade it then started to feel like the best shave ever.  My Fiancee even said after touching my chin that this $700 shave was well worth it.

Jimmy

Received the knife today.  Super impressive man. Beautiful craftsmanship.  Definitely the sharpest knife of its size i’ve encountered.  Feels great in my hand,   look forward to putting it to use.  Let me know about the others (vipers) and whenever you get to the point of taking new orders I’d like to get in line.  Thanks again  Im super stoked!!
Travis
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Oh my God, Dylan, it’s so beautiful, thank you so much for going the extra mile on it! David is going to literally lose his mind when he sees it. It looks absolutely perfect. Now shut up and take my money!
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Victoria

Hi Dylan,

I will write you again once I have gathered myself bit more, but I have to give you my first impressions now.

I can’t come up with the words to express how beautiful this blade is.  The only thing I can say is that it is completely mesmerizing.  It has a reverence about it that I can’t explain.  I’m looking at it as I sit here and type this, and I can’t reconcile why I am handling it so gently as if it is fragile, while at the same time it is obvious what a solidly built tool it is.  Amazing…

You have taken an old file, reborn in fire…and created something that seems to have a soul – perhaps it does…

The sheath is incredible too.  I hope you collaborate with this old-world leather worker more often.  The blade and sheath are meant to be together, as if it was destiny.

I am so proud to own such a unique and finely crafted work of art.  I am truly envious of your talent, but if I had the ability to make a blade like this, I wouldn’t be able to part with it.  I don’t know how you can let something like this go, but I guess you have a different perspective as the “maker.”  I am grateful that you gave me the opportunity to acquire this masterpiece, even though you could have easily sold it for twice or more what you asked me to pay. Please know that I will always cherish it.  It will be a family heirloom passed to my son one day.

Many thanks!

Randy

Hi Dylan,

I have calmed down a bit now 😉

I seriously appreciate all you have done.  I hope to someday be able to repay you.  I really feel like you went out of your way to offer this extraordinary blade to me.  I have about 8 or 9 quality knives I have collected over the last few years, but I have never seen anything like what you sent me today.  You literally blew my mind.

This blade is a most prized possession, and she will be well taken care of.  My whole family is now fans of yours.  Everyone was blown away at the detail you crafted into the blade.  The sheath is also as cool as the other side of the pillow.

I hope to meet you one day, maybe if you go to the Atlanta Blade Show or something.  If you ever do, let me know and I’ll bring her with me;)

I really think your work is in a class by itself.  I hope you begin to get the recognition you deserve, and I am sure you will.  I get the sense that you will always walk your own path, and I admire that.

I wish I had discovered your work years ago.  I will save my pennies from now on – there is no other blade maker for me.  You have a new life-long customer.  If I had the money, I would have one of each of your pieces – no kidding.

Thank you so much, and I hope to talk soon…

Randy

With all my rambling on about your artisanship and the blade itself, I never mentioned that it was an absolute pleasure talking and working with you.  You’re a genuinely kind person, and I have really enjoyed this whole experience.

Oh, one more thing…

I read the care and maintenance insert that you sent with the knife.  I did not know that you invented the “micro-peening” technique, but I understand now why I have never seen it on other knives.  Your explanation of its benefits makes perfect sense, and it looks cool as the morning breeze too.  Just amazing…

Thanks,

Randy

I just received the LUCKY CHESHIRE in the mail the other day here in Western Australia. I love the handling and functionality of it. Truly a piece of functional art. The only problem is that your blades are like trading cards, I want to collect them all hahaha. I look forward to see what comes out of sage blades next and hope I’m lucky enough to get some more pieces of your art”

