Legacy Archive
The Vault: A complete gallery of previous custom work handmade in Rocklin, CA. Every blade is precision-crafted in the USA via stock removal for those who value performance over production.
49er
This bad boy was custom ordered by an accomplished home chef in Northern California. The red and gold hybrid handle is an homage to the his favorite football team. The Golden Gate bridge was laser etched into the matching saya. He choose a distressed acid finish on the AEB-L blade which was professionally heat treated with cryogenic treatment. A workhorse cutting profile was chosen to allow for heavy use and without having to be overly cautious with the edge. Being a 3rd generation San Franciscan myself, I took a lot of pride in this build!
BEASTLY
"Make me a laser, go crazy" was the request from this client, an excellent home cook looking to add to his growing knife collection. Super fun build. To push the limits on how thin I could go, I added a water misting system to ensure the blade was kept cool and happy while grinding. The finished knife is a dream to cut with.
Bonita
<strong>Introducing Bonito: Where Precision Meets Personality</strong> Bonita is an 8.25" gyuto-style knife, standing 2" tall at the heel with a thickness of 0.165" at the handle. Its blade, made from professionally heat-treated AEB-L steel with a cryo finish, provides exceptional sharpness, edge retention, and durability. This knife isn’t just a tool—it’s a trusted companion for anyone serious about cooking. The western-style handle is crafted from richly figured desert ironwood, known for its stunning grain patterns and unrivaled durability. Why desert ironwood? It’s one of the densest hardwoods on the planet, naturally resistant to moisture and warping, making it ideal for a hardworking kitchen knife. Beyond its practicality, the polished finish feels luxurious in the hand, bringing comfort and elegance to every slice. Bonita was custom-built for an avid home cook who worked closely with Honest Knife Co. to design every detail, ensuring the handle perfectly fit her hand. This collaboration is reflected in its balance, ergonomics, and tailored craftsmanship—proving that no two knives have to be the same.
Churrasco
This is a big ol' slicer that was commissioned by a lovely lady as a present for her husband's birthday. He's the "brisket King" of his neighborhood. We decided on a 12" long, thin, wicked sharp, slicer. This was the longest knife I had made up to that point and I was a little nervous. To ease my fears I decided I would make one for myself first as 'practice'. I'm really glad I did, I use it all the time! We chose a beautiful piece of desert ironwood for the handle. I added a white bolster with black stripes that brings the whole design together.
Diablo
Diablo was commissioned by an accomplished Norcal home chef whom I've had the pleasure of sharing many meals with. The knife is a perfect balance of toughness and agility. Crazy thin at the tip for precise detail cuts and medium heavy at the heel for tough board work. The saya features a personal design that the chef created. The design was then made into a full depth inlay which was laser cut.
Ginger
Ginger is a workhorse! She's ready for just about anything you want to throw at her. Especially thick at the heel, she'll cut through bones with no problem. The tip is tapered for fine detail work. The hybrid resin/maple handle lets her shine and the matching saya is a piece of art on its own. Don't let her good looks fool you though, she's all business.
Griffen
Griffen is a big ole' beast of a nakiri. It's a workhorse for sure. Kind of like a super-sized razor blade! It's a dream for veggies and makes cutting board work fun as hell. The design on the saya is an homage to the owner.
High & Tight
Custom made knife for proficient home chef that also happens to be my barber. We decided go with a standard profile which gives the knife extremely great performance for cutting board work while maintaining enough heft to easily work through spareribs without worry. The hybrid wood/resin handle was shaped into a classic western shape that looks and feels great.
Honu
Hono is a beautifully balanced knife with a hand satin finish. These finishes take hours to get right so I don't do them that often and only on request. I might try to talk you out of it but don't let me! Just inisist. The saya was laser cut from my original design. The handle is an attention grabber for sure with stunning burl wood, black G10 bolster, and two-tone green G10 liners.
J-Lo
This little darling was custom ordered by an aspiring home chef in Northern California. The smooth acid finish on the AEB-L blade allows the hybrid resin/wood handle to really shine. A standard cutting profile was chosen to allow for great detail work while still being able to withstand heavy use and without having to be overly cautious with the edge. I really fell in love with this knife and it was tough to say goodbye!
Keeper
This was one of my early "test" knives. I liked it so much that I kept it! It's a beast at almost 0.20" at the spine. A true workhorse that I can beat on and not have to worry about. Most of my knives are under lock and key but this one just sits in the drawer so anyone can use it. I've changed the handle a few times just for fun. If you are thinking about a heavier knife but you're not sure, let me know and we can arrange for you to test this one out.
