Miles of Alaska Custom blank knife blades
Custom Knives hunters pocket skinner Damascus stainless high carbon Materials of bone antler ivory horn inlay silver all by Miles Martin of 'Miles of Alaska' Nenana Alaska also selling custom art and raw materials to other artist.
Everything on this page has to do with Miles Martin custom knives
Miles at Miles of Alaska
box 363
Nenana Alaska
99760
1-907-832-5442 miles@milesofalaska.net
Finished knives scroll the page
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Any of these blades you see you can ask me to create a custom knife for you from, requesting or supplying certain special materials or having me etch your name in the steel etc The blades are also sold so other knife makers can make their own finished knife using my blade.
The steel originates from Tony Metsala, one of the well known Damascus steel providers known for his unique methods and patterns in steel. I took the rough bar and did the design and grinding of the steel and heat treatment - triple tempered. Back left soft, edge extra hard. I did my acid etch , then masked the etch when I did the Damascus etch to give this unique look. Unusual, very one of a kind and distinctive, from some of the best steel on the market.
$475
. This can be in a $1,500 finished product in the right hands. R K Tony1moose 311
1084 and nickel silver steel, blade is for hidden tang style knife, blade is 5 inches x 1 inch x 1/8th thick.
This blade is a dagger double cutting edge razor sharp. Steel is 1084 edge hardened softer center. I acid etched the design then masked out the etch and darkened the steel with another acid etc. My though was for a neck knife a boot knife some concealed weapon - functional for a lady who does not dial 911. Code # is R K 1084 dagger 311--price is
$85
This blade is made from high carbon 1095 steel. Overall 9 ¾ inches. Cutting edge is 5 ½ inched by 1 ½ wide x 1/8th thick. Forged steel, copper and brass were forged into the steel as it was formed. Crisp acid etch design came out well, deep and detailed. Ones side is the chickadee other side a woodpecker. Edge hardened back left soft edge extra hard. Could be a skinner camp knife or a utility knife maybe a kitchen knife. Code is R K 1095 birds 311. Price is
$320
Chef or kitchen knife. This is forged 1084 steel 1/16th thick with some flex but stout enough for touch jobs. The edge is super hard while the back is softer. Etching came out nice on this , Hawk theme with foliage. Over all length is 12 inches cutting edge is 7 ½ inches and is 1 ¼ wide. Nice gentle taper to the sharp edge. Might work as well as a fish knife. Code # R K 1084-12 311. This is
$150
Damascus steel drop point. Good design comfortable in the hand. 6 ¼ inches over all cutting edge is 3 inches. Hollow grind. Other similar blades sold to friends have skinned out moose and report this is a good field knife that holds it's edge well. Good blade for a working knife at a reasonable price. Code R K damas2 im 311 Price
$65
Damascus steel utility knife. 8 ½ inches overall 4 inch cutting edge - hollow ground nice edge. Nice pattern in steel at a good price. Code R K damas 3 im 311. Price
$70
Forged 1095 high carbon steel. 1/8th thick. Overall length is 9 inches, Cutting edge is 5 ½ inches. 1 ½ inches wide. Takes a nice shine good finish work sharp edge. Lynx etching theme. Copper brass forged into the steel as it was formed. Edge hardened back left soft. Code R K 1095 8 311. Price $195
Left,
some of my latest ideas. I am now doing my own tempering and make the edge super hard and the back soft. I have some animal shapes for the steel. Note the whale and the otter. Also trying some 'cut out' ideas - inserting cast brass and copper in the cutout.
Right now I have no particular design I repeat to offer anyone. Each is hand drawn hand cut one of a kind. cut and paste me a picture and tell me which one you like and I can show you what I have in stock maybe. I will try to have time to post batches of my latest blades and maybe offer them but I'm pretty busy. Nor do I really want to do custom work. I'm just too used to doing it my way. What I make sells so I have no reason to
Custom Damascus steel forged blank blade (above)
. raw Damascus steel supplied by HHH Blades and is 1095 high carbon and nickel steel. Overall length 9 inches. Blade length 5 inches x 1.5 wide x 1/8th thick and weighs 6 ounces. When I shaped the blade I hammered brass and copper into the steel, forming a chemical bond as the metals fused. I acid etched custom hand drawn designs in the steel. One side has a detailed running wolf. The other side has a well detailed loon. Etching hard to get to show up well in picture but nice and deep - clean cut. Nice Damascus patterns etched to show up well. Blade was edge hardened only to extra hard, back left soft so blade can be tough and flex. This wide with drop point blade style is my personal favorite style for all around outdoor camp knife. This can be a very functional blade if desired or a presentation display piece.