Dylan,
I cant wipe the smile of my face!  I just received the scimitar and HOLY COW, this thing is amazing!  I’ve spent the last 15 minutes outside admiring your work in the sunlight, just beautiful, not to mention the incredible sheath.  I’m going to go drool some more but thank you again for the amazing piece, I will treasure it for a very long time!  My daughter has already claimed it as her own when I pass, looks like it’s going to be a family heirloom:)
The scimitar has cured the itch for now but I will need more of your blades in the near future…..I’m addicted!!
Max
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Hi Dylan,
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You really know how to make someones day!  I just got home to find one of the greatest packages that the USPS has ever delivered:) It’s amazing to see up close how much quality and craftsmanship went into the bronze karambit.  The Striation texture that you applied to the blade is just incredible and DAMN is it sharp!  This is far and away the best looking karambit I have ever seen.
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       I just got home, and an awesome surprise was waiting for me! Let me just say that everything about this blade is amazing. I love the patina/oxide finish. The Crystalline texture with the micro peening is off the chart beautiful! The only problem I have is this thing’s just too damn sharp! Ha Ha, just kidding, but for real I’m scared of it. I understand why you added the guard and choil. I was flipping it around a little and, if it wasn’t  for the guard, the blade would have nestled deep into my palm meat. Even with the guard, the blade still gave me a little microdermabrasion. Lesson learned, but seriously I need to take some classes and get better at wielding the karambit before I carry this one. Maybe if you feel up to it I can commission a simple trainer from you. Or would you recommend wrapping up the blade and practicing? Let me know what you think. As I sit here now with it in my hand, I’m in awe with it’s craftsmanship and attention to detail. Simply beautiful; I wouldn’t trade it for any knife in my collection. I’m in love… and the sheath, what a bonus! I love it down to the green leather cord wrap. Green is my favorite color. Well I haven’t told you anything you already don’t know. You’re the man! Now I feel like a SAGE BLADE junkie. I can’t wait for my next fix. Like I said whenever you feel like making another I’ll be ready. Thanks again so much Dylan you’ve made a fan of me.
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Forever grateful,
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-Kevin Hermanson
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WOW! I received the package. By far this is the best knife in my collection. Truly amazing – the care scroll, the leather/kydex sheath, and craftsmanship and art of the knife itself. WOW! Thank you so much. I look forward to more works of art…
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BB
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Seriously.  I despise you.  You actually reached into my brain and produced the type of knife I have always wanted to make.  Your quality and artistry is beyond breathtaking.  You have taken knife making into an entirely different category.  You are the Eddie Van Halen of the knife world.  The fact that you exist makes me cringe when I look at one of my own completed knives.  The inspiration your work has given me cannot be put into words.  I looked at your blades for the very first time yesterday and my jaw hit the ground.  This has never happened.  So, I hate you with the passion of the fire of a thousand suns…….And I really want one of your knives.  Fuck you and I love you!  Keep being you!  You amazing bastard!
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Levi Wallin
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OMFG… This thing is beyond cool!  I am seriously floored!  As always you have far surpassed my wildest expectations.    My only regret is that I can’t seem to find the words to adequately express my excitement! ; D  Great work man… really… your skill never ceases to leave me in awe.
I can’t wait to come up with another design worthy of your talent!
All my best,
Sean
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Dylan,

I got the package yesterday, just on time, and today it saw a full day’s use on an eight hour off-trail hike. Essentially, it’s an amazing piece. I’m really, really pleased. Everything about it is pretty much perfect, it bites through wood, the climbing spike works absurdly well, the sheath and belt are great. I was going to send a picture, but I didn’t fell anything too impressive with it, which is for the best of the forest anyway, so I didn’t bother, but the axe cuts trees down like no other tool I’ve owned. It’s aesthetically beautiful, I can already tell it’ll be incredibly durable, and the primary function is unparalleled. I just wanted to let you know how excellent both your craftsmanship and dealing with you has been. You seem like a great guy and I wish you all the best.
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Hey Dylan

I got the knife today and man it is freaking awesome! Pictures do not give this thing justice, it is just gorgeous man. She is sharp sharp just like you said and exactly what I like. It fits great in my hand. I gotta say Dylan man this knife is honestly just way beyond my expectations. This is just a wonderful, functioning, working piece of art that I’m glad to have been able to get. Thanks Dylan I appreciate everything and your work and customer service is second to none. That being said I will definitely be buying more of these amazing tools!