Limey
Limey is a crazy thin laser of a gyuto. This was a spec knife that got grabbed immediately. The handle design was inspired by, Don Ngyuen, who is one of the great knife makers of our time and of my online mentors. Don was kind enough to answer many questions for me and I appreciate his patience and willingness to help new makers. It's a really fun knife and looker as well!
MAVEN
A very special nakiri knife for a very accomplished home chef. This was a fun and challenging build as the client was quite specific in what she wanted. She also has smaller hands and we worked on several different handle shapes before finding one that she loved. This will be passed down through the generations. The kids are already calling dibs!
Mijo
This knife has a fun story. Mijo translates to "my son". Mijo did not start it's life as Mijo. It was originally going to be a 9" gyuto. But the knife spirits had their own ideas and halfway through the process, after a series of grinding errors on my part, the 9" Gyuto turned into a 7" santoku. The Santoku design is shorter, lighter, thinner, and more nimble than a gyuto. This design was absolutely perfect for a different client who was a bit scared of sharp knives and not ready for the larger gyuto style. I had a beautiful piece of burl in the wood collection that matched up perfectly. The rest is history and Mijo was born. Sometimes it takes many wrong turns to find the right one, just keep going...
Mizukiri
This knife is a laser. It’s not just thin- it’s crazy thin. Ideal for precision cuts and protein slicing. No bones! Recommend an edge grain cutting board only with this one. The wa style handle features a highly figured maple that's paired up with a deep, resonant Ebony. The contrast is awesome, there’s a harmony between the mellow and the bold that compliments the best of both woods. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0Zc2OQP_RU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> View this post on Instagram <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0Zc2OQP_RU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Rick Davis (@honestknifeco)</a></p> </blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
Mr. Happy
This bad boy goes out to a long-time dear friend of mine. I chose a standard cutting profile that allows for great detail work while still being able to withstand heavy use and without having to be overly cautious with the edge. There was a piece of walnut that had been sitting in my wood collection for years. When it came time to build the handle for this, well, it kind of just called to me. Good thing too, it turned out great. I enjoyed this build immensely, and as always, it was tough to say goodbye!
Natomas
<strong>Introducing Natomas: Precision Meets Power</strong> The Natomas is a 6.75" Nakiri-style blade crafted for serious precision. With a formidable 2.1" height at the heel, it offers fantastic knuckle clearance and exceptional control for rapid chopping and slicing. The blade features our signature Sharkbite Distressed Black Acid finish on cryogenically treated AEB-L steel, delivering both an aggressive, industrial look and uncompromising edge durability. Its light-standard cutting profile walks the line beautifully—tough enough for daily prep work while maintaining a laser-thin edge for whisper-clean cuts. To finish it off, the handle pairs rich Bolivian Rosewood with a striking double-dyed green burl insert, providing a comfortable, ergonomic grip with an unforgettable aesthetic. Whether you're breaking down bounties of vegetables or tackling intricate prep, the Natomas is ready for the challenge.
Patriot
This was a really fun build! A client reached out and wanted to buy a special gift for her husband. The theme was to be based simply on "America". This was the result we came up with. The blade is a standard balanced gyuto in AEB-L steel. It was professionally hardened and cryo-treated by Paul Bos Heat Treating in Idaho (they do all of the heat treating for Buck Knives). The saya was fabricated with help from my friends at Repkord that allowed me access to their laser cutter. The saya pieces are cut from maple and dyed to match the hybrid maple/resin handle.
Pinkie
Custom-ordered by a NorCal chef who works in a fast-paced professional kitchen. She wanted a workhorse beast that could take abuse and still maintain a fine edge. We decided on a thick heel for tough work and a tapered tip for detail work. The handle reflects her spirit, cute pink liners with a base of strong desert ironwood. Yeah- it looks darling but trust me, this knife is a beast. I've had it back for sharpening multiple times and it looks great
Pua'a
Pua'a was commissioned by full-time professional chef who wanted "A heavy-duty sharp workhorse that can do fine slicing but also cut through bone". Wow, really chef!? Now those attributes don't usually combine in a single knife but, I love a challenge so off we went. I did a lot of reading and also reached out to some other, seasoned makers who provided solid advice. The final product is a hybrid design which is heavy at the heel and much thinner towards the tip. This provided the characteristics the chef wanted. It's also very balanced and feels great in the hand. When it came to the saya, I asked chef for ideas and the answer was "A pig". Okay! challenge accepted again! I came up with a design and did an inlay with contrasting woods. I was really happy with the result and chef loved it. For the handle, we went with a hybrid design. I sourced the handle scales from my friend at <a href="https://www.285woodworks.com/">285 woodworks</a>. He always does a great job.