$95
First step is get the steel to a high polish. Step 2 coat steel with this black wax. The acid I use will eat only steel and does not touch the wax. Step 3 a design is scratched through the wax to the steel allowing the acid to reach the steel. One 'secret' is the design needs to be drawn freehand with sure strokes as it is hard to erase mistakes to do it again. Step 4 apply the acid. It is an art to know what strength acid on what kind of steel at what temperature and for how long. It's tricky. Wax is washed off with..... a secret sauce. Oh ya it is a good idea to neutralize the acid too when done(smile)
Examples of some of the above 'pre etch' are shown finished to the right. I also do all my own tempering of steel - usually with a hard edge and sofer back. I prefer high carbon 1095, old crosscut saqws of L6, or more addatives to the carbon in 01, or sometimes D-2 has desired properties , depending on the use the knife will get put to.
Hunter skinner blade.
Weighs 5 ounces. Has 6 inch cutting edge and is 1 ½ inches wide. 1/8th thick. Steel originates from some of the best Damascus on the market by Tony Matsala, known for his very original approach to steel working. I ground out his steel to my design. Unsure how technical to get…. I forged copper and bronze into the steel just before heat treatment. I normalized the steel. I edge hardened the blade with a torch and used a special oil mix. Dropped the temperature from 1,500 degrees to 900 in less than one second (this step would normally crack the steel- but I stop the process and only the edge has been heated….) then put in a preheated kiln at 400 for a slow drop from 900 degrees to 400, then slower drop to room temp, then super cold. Then tempered at 400 degrees 3 times for 2 hours each. This process gives an extra hard edge, a soft back for blade strength and no stress in the steel. This blade is more than just decorative, but will hold up well if used.
The art. I acid etched the design by hand one of a kind drawing. I masked the drawing etch with wax when doing the Damascus etch. I make it sound easy…. Keep in mind I have been referred to as a gifted artist since I was 5 years old,- over 50 years ago. This blade came out especially well very one of a kind, the best I have done in my opinion. R K tony5 411 Asking $375
The art. I acid etched the design by hand one of a kind drawing. I masked the drawing etch with wax when doing the Damascus etch. I make it sound easy…. Keep in mind I have been referred to as a gifted artist since I was 5 years old,- over 50 years ago. This blade came out especially well very one of a kind, the best I have done in my opinion. R K tony5 411 Asking $375
The theme is 'things that hide in the forest'. One side is a fawn, and the other side an owl. One hides in the trees, the other on the ground. Since this is a hunter style skinner knife the message is to look around, wildlife - beauty and food is all around.
Utility knife kitchen knife
. Over all length 8 ½ inches blade is 5 inches x 1 ½ wide x 1/16th thick (a thin flexible blade). This is semi high carbon 1084 steel. Edge hardened back loft - edge extra hard but blade still flexible. Nothing really fancy - good utility knife. The etching is deep will stay needs no care. A water bird theme a shorebird like yellowlegs on one side the heron on the other side. Perhaps a boat knife or outdoor around the water but can be just a nice kitchen knife. R K 1084 birds 411.
$75.
Kitchen chef knife or camp knife
. 8 ¼ inches long x 1 ½ wide x 1/8th thick. A nice gentle taper to the edge for fine edge. Steel is among the best offered on the market by Tony Matsala. Is maverick methods of layering steel suits my style of work. Read my 'about how I work the steel' for particulars. Copper and bronze forged into the steel deeply acid etched so this blade needs no special care and can be used, the design will not go away. Very one of a kind never to be repeated blade. R K tony7 411.