Thanks Jerry

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Dylan,

(referring to the Kiridashi)

I think calling this knife amazing is a bit of an understatement. Your craftsmanship is absolutely superb and the design fits extremely well in my hand in a variety of grips, especially considering there is no handle. I’ve also never owned a sharper knife- I need to get a hanging leather strop for this beauty. The front pocket carry is exactly how you described it and draws quite easily. Even the work you put into the Kydex sheath is head and shoulders above the sheaths that have come with other knives I own. I’ve already started setting money aside for one of your tomahawks and bigger knives in the future.

Thank you for a perfect knife!

-Andreas


Dylan,

I’m left speechless once more!  The kukri is an astonishingly beautiful work of supreme craftsmanship. I am in awe of your skill. It is as if the blade was formed by the spiritual forces of creation itself, not by mortal hands. The balance is perfect and the blade is keen, and I love the giraffe bone handle scales.  The attention you give to every detail is, in my opinion, unmatched.  I have collected a lot of knives over the years from different makers (production, semi-custom, and some custom), but you are a truly unique craftsman/metal artist in a class by yourself…

-Randy




Got the short sword today and it is PERFECT. Exactly what I was looking for. My only fear is that when practicing with it I will injure myself and I wish I had a “practice” non-sharpened approximation of it weight wise but man is it awesome. So so so awesome.

Since I first found your work back in 2014 I’ve been a fan. From that first purchase to the folder to the most recent short sword I’ve been ever more impressed by the quality and attention to detail. It’s not only how amazing they look but how functional they are.

I’ve been enjoying the Parang since 2014 and it has never let me down. The folder is a constant joy to carry and I’ve been using it as an EDC. I’ve used tons of folding knives and this one is far and above the best, from its balance, to it’s shape to it’s edge retention there isn’t anything else I’d want from it.

And now the Short Sword. Wow. It feels like the pinnacle of what I was hoping for from your work. The balance, weight and functionality seem to be perfect for me. Just large enough without being bulky. If there is a more perfect companion to the other two knives I own I cannot imagine it.

I will continue to check your site daily for updates, as even if I cannot own them I enjoy looking at them, but really, nothing beats being able to use them day in and day out.

Thanks as always for just doing what you do!
D


Hey Dylan,

I received the Kiridashi today.  The pictures don’t do it justice. It’s exactly what I was looking for.   I think I finally found the perfect EDC fixed blade.  It fits my hand perfectly.  I’ve found pocket draw is much easier with this one than the karambit.  I can’t say enough great things about these knives!  I’ll be keeping an eye on your page and I hope to one day own one of your larger camp knives.
Thanks for the great service and fantastic blades!


…Bro this thing is not a pocket karambit it’s a pocket fkn masterpiece!!!!
I’m floored. Definitely the most bad ass knife I own!!! And it is sharp as hell. Sliced right through a hanging hair just like you said. Can’t thank you enough!!!!


Got em! They came in Saturday like you said, just now getting to emailing you. I gotta say I’ve seen a lot of knives and steel work but these are head and shoulders above anything I’ve ever seen! Worth every penny in my opinion.

My hope is that once I settle down I can start to pursue some of my interests, wood working and smithing chief among them. Once that day comes I hope I can eventually produce something approaching the quality of your work. Hats off to you, keep on keeping on!



It arrived safe and sound! I think it is pretty clear that I’ll be buying from you in the future. That was the smoothest transaction, the fastest shipping, and the best quality workmanship I’ve seen in a while. Thank you!