Sabrosa
<strong>Introducing Sabrosa: The Everyday Workhorse</strong> The Sabrosa is a 7.5" Santoku-style kitchen companion built for versatility and performance. Forged from professionally vacuum-hardened AEB-L steel with a cryogenic treatment, it strikes the perfect balance between enduring edge retention and striking aesthetics with its light distressed black acid finish. At 1.5" tall at the heel and a nimble 0.05" at the tip, this knife is designed to glide effortlessly through vegetables, meats, and everything in between. Its standard cutting profile offers a tough yet finely tuned edge, making it an ideal all-rounder for any cutting board. The handle is a true statement piece, crafted from brilliant Curly Koa and accented with a custom Turquoise inlay, ensuring that Sabrosa looks just as beautiful on display as it feels in hand.
SEMPER
A super fun and challenging build for a retired chef/caterer. This client knew exactly what he wanted so I had to push hard to deliver. Luckily he's a great guy and we took time to meet for a couple of beers a few times during the build. In addition to being a chef, he was a US Marine. After that he became fire fighter. From the SEMPER etch, to the red and brass, this knife tells a hell of a story and I'm honored that I was able to be a small part of it.
Sharkbite
Debut of a new custom texture that I'm calling sharkbite. I wasn't too sure about this at first but after showing it around that response was very good. Expect to see more of this in the future. The knife has found a home with a family of four 'super foodies' so it should get quite a workout!
Sheila
Sheila is a knife with a personality as bold as her design. At 6-3/4" long and 1.5" high at the heel, she's a versatile cross between a short gyuto and a santoku, making her the perfect hybrid for precise slicing and dicing. Whether you're julienning carrots, finely chopping herbs, or breaking down a whole chicken, Sheila’s size and shape strike the perfect balance between maneuverability and power. The blade is made from custom-ground AEB-L steel, renowned for its razor-sharp edge retention and resistance to rust. Professionally heat-treated with cryo, it’s designed to stand up to daily use while staying sharp longer. This means less time spent sharpening and more time gliding effortlessly through your prep work. Sheila's beauty isn’t just skin-deep. Her wa-style handle, crafted from luxurious rosewood, features a striking ebony inlay framed by white G10 liners. This combination not only looks stunning but is ergonomically designed to fit naturally in your hand, reducing fatigue during long prep sessions. Whether you’re slicing sashimi at a professional station or prepping dinner at home, Sheila offers control and comfort you can rely on. Sheila isn’t just a knife; she’s a statement. She transforms the mundane act of chopping into a craft, reminding you every time you use her that cooking can be both an art and a joy.
Steelhead
This was a very special build for one of the premier fly-fishing guides in Northern California. He's also an accomplished home chef and wanted a balanced blade that would handle day-to-day kitchen chores and still excel at slicing fish. We agreed on a balanced style geometry but emphasized a super thin edge section. Super happy with how it turned out. The handle is stabilized curly koa with black ebony.
T-Rex
Custom made for Rex, an accomplished home chef. This one-off piece is a true workhorse- a robust, versatile blade, capable of intricate precision work yet tough enough to slice through the occasional bone without worry. The handle features a museum-quality piece of sustainably harvested Desert Ironwood in western grip style. The accompanying saya features a custom-cut T-rex design.
Tako
Tako was one of my early knives. I've learned a lot since then but this one still holds up! The blade steel is s35VN. I've since switched to AEB-L for my kitchen knives as I can get it much thinner and it's a lot tougher. The handle and saya for Tako are made of Brazilian rosewood. It's a lovely wood to work with and polishes up to an amazing shine. The octopus design was laser cut at Hacker Lab in Rocklin, California.
Tortuga
A workhorse gyuto, Tortuga's blade is AEB-L steel hardened to 61HRC and comes in at exactly 8" long. An everyday knife in the kitchen, the design is suited to vegetable work as well proteins and some light bones. The design of the knife and saya were inspired during many lazy hours of shore fishing on west Maui beaches where I encountered many sea turtles.
The Books Are Closed
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