About 2-3 weeks ago, I heard of a small custom knife brand, called Ferrum Forge Knife Works. It was around the time when I posted about up and coming Chinese knife brands that enthusiasts are clamoring on about.
The Ferrum Forge N-Tac caught my attention in several ways.
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Aside from the 3″ blade size, which I tend to favor, the titanium handle scales that look great, and the overall functional but eye-pleasing design, I was drawn to the designers and makers.
Ferrum Forge is run by two brothers, Elliot and Chris Williamson, and they look like they have a blast making knives.
This is from their About page:
It’s not particularly clear at a glance what we do here at Ferrum Forge, other than make knives, so let me try and tell you what we do. We try to make the best knife for the price that we can here in the USA, in small batches (no more than 200), and we don’t make the same model again. We take the notion of variety being the spice of life as gospel.
But I think you can learn a lot more about them from their YouTube videos, such as this one that shows off their “Maker’s Choice” N-Tac knives:
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This is probably the first video of theirs that I watched, and I got a little bored before skipping around. But then I watched some others, learned more about the company, and watched the video again with greater enjoyment.
With the N-Tac, there were quite a few “Maker’s Choice” models, which featured unique customizations, and then there are also standard versions sold via their distributors and dealers.
I couldn’t find a lot of Ferrum Forge knife reviews online, especially of the N-Tac, probably because it’s still so new and only available in limited quantities. Oh, and they’re pricey too.
The Ferrum Forge N-Tac is an entry-level knife that costs $515 (via BladeHQ). I’ve seen some dealers with a little higher pricing, and others with a little lower.
But in context, $515 is quite low compared to what many (most?) established custom knife makers charge.
I’m guessing that Ferrum Forge produces these knives through a combination of machine and hand-finishing options. I believe there was mention of an EDM wire cutter.
The N-Tac flipper folding knife features a drop point blade made from Bohler N690 steel, a top-shelf steel. This is what Bohler-Uddeholm says about it:
Our best conventionally produced stainless knife steel. Great value in a corrosion resistant knife steel with excellent edge holding capabilities. Additions of chromium and vanadium enhance edge holding capability, while cobalt and carbon help to retain high hardness.
The knife also has anodized titanium handle scales that are available in several colors and and designs.
From what I have seen online, it’s a remarkable compact flipper knife. There are two things stopping me from buying one. First, there’s the $515 price.
$500 and change isn’t a lot for a custom knife, but it’s too much for me to justify.
Second, the clip isn’t really shaped for deep pocket carry, and there’s no lanyard hole. Maybe some paracord can be looped around the rear spacer?
Okay, so the high price is a lot more significant reason than the pocket clip or lack of a clear lanyard hole. The price is the only real deal breaker.
I very desperately want to see what’s so special about this $515 “entry-level” custom knife. I’m sure it flips open like a charm, handles like a dream, carries like it’s not even there, and performs exceptionally well. Design-wise, the Ferrum Forge N-Tac looks perfect, at least as far as I can tell without putting my hands on one. But it’s $515.
After reading up on the Ferrum Forge brothers, watching their videos, and seeing the passion they funnel into their knives, especially the Maker’s Choice ones, I found myself really wishing I could justify the purchase.
I’m also drawn to how the N-Tac looks like a heavy duty folding knife without looking tactical, or tacticool. I’m a fan of Zero Tolerance knives, but take a look at their new knives for 2016. Each and every one has that sort of badass tactical appearance that sometimes works, sometimes doesn’t.
The Ferrum Forge N-Tac, on the other hand, could almost pass for a gentleman’s pocket knife. I think that the Williamson brothers deserve a shout-out for what they’ve been doing.
I feel it necessary to tell you that I hate it when men’s magazines and websites tout products I could never afford and could never see a reason to buy. $1400 sweatpants? $2900 sneakers? A $195 “athleisure” t-shirt?
A few years ago I would have thought the same about a $500 custom knife. Now, I kind of understand it. Maybe?
Unless ToolGuyd readers surprise me and demand en masse that I purchase one for review or comparison purposes, there are lots of other things I would put the same money towards.
BUT, that all said, I’m hoping that at least one of you is into custom knives, and that you happen to be looking for a new EDC folding knife. If so, and you give the N-Tac a try, please tell me all about it!
Buy Now(via BladeHQ)
The blue anodized version with “plates” design and texture sold out from BladeHQ, but there are other colors and styles still available. Other Ferrum Forge dealers might still have the blue plates version in stock.
Also, even if like me you cannot justify a custom knife like this one, check out their “past work” gallery, where they show off their Maker’s Choice designs:
Ferrum Forge Past Work Knife Gallery
Even if you’re not a Knife Knut (apparently that’s a thing?), I’m sure you’ll agree that some of those designs are just beautiful.