Got it!  It’s knives like this that amaze me and keep me collecting even after collecting customs for 25 plus years.  Incredible knife AND sheath!  For a heavy duty blade it’s chock full of subtleties that’s not apparent when you first pick it up but present themselves after using it.  I love it so much it’s my new EDC replacing a Don Fogg integral that I’ve carried for fifteen years.  There’s been a couple of knives that have come close to replacing the Fogg, but none have been “worthy”.  Until now.  Color me blown away.  The great thing about the state of Georgia is it’s Georgia Weapons License.  With it any blade up to and including swords can be concealed and carried.  Never really carry a pistol too much, but it’s awesome to be able to carry any knife you want too and legally.

I hope this is just the first of many of your knives.  You put a lot of thought into design while still allowing those unknown, unplanned variables to help shape the knife and give it character.  You got talent, and I hope you continue making knives for many, many years.  The knife world gets stale with fads and trends.  It’s those makers who continue doing what they love that breaks the “sameness” that keeps the knife world interesting and refreshed.  Yep…it’s makers like you that march to the beat of their own drum that keeps me collecting and learning that a new knife can even teach you a new thing or two about your passion and keep that fire stoked for the next knife.

I can’t thank you enough for this knife.  I was wanting to go to the Blade Show this year, but I’m just not going to be able to make it there.  And I have to say spending my “Blade Show money” on this knife was worth every single penny and I could not be any happier.  Kudos!

Take care,
John Johnson


I was able to make it to the post office yesterday and pick up the knife… Amazing. It’s even more impressive in real life. I love the copper coloration on the top section of the blade. The weight, balance, and handling on this thing are better than any fixed blade I’ve ever owned or held. I can tell this is going to become my edc for a fixed blade for a long time or until you make something new, haha. I’ve shown a bunch of friends and coworkers and they are always blown away by your work.
Thanks again, Dylan!
Best regards,
Jon


Hi Dylan,
I received the Karambit yesterday! Absolutely stunning! I love it! Perfect carry weight especially for the length of the blade. Beautiful finish, it is amazing how you create the ridges. Thank you so very much for all your hard work. I can’t wait to start the next project with you! I can only imagine how gorgeous a ginunting blade would be crafted by you. Thank you again, I am extremely happy with the blade and the trainer looks great too!
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…I train with a Karambit everyday and let me tell you, the speed on the spin while performing slashing techniques is lightspeed….b/c the blade is a perfect 180 degrees and it is light, but not too light, and the balance is spot on makes for definitely one of the fastest spinning karambits I have (the blade moves so fast during the spin you can’t see it moving, my kids say it looks like it teleports into the extended grip, haha). Extremely sharp, if it is ok to ask, what is the process you usually go thru to get your blades that sharp.
Everyone I have shown the blade to is blown away, very very happy.
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…Anyone that knows me well knows I am extremely picky and critical of blades esp my karambits so my words speak volumes as to the quality of your work. Since I have received the blade it has not left my side (even sleeping lol). I really feel that to be the best Petiki Tirsia practitioner (for me, the Karambit) I can become, one needs to be one with their blade constantly, so that the blade flows with you naturally like it is just an extension of the arm which comes from countless hours of practice and handling the blade (if you ever drive by a white Toyota 4runner on the highway and you see the driver spinning a Karambit and drilling techniques it is most likely me, haha).  Everyday I have the blade I become more fond of it. It is truly a work of art and will stay in my family for generations.  Thank you again, it means alot to me. Hope to talk to you soon.
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Sincerely,
Mark Church

