Knives in WA

[Night goat]

My girlfriend and I are outdoor junkies. We need quality gear because the other stuff just gets trashed. We arent easy on things either. She is also a chef and knows her knives pretty well. Because of my grandfather and my career, i have learned what quality steel is. I like a high carbon content, something that holds an edge, fairly stout blade, nice curves and a natural stylish grip.

Her birthday is this weekend and I want to get her a nice blade.

The only lead i got is a guy up on highway 2 just east if stevens pass ski area before Leavenworth.

Fortunately i have a cabin in Skykomish, and we were going to go over to Leavenworth sometime before Christmas

But....

Any other blacksmiths or decent shops around?

[h20hunter]

Easy.

@rainshadow1

[Bango skank]

Easy.

@rainshadow1

Mentions dont work, but 

[cougforester]

I believe you’re talking about Rayrock Springs Custom Knives. If you don’t follow H2O’s advice and go with Rainshadow, and stick with Rayrock, post up what you find. I’ve driven past that place about a thousand times and have always meant to stop in.

[Badhabit]

Great selection one epicurianedge.com. Some knives they have for sale are works of culinary art.

[h20hunter]

Right....look up rainshadow. I've only had one made but it was 100% perfect and an effortless transaction.

[JKEEN33]

Wilbur Stegner-Stegner Knives

[rainshadow1]

I don’t really inventory, I build to suit. Stuff I have on the shelf is largely number twos and experiments. I use them for gifts and trespass fees and stuff. So the only thing I could do this weekend is connect and work up a one-off custom design.

Happy to do that, but that’s the best I can do with three days notice!

[boneaddict]

I have a Rainshadow.  Its so damn pretty I dont even want to use it.

[lewy]

https://bradfordknives.com/

Kent, wa

[Jason]

Nick Wheeler in Winlock makes amazing knives.

[jackelope]

I've got 2 Rainshadow knives, both are awesome. I wouldn't hesitate to throw some ideas at Steve again and have him whip me up something cool.

[boneaddict]

I was trying to think if mine was custom or not.  Its been a long time.   I know it is made out of a material probably not super common for knives to match my bow, so I bet it was.   

[jackelope]

Currently I have a thing for the PKS knives also. I'm going to get one or 3 of these one of these days too.

https://www.selfrelianceoutfitters.com/collections/pks-knives

[boneaddict]

Bone, I've got a sweet knife coming up with a fantastic piece of Coco for a grip. Keep an eye out for it! You might need it to coordinate your longbow hunting kit!

Just found the thread ....October 2007!   

[jackelope]

These are my 2 Rainshadow knives. The shiny one has black canvas mycarta grips. I can’t remember the details on the steel.
The 2nd one I told Steve I wanted something that wasn’t shiny. The handle is desert ironwood. The ring is moose antler. It’s all bead blasted matte finish.
Again, can’t recall offhand the steel details.

[boneaddict]

Specs on the Mycarta

Blade Steel: 8A stainless steel
(Heat Treated/Cryo-Treated for Optimum Blade Performance)
Blade Finish: Mirror
Blade Length: 4.5 Inches
Overall Length: 9.75 Inches
Blade Width: 1-3/8”
Thickness: 3/16” thick

   You bought it two days before I bought mine in 07

[huntnphool]

 Don’t know if you are wanting “Washington” knives because you want to drive, but Ruana in Montana makes quality knives.

https://www.ruanaknives.com/

[bracer40]

https://bradfordknives.com/

Kent, wa

I’ll second Bradford Knives:full disclosure, my company’s mills make the steels he and many other knife makers use.

[Night goat]

Don’t know if you are wanting “Washington” knives because you want to drive, but Ruana in Montana makes quality knives.

https://www.ruanaknives.com/

Im wanting a "Washington" knife so i can see the forge/shop, let my girl talk to the Smith, let those two come up with a design. I was thinking of something unique, something made with fire and a hammer.... And have it be close enough i dont have to spend an entire weekend driving

[boneaddict]

A forged in fire fan. 
 

[Malitia T.]

Silver Stag in Blaine. I have one from them, I believe they do custom

[J.Brower]

https://bradfordknives.com/

Kent, wa

I’ll second Bradford Knives:full disclosure, my company’s mills make the steels he and many other knife makers use.

Another vote for Bradford. Our machine shop cut/machined many of his blanks and handles! I have a few that go through rotation and my wife has a black/pink custom knife he made for her.

[dreadi]

Lion’s Den Blades in Puyallup. 

[PolarBear]

My cousin in Port Angeles makes custom knives that are far and above the very best knives I have ever used. This year I completely broke down and butchered my buck with a knife that he custom made for me and it is still as sharp as when he sent it to me. Never had to sharpen it once and that’s after cutting around bone. He makes his own metals, handles etc. he doesn’t just repurpose leaf springs and such but he creates the metal itself. He measured my hand and made a handle that fits exactly for my grip. They are incredible. I just gave him a steer hide to make sheathes out of. PM me if you are interested in contacting him