Custom Knives

Getting onto the Waiting List…

While a Custom Commission presents you a relatively rare opportunity to own an Ironside Edge Works knife that has been completely produced according to your personal specifications, there are some considerations you need to know before you take the plunge. 

The first thing to know is that all Custom Commissions are at our own discretion. This means we may reject your project idea for a variety of reasons. This can include the time needed to complete the project or the project idea not fitting well into our ethos or within our skillset. Please don’t be offended if we refuse, we have to very carefully manage the custom projects that we get involved with. 

The second thing to know is that we operate Custom Commissions via a Waiting List system. Meaning that your idea gets put into an available slot and will only be worked on when your project hits the top of our Waiting List. 

The Waiting Time for the projected to be started can be several months. You should be prepared to wait for us to even begin work on your knife. The build time itself can also vary depending on the complexity of the project, from a month to several months. 

There are little to no restrictions on what you can ask us to build, although we will generally stick to our wheelhouse in that we like to make Defensive EDC knives or Traditional Japanese knives and swords – and rarely go outside of those boundaries. Almost any blade steel, or handle material can be considered, but keep in mind the more exotic the materials the longer it may take to finish. 

The process of getting onto our Waiting List is as follows:

• Get in touch with us with details about what you want us to make. We need as much details as possible including the knife model or design, blade steel, configuration, handle type and materials, sheath and mount. If you are unsure of any of these we can make suggestions for you. 
• No more than 2 Knives per Waiting List spot. We know there are some who like to make Twin Sets or Daisho. 
• Once received, we will give you a Cost Estimate on your Custom Commission. This is just a basic idea of the cost as several months may pass before we actually come to working on your Commission.
• If you are happy to proceed you will be added to the Waiting List. 
• Once you reach the Top 5 on the Waiting List you will be notified, and if necessary be given an updated Cost Estimate on your Commission.
• Once you are in the 2nd Spot (next in line) you will be prompted to make payment.This is so that we can begin gathering the materials required for your Commission. This is especially important if your Commission contains exotic materials which need to be imported. 
• Once your Commission hits the Top Spot work will begin. You will be put in contact with the knifemaker directly to receive weekly updates and ask any questions you may have. Should any delays occur you will be notified promptly. 

While it is difficult to give accurate time estimates on Custom Commission Knives, we can give you a general guideline of 6 weeks for simple projects, to several months for more complex ones involving exotic materials or complex designs.