A.T. Barr - Custom Knives

Hello, I appreciate you taking the time to visit my website. I want to tell you a little about myself and the way I do business. Since the majority of my sales are through either email or snail mail, I will try to let you know as much about me as possible.

I have been making knives for over 26 years, and full time since May 2001. I made and sold my first knife in 1979. I am also a voting member of the Knifemakers Guild .

For your convenience I have separated my knives by the blade length and style. I make knives for all ranges of collectors and users. On my users I mainly use stainless steel bolsters. On the majority of my collector pieces I use Mosaic Damascus by several Damascus makers. Although I have a pattern for each of my knives, each knife is made the old fashioned way, one at a time. I can take the blade from one knife and the handle shape from another to form many combinations. Simply let me know what you desire. A pocket clip can be installed on any knife at no additional charge. My normal steel for folders is S30V, but if you prefer D-2, or A-2, there is no additional charge for this. I also offer Damascus from Devin Thomas, Chris Marks and other makers. All of my work that is available for immediate purchase can be viewed on the Available page.

I have recently decided to come into the 21st century. On one style of my knives I use the services of a water jet cutting service. Click here to see how my liners start out.

I feel that my knives are truly handmade by one person....me. I feel you want a knife made by a person, not a machine. What machines I have, are controlled by my hands. I do not have or use the services of any CNC controlled machines, except for liners on one size knife (see above). I feel when you purchase a custom handmade knife, you want a one of a kind knife, not one of 5,000. Here is an editorial I wrote in Tactical Knives November 2003 entitled "What is a Handmade Knife?". I also have written my thoughts on Trade Secrets . You won't find any "mid-tech" knives on with my name on them.

I feel there are many reasons for you to purchase one of my knives. Do I put the same amount of time in a $250.00 knife as I put into a $1000.00 knife? Why, of course not! But I do put as many hours as I feel is necessary, to make you and myself satisfied. I constantly strive for continuous improvement in each knife I make. I am proud of my knives, and you will be proud of any knife I make for you. Please read My Guarantee .

I flat grind my blades using the stock removal method. In stainless I prefer to use S30V, ATS-34, or 440-C. 440-C is much more stain and rust resistant than S30V or ATS-34. It does not hold an edge as long, but it is still a great steel. If you live in a humid environment, you might want to consider 440-C. In the tool steels, it's hard to beat D-2, or A-2. Being non-stainless, they require a little more maintenance than the stainless, but they perform very well in the field. I also offer Stainless and Carbon Damascus from various makers.

I legally offer the easy open feature (hole in blade) on my knives, having done the honorable thing of paying Spyderco, Inc. a license fee years ago. This style is available on the majority of my designs at no additional charge.

My liner lock® (Thanks to Michael Walker) folders range from a blade length of approximately 1 1/2" to 4 1/4". I will make a longer blade if that is what you require. But, remember that the length of the handle will be around 1 inch longer than the blade. A knife with a blade length of 4" will have a overall length of almost 9" when opened. That is one big knife. I do not make pry bars or screwdrivers. My knives are made to cut, and cut they do. Also due to my equipment (all manual) and my lack of training as a machinist, I do not make automatics.

Purchasing one of my knives Sorry, not taking orders
Currently, I have approximately a 6-8 month back log. When you place an order, I do not require a deposit. For knives with Damascus, Mother of Pearl, or other high dollar materials, when I am ready to start your knife I require a deposit of 25% of the total cost of your knife. I will have your knife completed in 45 days or less, after I receive your deposit. I accept Mastercard, Visa and Paypal.