These blades cut a lean profile.

Slender-bladed knives demand exceptional skill, leaving zero margin for error in heat treatment and minimal canvas for fine steel patterns. Check out these sleek profiles and see how these makers mastered the challenge.

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Diamondback Dagger: Kelly Vermeer-Vella

Kelly Vermeer-Vella’s “Diamondback Dagger” sports a sleek 10.75-inch hollow-ground blade forged from 1084 and 15N20 damascus. Mild steel damascus bolsters featuring 24k gold inlay transition seamlessly into a mammoth ivory handle anchored by twist damascus liners. Overall length: 16.5 inches. Kelly’s email: [email protected]. (Jocelyn Frasier image)

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Wootz Steel Fighter: Erik McCright

An intriguing wootz steel pattern flows through the narrow 7.5-inch blade of Erik McCright’s wootz steel fighter. Fused gold and silver fittings supply a refined transition into a dark blackwood handle. Overall length: 13.25 inches. Erik’s email: [email protected]. (Jocelyn Frasier image)

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Persian Fighter: Brion Tomberlin

A sweeping 10.5-inch W2 steel blade showcasing a distinct hamon defines Brion Tomberlin’s Persian fighter. An oil-rubbed bronze bolster sets off the rich grain of the Ratalox wood handle, while a custom leather sheath by Kenny Rowe completes the package. Overall length: 16.75 inches. Brion’s email: [email protected]. (Jocelyn Frasier image)

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Fang Gentleman’s Bowie: John Davis

Dynamic starburst damascus forged from 1084 and 15N20 steels animates the flat-ground, 6.5-inch blade of John Davis’ “Fang” gentleman’s bowie. A nickel silver guard anchors the handle assembly, which pairs a textured impala horn main body with a polished mammoth tooth spacer. Overall length: 11 inches. John’s email: [email protected]. (Jocelyn Frasier image)

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Rusty Switchblade: Richard S. Wright

Styled after an antique Mediterranean folder, Richard S. Wright’s “The Rusty Switchblade” dress automatic folder carries a nostalgic, aged character. A 0-1 tool steel frame houses the narrow 5160 steel blade, while wrought iron bolsters frame classic rosewood handle scales. Overall length: 6 inches. Richard’s email: [email protected]. (SharpByCoop image)

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Rapscallion Fighter: Mark Scrimgeour

Measuring a formidable 14.5 inches, the double-hollow-ground CPM 3V steel blade on Mark Scrimgeour’s SCR15 “Rapscallion” fighter/hunting sword utilizes a Delta heat treat protocol for maximum performance. Rich desert ironwood provides a clean contrast against the long, sleek steel frame. Overall length: 20 inches. Mark’s email: [email protected]. (Jocelyn Frasier image)

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Merchant’s Guard: Zack Jonas

Four distinct alloys merge within the damascus steel of Zack Jonas’ sleek creation, dubbed “The Merchant’s Guard.” Drawing design cues from both the medieval south German rugger and the Indo-Persian kard, the slender hybrid pairs fine silver and steel accents with a richly figured walnut burl handle. Overall length: 18 inches. Zack’s email: [email protected]. (SharpByCoop image)

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Check Out More Cool Customs:

• Cool Custom: Jesse Hu’s Thorfinn Daggers
• Cool Custom: Stuart Kerr’s Cu Mai Dragon Is Built To Slay Beards
• Cool Custom: Robert Logan’s Tiny Fighter
• Cool Customs: Rocco Nawrocki’s Knife For Sergeant Bunker