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Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? Want to learn more about our store? We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular questions, accompanied by our thorough answers. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact us.
IS MY KNIFE ACTUALLY HAND-MADE?
Knives listed as "Handmade Knives" are indeed handmade at Rafter D Knives in Tolar, TX where shaping, heat treating, grinds, scales (handles), shaping, and finishing are done. I personally spend countless hours making sure that your knife is uniquely made. No two knives are identical even if they come from the same design.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE THE KNIVES MADE FROM?
Handmade knife blades are mostly made from 1095 high carbon steel. As far as the handles scales are concerned, there are so many different materials, it would be impossible to list them all here. We try to include as much as we can in the description of each knife listed.
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If you have questions about a specific product, contact us directly.
DO YOU HAVE FOLDING KNIVES?
No. Rafter D Knives does not make folding knives, only fixed blade knives at this time.
HOW LONG AFTER I BUY THE KNIFE DOES IT SHIP?
If the knife is in stock, it will ship as soon as the sheath has been made (typically between 2-3 weeks after the order is placed). If the knife is out of stock, it will be placed on backorder and shipped as it is completed. We will stay in touch with you during the process to let you know when we start on your knife.
DO YOUR KNIVES COME WITH A SHEATH?
All of our knives come with a kydex sheath included in the listed price. However, all knives can be upgraded to a leather sheath for an additional $40.
WHY DOES MY LEATHER SHEATH DISCOLOR MY KNIFE'S WOOD/MICARTA HANDLE?
It's not the color that is changing, it's the moisture. The fade effect you see isn't a loss of dye, or stabilization. It's more a question of moisture being stripped out by the sheath. Naturally, leather pulls moisture from anything it is in contact with. You see this effect a lot with new sheaths, and newer knives. There is also a layer of wax on handles when they leave here that the sheaths interact with as well. So it pulls the moisture from the handles where it is in contact.
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Over time, as the sheath breaks in from absorbing you hand's oil from the knife scales, so it absorbs less from the knife... so the issue is self correcting to a large extent. You may also notice the wood (or micarta) changing color over time as well as it absorbs oils from you (and other things). If there is any fade, a quick cleaning and Howard's Cutting Board Conditioner will restore an even finish. Keep in mind that woods often change over time as they age. It is part of the natural charm of each material.
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Overall, the color shift in handles, leather sheaths taking on patina, and knife steel taking on patina are all part of the evolution of owning handmade items made with natural materials.
WILL MY KNIFE BLADE OXIDIZE OR PATINA?
If your knife blade is 1085, 1095 or another high carbon steel, you can expect your blade to discolor over time. As it gets used, it will develop a natural patina. Patina, which is a form of protective oxidation, is natural and should not only be expected, but embraced. It tells a story of where your knife has been and all the things it has done for you. The patina will also protect from rusting...which is a destructive form of oxidation. A knife of high carbon steel should be kept dry and oiled to minimize the chances of rust as it develops its protective patina. Also, storing a knife inside a leather sheath is not advised since moisture can be trapped against the blade.
WHAT SHOULD I USE ON MY KNIFE HANDLE AND BLADE TO KEEP THEM LOOKING GREAT?
Oiling your blade is a great way to keep it in great looking condition. If you are looking to keep it food safe, mineral oil is fine to use. If you are not looking to prep food with it, good old WD-40 does the trick.
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For handles, we use wax in the shop to bring out handle highlights. We use it on both wood and synthetic handles. We also use Howard's Cutting Board Conditioner before they ship. Both are fine to use, as are other products that are similar. Mineral oil and beeswax are a great combo as they are both food-safe and work well on a variety of materials.
I SAW A DYED WOOD HANDLE THAT HAS SOME LIGHT COLORED STREAKS IN IT. IS THAT NORMAL?
You see this effect more on woods like Maple and Ash, but it's present in nearly all woods. It is natural grain in the wood itself. Wood naturally has different densities and fiber constructs. These variances make dye absorb differently in those fibers, and give the wood it's beautiful patterns.
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What you see is a particular grain structure that is more dye resistant naturally. The dye is 100% permeated throughout. Keep in mind that the wood is stabilized when it is dyed, so it is everlasting.
WILL YOU CLEAN UP MY KNIFE FOR ME?
Our all inclusive clean up begins at $50. This covers the re-sanding, remarking and re-edging of the knife.
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Please contact us if you are interested in having your knife cleaned up and sharpened.