$375
Hefty camp - bowie knife
Blade 8 inches long x 2 wide x 1/8th thick. Steel is among the best on the market. Damascus created by Tony Matsala. Design and shaped by me. Might make a good kitchen knife except a bit heavy. A 'hunter and his prey' theme. One side has a mountain lion with his track. The other side a fawn trying to hide in the foliage. Copper forged into the steel looks like flecks of blood. Design came out nice. Deep crisp etchings with no flaws - overall blade came out about perfect. Edge hard, back soft. This blade can be put to heavy use. The artwork will not be damaged. R K tony4 411. This blade capable of being part of a multi thousand dollar knife. Buy the blade have a custom knife maker put the handle of your choice on it, or your materials.
$420
In general…. My knives are unique one of a kind never repeated designs. As such each tends to be an experiment all unto itself. As all experiments - some come out almost perfect - others may not be 'flawed' but simply took way more time then needed and had technical complications. Some use steel I acquired from a master steel worker and cost over $100 for the blank, other steel is $3. No difference in performance, just in artistic value. Some of this accounts for the price ranges you see. It might be noted I do all the work myself and no blade gets sent out for any aspect of it to be done by someone else. I do my own hardening and tempering.
For the technical side----- the higher end blades began by being equalized. When cool I do minor forging of edge and forging of art metals. The copper and brass when used is hammered into the steel while both metals are forging temperature. (exact temperature is critical, as well as exact method, and a secret). Before metal cools I edge harden with a torch. With most steels I use I want to drop from 1,500 degrees (above critical) to 900 degrees in under half a second. My quench solution is also a secret. Steel cannot sustain such a fast drop (usually) without cracking. But edge hardening only, and stopping the drastic change at 900 degrees is crucial. At 400 degrees I put the blade in a preheated oven at 400 degrees. I want the steel to drop from 900 to 400 sort of slow. Then out of the kiln and to room temperature in half an hour, then super cooled. But tempered at 400 degrees within 8 hours. There is at least a double temper - often triple temper to relieve more stress and toughen the blade. I prefer to have an extra hard edge and a soft back so the edge stays- but the knife is not brittle due to a soft back. My methods are not standard. Nor is the art, nor is my life, nor is anything about me. I consider 'normal ' one of the worse insults you can give me. The procedure has been tested in the field and I am satisfied my blades will skin a moose, cut a rope in one swipe, do camp chores needed to be done in a wilderness lifestyle I live, and can be shaved with. These are my tests. I guarantee they will hold up better than any factory blade you can buy. Beyond that the value is in being decorative.
The decorations are made to be on a functional knife so will not wear off or need any special care. Etchings are acid etched deep, art metal of copper and brass in deep, and I tend to do deep Damascus etching you can feel with your finger - deeper than normal. I make it sound easy… but keep in mind I was labeled 'gifted' artistically since I was 5 years old over 50 years ago. My methods of acid etch are not by the book. Nothing I do is by the book. I make my own acid and it is probably illegal to own or use. I make my own wax resist. It would thus be hard for anyone else to duplicate what I do. I do not listen well to others nor take advice. I am off in my own world. I think this shows in my blades. A guy who spent 25 years alone in the wilds as a hermit- mountain man, and this also shows in my art. My work is very identifiable to me, collectable, with world- wide recognition. This as well is reflected in some of the art pieces that I spent special care with. Other blades you see at a good price are made to be more functional for the hunter in the field who is on a budget but still wants a one of a kind blade. In this way I can cater to more than one market.
For the technical side----- the higher end blades began by being equalized. When cool I do minor forging of edge and forging of art metals. The copper and brass when used is hammered into the steel while both metals are forging temperature. (exact temperature is critical, as well as exact method, and a secret). Before metal cools I edge harden with a torch. With most steels I use I want to drop from 1,500 degrees (above critical) to 900 degrees in under half a second. My quench solution is also a secret. Steel cannot sustain such a fast drop (usually) without cracking. But edge hardening only, and stopping the drastic change at 900 degrees is crucial. At 400 degrees I put the blade in a preheated oven at 400 degrees. I want the steel to drop from 900 to 400 sort of slow. Then out of the kiln and to room temperature in half an hour, then super cooled. But tempered at 400 degrees within 8 hours. There is at least a double temper - often triple temper to relieve more stress and toughen the blade. I prefer to have an extra hard edge and a soft back so the edge stays- but the knife is not brittle due to a soft back. My methods are not standard. Nor is the art, nor is my life, nor is anything about me. I consider 'normal ' one of the worse insults you can give me. The procedure has been tested in the field and I am satisfied my blades will skin a moose, cut a rope in one swipe, do camp chores needed to be done in a wilderness lifestyle I live, and can be shaved with. These are my tests. I guarantee they will hold up better than any factory blade you can buy. Beyond that the value is in being decorative.
