Pre-launch · Sales open soon. Notify me
Gallery Shop Kits Axes Steel Accessories Design your knife Restoration and repair Limited Forge Curiosities About me Contact Sign in
Help

Frequently Asked Questions

Handcrafted Knives, Axes & Model Codes

About Our Handcrafted Products

Are all AF Knifeworks products really handmade?

Yes. Every knife and axe is made by hand, one piece at a time — from forging and grinding the blade to fitting and finishing the handle and sheath. Nothing comes off an automated production line.

Why does my knife look slightly different from the photo on the website?

Because each piece is handmade, small variations are completely normal — differences in wood grain, handle color, stitching, or blade finish. These are not defects; they're part of what makes a handmade piece unique rather than a mass-produced copy. If you receive an item with an issue beyond normal handmade variation (a structural flaw, functional problem, or transit damage), contact us and we'll make it right.

What steel do you use, and what's the difference?

We work primarily with two steels:

  • 14C28N (stainless) — a Swedish steel with strong corrosion resistance and good edge retention. Easier to maintain, a good choice if you want lower rust-care upkeep.
  • Carbon steel — takes and holds a very sharp edge and is easier to sharpen in the field, but requires more care: it will patina over time and can rust if left wet or dirty.
What handle materials are available?
  • Wood — natural, classic look; can shift slightly with humidity over time.
  • Micarta — highly durable, stable in all weather, low maintenance.
  • Hybrid epoxy resin / wood — combines natural wood with stabilized resin for a distinctive look and added durability.
  • Antler — a traditional material, especially for hunting and puukko-style knives; natural variation in color and shape is expected.
What sheath options do you offer?
  • Leather — traditional look and feel, develops its own patina with use, should be kept away from prolonged moisture.
  • Kydex — modern, highly weather-resistant, low maintenance.
  • Kitchen knives are supplied without a sheath.
How do I care for my knife?
  • Carbon steel: dry and lightly oil the blade after each use; never store it in a damp sheath.
  • Stainless steel (14C28N): more rust-resistant, but still dry it after use.
  • Wood / hybrid handles: occasional oiling helps preserve them against humidity and temperature changes.
  • Leather sheaths: keep away from prolonged moisture.
  • None of our knives are dishwasher-safe — always hand wash and dry immediately.
Is it safe to use, and is it suitable for children?

All blades ship sharp and ready to use — handle with care when unboxing and always cut away from your body. Our products are not toys: keep them out of reach of children, and any use by minors should be supervised. Please use each tool only for its intended purpose (e.g., kitchen knives for food preparation, bushcraft knives for outdoor use) — misuse isn't covered by warranty.

Environmental Responsibility

What do you do to reduce environmental impact?

Sustainability is part of how we work, not an afterthought. Instead of relying only on new stock, we reclaim and repurpose steel from sources such as ball bearings, leaf springs, and sawmill blades to forge many of our knives — materials that are known for excellent steel quality but would otherwise be scrapped. Handles follow the same philosophy — many of our wood handles are made from leftover wood scraps and offcuts from larger woodworking projects, giving the material an extended useful life instead of ending up as waste.

Does this affect quality or consistency?

No — every piece of reused steel and wood is inspected before use and held to the same quality standard as any other material we work with. Because it comes from repurposed material, you may notice slightly more character or variation piece to piece, which we see as a feature, not a compromise.

How to Decode Your Knife's Model Code

Every AF Knifeworks product carries a code that tells you exactly what it is, at a glance — no need to look anything up.

AF + Category (3) + Length in cm (2) + Handle (1) + Sheath (1)

Example: AFHNT13AL = AF Hunting knife, 13 cm blade, Antler handle, Leather sheath

Category — what type of product it is

CategoryCode
BushcraftBRC
Camp KnivesCMP
HuntingHNT
KitchenKIT
Pocket KnifePKT
PuukkoPUK
AxeAXE

Length — the size, in centimeters

Two digits showing the blade length in cm (for axes, the head edge length in cm). E.g. "12" = 12 cm.

Handle — what it's made of

HandleCode
WoodW
MicartaM
Hybrid epoxy resin / woodH
AntlerA

Sheath — what it comes with

SheathCode
LeatherL
KydexK
None (kitchen knives)N

A worked example

AFCMP15WL breaks down as:

So AFCMP15WL is a Camp Knife with a 15 cm blade, a wood handle, and a leather sheath — you can read the full spec directly from the code.

Still have a question that isn't answered here? Get in touch — we're happy to help before or after your purchase.

Contact us