 This is day 2 of training with the new karambit to test the flow and manuverabilty with the blade. I trained with the blade for a total of 4 to 5 hours today (solo, dual with straight blades, with other karambits, and with short swords 22 – 28″). The more time I spend with a blade, I can really hone in on if there are any flaws. This blade is incredible, I am blown away. I love the look that it has “times of old”…when people actually made quality tools and took pride in their work. I would have bought the blade if it only had that characteristic. On to the functionality and design;  The flow, speed, transitions, flowing into extending grip while working the footwork and slashing with all 30 angles of attack I train in are incredible. That blade is quicker, more balanced, and accurate than any blade I have now (minus the other karambit you crafted me, but that blade has different applications). I just want to give you one small example of how the design of the blade is increasing my flow, attack speed, as well as return speed. When I’m hitting an angle 1 slash for example, I can immediately hit a dart thrust into the ribs after then transition back into a regular grip simultaneously hitting the vertical upward slash hitting the brachial artery, then right back into an extended grip transition slash through the carotid artery cutting clean thru to the carotid on the other side. The speed I can flow thru those is incredible and it’s because of the design. The ring feels like you took a molding of my right thumb which allows me to apply a tremendous amount of pressure with my thumb to lock the blade in place. This allows me to follow up with the second attack, the dart to the ribs, with blazing speed and accuracy on the return. The way I think of it is when you are firing a semiautomatic handgun. Depending on the model it effects the amount of recoil which affects your ability to get back on target to follow up with the second shot. Poor quality handguns have a horrible gas exchange which is awful for follow up sighting and timing of the second shot. A quality designed semi will have a descent gas exchange and better weight balance allowing for faster follow up times and accuracy. For me it is the same concept with my blade. I have learned to adjust my flow to compensate for some of the junk blades I have trained with, BUT it is awful that I have to adjust for a crap blade.
There are so many essential variables (how the blade is designed) that all come into play that affect every part of my flow/techniques. (I am not going to mention all of them right now, I don’t want to bore you with a novel, but I do love talking and analyzing all of them). But just to name a few: Because of the ring design I have tremendous control and accuracy with extended grip darting thrusts. I usually would never perform them in a live situation with other blades but with your karambit I am 100% confident I can easily execute it effectively. That is HUGE to me. I have just added a technique that is extremely fast, has a great reach, and is very hard to track my lines when I transition into that. As a result of the previously stated, my next attack is even faster and my flow is increasing (which gives me more power and accuracy b/c the flow is not even a little broken). Now I’m shaving off microseconds in my attack speed which is extremely important to me. This is because of only ONE small piece of the design. Obviously the weight balance keeps power/flow/accuracy perfectly aligned. There are so many characteristics of the blade like above that are working synergistically to make this blade a force to be reckoned with. I literally could keep going on for a very, very long time with the other features. (My poor wife, she gets to listen to me, lol, she knows you by a first name basis, my kids too, btw, lol). This is only day 2. I need to make a video in honor of your work. Thank you for reading my feedback. It really is an honor to have the opportunity to even talk to you. I will talk to you again soon.
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Sincerely,
Mark church


The blades arrived last night, but due to a late shift I didn’t get a good look at them until today.  Beyond SUPER impressed. Damn fine craftsmanship.  I’m definitely going to be showing these ones off.  I like how sharp you made them. Might also become a knife I use on my wood carving super fine details.
Thank you again
Thank you again
Thank you again,
Ryan
ps. Please keep me in mind for any future projects with ring features.  Definitely

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Dylan, package arrived.  I can only tell you that it is another masterpiece, and complete realization of the vision I had for this knife.   It is my favorite design yet, the execution just flawless, and I am glad I made the extra payment.  I have a great deal of respect for people that take such great pride in their attention to detail and I continue to be impressed.
You are the man!
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Hey Dylan!
A few things…
But wow! This karambit is easily the most beautiful, high quality, and sharpest thing I’ve ever held in my hand. I was a chef at one point and continued practitioner with knives/tools… just wow and that’s not even enough to credit you, I don’t even know where to start. Symmetrical in its crazy design, really balanced, and when you said sharp I didn’t think it would be sharper than all the sashimi knives and any other knife I’ve ever used. Not at all going to abuse this piece but just a general question, how do you sharpen your knives especially a karambit to this degree?
Anyways I’m blown away and It’s so much more than I could have wanted and asked for.

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