The decorations are made to be on a functional knife so will not wear off or need any special care. Etchings are acid etched deep, art metal of copper and brass in deep, and I tend to do deep Damascus etching you can feel with your finger - deeper than normal. I make it sound easy… but keep in mind I was labeled 'gifted' artistically since I was 5 years old over 50 years ago. My methods of acid etch are not by the book. Nothing I do is by the book. I make my own acid and it is probably illegal to own or use. I make my own wax resist. It would thus be hard for anyone else to duplicate what I do. I do not listen well to others nor take advice. I am off in my own world. I think this shows in my blades. A guy who spent 25 years alone in the wilds as a hermit- mountain man, and this also shows in my art. My work is very identifiable to me, collectable, with world- wide recognition. This as well is reflected in some of the art pieces that I spent special care with. Other blades you see at a good price are made to be more functional for the hunter in the field who is on a budget but still wants a one of a kind blade. In this way I can cater to more than one market.
Otter shape hunter skinner or kitchen knife. Over all shape is an otter. Blade is the tail. Last rivet hole is the eye. 1084 steel oil edge hardened , double tempered. Tested to cut a brass rod in half and still shave paper. 1/8 steel. 9 ½ over all, blade is 5 ½ long x 1 /2 wide. Forged with brass copper on the surface acid etch custom designs a duck I the grass on one side and flowers on the other side. Very one of a kind. A KB Otter2 611 is the order code if inquiring
. $70.
Same blade that goes on $450 finished knives. Put your own handle on and have a nice high end blade for a fraction of the cost of a finished knife. Wrap leather even duck tape around it and have a fine useable knife in the field. Or take your time and build a knife you can be proud of for many generations.
Otter blade similar to above just different copper brass pattern and different etching. Etching is a wolf head on one side ands different flower on the other side. A KB otter 3 611 is the order code if inquiring. $70.
.Hunter. Thin blade for all day carrying good flesher, nice sharp edge that will keep. A KB 1095 hunter 611 is the order code if inquiring. $70
1095 high carbon steel oil edge hardened , double tempered. Tested to cut a brass rod in half and still shave paper. 1/16 steel acid etch custom designs. One side the bird, the other side the flower. Very one of a kind. is the order code if inquiring. Same blade that goes on $450 finished knives. Put your own handle on and have a nice high end blade for a fraction of the cost of a finished knife. Wrap leather even duck tape around it and have a fine useable knife in the field. Or take your time and build a knife you can be proud of for many generations.
1095 high carbon steel oil edge hardened , double tempered. Tested to cut a brass rod in half and still shave paper. 1/16 steel acid etch custom designs. One side the bird, the other side the flower. Very one of a kind. is the order code if inquiring. Same blade that goes on $450 finished knives. Put your own handle on and have a nice high end blade for a fraction of the cost of a finished knife. Wrap leather even duck tape around it and have a fine useable knife in the field. Or take your time and build a knife you can be proud of for many generations.
1084 high carbon steel. Over all 7 inches long with 4 inch cutting edge. 1 ½ inches wide and 1/8th thick. This is a whale shape. End is his tail, etched whale eye, nose, mouth. A little copper hammered in when forged for decoration. Taken to a 600 grit semi polish. Edge hardened Rockwell about 59 (a little on the extra hard side) back soft. Tested. This blade sharpened a brass braising rod, then cut that rod in half with a hammer blow and still cut paper with ease. A KB Swhale 711 is the order code if inquiring $55
I'm unsure what I'm doing with this blade. I may make a knife , but might sell it as is- the blank blade. If interested in this blade cut and paste me the picture and inquire if I still have it. I probably do, as I will try to remove this if I make a knife from it. I'm mostly in to much of a hurry today to describe it, measure it, and go to pay pal to put it in the shop cart. I have a pile of blades I just did, and a show to get ready for.
