The end of the month of March brought about the first set of 3D contoured handles.  Having handles fully 3D contoured coming off of the CNC mill was something I have wanted to achieve for several years.  After completing the prototype, I came to realize that I did not have the ability to put the contoured handles back into the machine to once again work on the inside of the knife handles as I previously could with flat slab scales.  This moment made me realize that all of the inside machining must be completed before contouring the outside of the handles.    One of the hurdles is the locking bar insert.  As of now (April 2025), I am considering using a dovetail end mill to hold the locking bar inside of this knife's handles, without using any hardware.  I was taught how to achieve this from Bob Terzuola's mentoring in the weekly knife club meets.  The hurdle of the new button lock / compression lock will have to be figured out before the prototype can be created.  

March 8, 2025 first ever contoured machined knife handles. For my entire knife making career I’ve been building flat slab style knives. I haven’t really had any time to innovate because I’ve spent the last six years making salt and pepper cage, bearings. The bearings are very time, and labor intensive and basically consumes all my free time in the shop. With my wife and I expecting another addition to our family, I finally set aside time with the compression lock prototype to do the things I’ve always wanted to do. I have always wanted to make 3-D contoured titanium machined handles. I finally decided to spend the year 2025 doing what interest me with my knife making. All of January was spent learning how to grind blade bevels using a diamond cup wheel, with limited success (I still go to the 2x72” grinder to finish). February was spent designing in CAD my first compression lock. It has been a steep learning curve, putting the stop pin into the blade rather than the handles. March is being used to make contoured handles without the slack belt. I also have a contoured pocket clip in the works. To everyone who reads this; know it takes tremendous time to bring a new design to market, especially when you’re the maker, and not relying on offshore assistance. I know that the caged bearings are low on stock. Don’t worry, I will make more in the future.