Ironside Edge Works was started in July of 2017, established as a brand (Originally “Ironside Armoury“) and as a full-time operation to create Combative Knives.
My original motives for pursuing the art of knifemaking was somewhat selfish… I needed a quality Combative EDC Knife for myself, but could not afford to buy one from some of the talented makers around me. I decided instead to put my creativity into shaping metal, and soon I had crafted my first blade…
My background in Combative Arts has given me certain perspectives, both learned and imparted by mentors, which influence the design of the knives I make. I typically use Pikal blades for my own Combative style, so I’ve devoted a lot of time to making and perfecting this unique style of knife.
But I also consider myself a minimalist and heavily influenced by traditional Japanese swordmakers, for whom each part of the sword has a practical purpose, yet can also be beautifully crafted. I’ve never held the belief that form should follow function – the two should co-exist. I like to think my knives speak to the soul, as well as protect it.
My style will, and has continued to develop. But I feel my knives fill a unique niche of being wholly practical, extremely robust Combative edged weapons, designed with a singular purpose, that are also carefully considered artistically and crafted to showcase their natural aesthetics.
The blades I make are typically shaped from High Carbon steels. Though old fashioned, it has been used for edged weapons for centuries and to some degree I appreciate that it requires more care and maintenance than modern stainless steels. These blades will rust if you neglect them, but they age so very well.
The exception to the above are blades made from alternative or more high-tech materials, such as Titanium or SM-100 which offer benefits steels simply cannot.
My work is conducted by feel a lot of the time. My blades are not profile cut by CNC, they begin life being shaped until the profile looks how it should and the indexing of the blade feels right. The blade bevels are also freehand shaped on the grinder and touched up with hand files – sharpening is done with traditional water and oil stones. While this “low tech” approach has its drawbacks, chiefly being slower, it also produces a more unique piece honed by a human touch.
This can be seen in my work. Each piece is unique. Each one has its own characteristics that make it special. No knife blade leaves without being felt in the hand, treated with the reverence such a weapon deserves.
