(Story
of how 2 brothers became custom knife makers and how that resulted in
their forming Graham Knives – specializing in the hand-made knife.)
In
1994, having been a knife nut his whole life, Jon Graham started making
kit knives on a table with very basic tools. (fast-forward six
years). Tired of making somebody else's designs, and having requests
to put handles on knives he couldn't find, Jon asked his brother Josh, who
also loved knives, to go in on some equipment with him, and learn how to
make knives by the stock removal method. They have both
been hooked ever since and strive to constantly improve their skills
as custom knife makers.
Jon and Josh refined their knives over the years using magazines, video's,
books, discussions with other knife makers, as well as trial and error,
basically teaching themselves. All knives are designed by Jon
with pencil and paper, and all steps involved in crafting a hand-made
knife from the design, profiling, grinding, polishing, and making
hand-made sheaths - are done in the shop, except for heat treating (which
includes cryo quench). That is left up to Paul Bos, who is
considered to be the best. They start with premium steel (most often
stainless) and mostly 154 cm, CPM154CM, and S30V. 3/16"
and 1/4” thickness are used for its strength. The leather and
Kydex sheaths are personally made for each knife and treated for longevity
and performance.
Their
favorite knife is the Graham Razel™.
Both have carried this hand-made
knife everyday since it was designed (2001) because they have found it to be
the most useful knife they have ever made or owned. To see why, visit
the Razel™ page.
CHANGE
ALWAYS COMES: 2009 marked
the tenth year for Josh, and Jon making knives. In June,
2009, Josh moved on to other things and will be missed at Graham
Knives! Jon says, "Don't worry,
there is more cool stuff coming. GRAHAM KNIVES IS NOT
GOING ANYWHERE, BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING I WOULD RATHER DO.