Oh, and some of the engraving work is done with a Dremel 200 rotary tool, their least expensive model:
That also impressed me about these guys. They’re doing what they do, using the tools they have. You don’t need fancy shmancy tools to be a great craftsman. Some of their anodizing is done in plastic cups and topless bottles!
Adam
had i known this was an actual profession as a child, maybe i would have expanded my horizons on what jobs were out there. don’t think this was taught at my college (either 3 of them) 😉
Richie
To me a $500 knife is too nice to carry and use.
Stuart
I find myself thinking the same, but if I ever buy such an expensive knife, it’s definitely going to see use. Maybe not abusive gunky use, but it would have to be more than a collectible to me.
Nate818
Same
928'er
If I’m going to drop $500 on a knife, I’ll get one of Murray Carter’s Japanese style knifes. http://www.cartercutlery.com/
For an EDC, I’m perfectly happy with my little Kershaw Chive.
Koko the Talking Ape
I learned something from a knifemaker, and that is the toughest, hardest steels cannot be hand forged. The human arm cannot create enough force.
True, it is nice to know your knife is hand-forged, but it doesn’t make the knife work any better. It also adds considerably to the price. As in, it more than quadruples it.
Don
$500 knives go in show cases. Their knife folds, clips , cuts and sharpens. So does my CRKT folding Razel. Then I also do a buch of other stuff with the leftover $470.00.
Diplomatic Immunity
If I’m dropping $500 on a knife I’m going to drop it on a Busse that’s in INFI his own proprietary steal not some crappy N690 steel found in $50 knives. Get real.
Senorpablo
What are the practical uses for this size/category knife? I realize the handle, which is reasonably sized for daily carry, determines the length of the blade. But, to me the size of the blade and often aggressive styling suggest knife-fighting rather than practical daily use. The only time I’ve see people using knives in this category, they’re using it to open a box or package, and it just looks ridiculous. Isn’t a 3″+ blade overkill for slicing .006″ thick tape? Are people just fond of the notion they could harvest game, or fashion a spear, at a moments notice? What is the appeal of having something like this in your pocket all the time?
Stuart
When I mean I prefer 3″ blade sizes, I mean that as the ceiling.
A lot of higher end knives are only available in larger sizes, which is why this one stood out to me. I wouldn’t have even looked at it if it had a larger blade.
Smaller blade sizes often = smaller handles.
With a knife like this, it would cost just as much to make a 2.5″ blade, so why not maximize the blade to handle ratio.
Smaller handles, at least for me, are fine for a lot of everyday tasks, but cutting certain things requires either a better grip, longer blade, or both.
Smaller blades also affect the opening mechanism. With a 2.5″ blade, there might not be enough mass for a flipper mechanism to be used. And so the entire design of the knife has to change. The blade becomes narrower, the handle narrower, and then shorter, and then it’s a different knife.
Yes, a 3″ blade is overkill for opening packages. But what about cutting an apple?
Consider something like the Spyderco Techno (https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/spyderco-techno-review/%3C/a%3E%29. It has a 2.55″ blade, and is a small knife. Great for EDC, but it’s going to be too small for certain users. I have medium sized hands. Someone with large or extra large hands might want something larger. Larger handle = larger blade.
Can't Stand the Silliness
Maybe post $500 knives on a webpage featuring “Really simple tools for the 1%” subtitled “Whattaya mean I gotta spread my own Foie Gras?”
Stuart
If you’re going to post a sarcastic comment using a fake name, you should probably change your email address as well. =P
Wayne (enjoys less expensive silliness) Ruffner
Not trying to hide, just seemed appropriate.
Stuart
Just making sure. There are times when commenters mask their name, usually when leaving a comment like yours.
Above-my-budget pricing aside, I still enjoyed learning about the company. It seemed sharable.
That said, I’ll try to keep in mind your “really simple tools for the 1%” suggestion as an April Fools Day post idea.
JoebagofDonuts
When I have @ $500 + for a good knife, I’ll look at the Diamond Blade Summit folder. But that’s just me…
Mac
I’d love to have the cash flow to buy a custom knife for edc. If that were the case, I’d have a a lot fewer other financial constraints and a nicer table saw.
As it stands now, the only way I’m spending $500 on a knife is if I bought 14 of these SOG Twitch II beauties. I love this little knife. Fits perfectly in the 5th pocket of my Levi’s, and whips out in a flash.
Stuart, are there any other good quality sub 3″ blade assisted openers that are made in the USA for under $100 ??? Or is that like finding a mermaid riding a unicorn through Candy Cane Forest?
Stuart
There are absolutely plenty of quality USA-made 3″ folders for under $100.
On the non-assisted-opening side of things, the Benchmade mini Griptilian is the first to come to mind.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/benchmade-mini-griptilian-knife-review/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
They recently updated it with more premium steel and handle materials, but the previous and lower expensive model is still available at dealers.