I have been making knives for several years now, it's a process that is constantly evolving....... my abilities, materials, machinery,  popular styles, etc.  My dad was a professional knife-maker for many years. I grew up watching dad produce some extraordinary handmade knives, primarily sporting knives. As a kid I developed a love for beautifully mirror finished blades with slick-as-glass highly figured wood-grain handles.  As my own personal preference for handle materials are highly figured stabilized woods, I have learned to appreciate the durability of phoenolic materials ( g-10, micarta, etc.), and of course I'll be happy to provide anything else the customer feels like they have to have.While I tend to produce more "Go" knives than "Show" knives, I strive to find new and unique materials that I can use to set myself and my brand apart from others. Though I have blade patterns within my lineup that I routinely produce, each of the building processes are done by hand and one at a time. I take great pride in delivering finished products that are true one-of-a-kind pieces. Having had the opportunity to travel to many many knife shows with dad and being an avid outdoorsman myself, I've had the opportunity to test-drive lots of different blades and blade styles, some great, some good, some not so much. Anytime I pick up and use a knife, I immediately start to pick it apart and think of what would make it better. Knowing that every knife doesn't serve well for every purpose, I try to deliver purpose built products that will offer a lifetime or more of service for their users. As for steel, I have different preferences for different purposes and types of grinds. Aside from my dad, some other extraordinary craftsmen I continue to draw inspiration from are Claude Montjoy, Bob Loveless, Mike Gregory, Mike Snody & the list could continue on.  I also try to keep all of the process (sheath making ,wood stabilization, casting  & dyeing, etc) in my own shop.  I will strive to deliver the best product for its intended purposes. With all of that said, feel free to contact me with any questions about my products or special requests.
    Thank you for your interest and support-   Shane Barefoot