I
I'm unsure what I'm doing with this blade. I may make a knife , but might sell it as is- the blank blade. If interested in this blade cut and paste me the picture and inquire if I still have it. I probably do, as I will try to remove this if I make a knife from it. I'm mostly in to much of a hurry today to describe it, measure it, and go to pay pal to put it in the shop cart. I have a pile of blades I just did, and a show to get ready for.
This is my otter design blade. Note the blade is the outline of an otter, blade is the tail. 1084 high carbon steel edge hardened and ready to use taken to polish finish. Acid etching one side hand drawn eagle head other side is an owl and leaves. Brass hammered into steel while forged. Holes not drilled for handle so you can set up how you want, handle is soft so will drill. $95
1095 steel 1/16th thick a light sharp edged skinner. 5 ½ long x 2 inches wide. Custom acid etched. One side has a nice moose head. The other side a songbird and flower. Nicely polished. Built for a hidden tang style handle .An extra piece has been brazed on an inch down the tang. Edge hardened extra hard. $95 Sold
Damascus blade of high carbon and nickel steels. Copper and brass forged into the back of the steel for decoration. An extra long blade 9 inches long x 1 ¼ wide x 1/16th thick . Cold be a bread knife meat knife kitchen type knife or a outdoor camp utility big skinner or small bowie. Edge hardened will hold an edge will so made to be used. Acid etching of bear footprint on one and moose footprint on the other (the bear is looking for the moose.).High quality hand forged Damascus. $175
Damascus hunter skinner or kitchen knife 8 ½ inch long x 1 ¼ wide x 1/8th thick. Snowy owl acid etch on one side and log cabin etch on the other side. Copper and brass hammered into the steel when forged for decoration. Edge hardened extra hard to be used. Tang has slight flaw, made a wrong cut Ooops! Should not effect strength of finished product. Discounted to $150
Dagger. Very light very thin very sharp. 01 tool steel, 5.5 inch blade x 3/4th wide x 1/16th thick . Flexible but strong. Both sides have flower theme. I had in mind a ladies dagger. Perhaps for renaissance reenactment. $55
Randy from HHH made the Damascus billet. I already decided to make a knife from this one (offered on my custom finished knife page). But this blade can be referred to if anyone likes it and wants one similar. All pretty much one of a kind never to be repeated though.
See my ‘special orders’ page. I take on only a limited number of special orders. See why.
Buy a gift certificate for someone
Utility -kitchen knife blade. 5 ½ inch blade , 10 inches overall. 3/16ths thick x 1 inch wide. Random pattern Damascus steel. I custom etched an owl and duck on one side and duck with predator tracks on the other side. Copper plating drifts across the blade like a fog, for an interesting effect. $85
High carbon 1084 skinner utility knife. 3 /16th steel. 3 ½ inches cutting edge, 1 ¼ wide. Gradual taper to keen edge. Wolf acid etch in steel on one side, detailed moose etch on the other side. Not especially fancy just a good work blade for a lower price than some with more art work and Damascus or worked steel. $55
01 steel hunter 5 ½ inch blade x 1 ½ wide, 3/16ths thick. A nice fit in the hand. One side has a snarling wolf head, the other side has blade of grass acid etched with small wolf footprints. Hard to get etching to show up in pictures. Holes not drilled in handle as steel here is soft and easy to drill. I myself put a handle on first then drill handle and steel at same time for a perfect fit. $65
01 steel 6 inch cutting edge 3/16ths thick. A camp knife or kitchen knife. Ones side has a detailed etched raven and the other side has 2 flowers. No holes in handle for pins because the steel here is soft and easily drilled so you can configure how you want. I often put the handle on and then drill handle and steel at the same time. $65
Kitchen chef knife blade overall 9 inches long. 5 ¼ inch cutting edge 1080 high carbon 3/16th steel. 2 inches wide. Wolf tracks stamped along the blade in a river setting with ducks on both sides. Has a good feel in the hand. $65
Hunter survival knife D2 steel 8 ½ inches over all with 5 inch cutting edge. 3/16ths thick . One side has a detailed hawk etched in the steel, other side has blade of grass etched. D2 is good around water and is semi stainless. The chrome in it gives it superior edge holding ability and toughness. The ‘needs harden’ is a magic marker note that survived the hardening process. I could do a magic marker commercial! This blade is $65 Sold
