The Blade
Knife Steel
In making our knives, we employ the stock removal method and do not forge our blades. This allows us to utilize the newest super premium steels and produce the very best cutting tool. Our most commonly used steels include CMP 154 Stainless Steel, D2 Tool Steel, SV35 Stainless Steel, CPM s90v and a few others. Our blade thickness ranges between 1/8'' and 3/16'' with 5/32'' being the typical width.
Knife Shape and Blade Style
Every knife is custom designed by Michael Duma and never repeated. We only utilize timeless designs and avoid gimmicky shapes or blade features that do not serve a purpose. All our knives have full tangs that have been skeletonized for strength and balance. Our favorite blade styles are the drop point, clip point, spear point, and wharncliffe.
Blade Geometry and Bevel Grind
Arguably the most important feature of a knife is the blade geometry and grind style. All our blades have a "full flat" grind on the bevel. A full flat grind means the knife's bevel is flat (and not concave) and is all the way up the face of the knife. This type of grind, while difficult to achieve, results in maximum slicing ability and blade strength.
The Handle
Handle Material
The primary handle material utilized in our shop is Micarta. Micarta is a resin bonded material with exceptional strength. It is durable, water resistant, shock resistant, and maintains a good grip in a range conditions. It is for these reasons it is the favorite handle material of many famous knife makers. Occasionally, we utilize other materials such as stabilized natural hardwood, G-10, or phenolic material.
Handle Shape
Our handles are shaped completely by hand. They are made to fit perfectly in your hand and feature a slim profile designed to sit close to the body when worn. Special attention is paid to concealment and comfort for every day carry.
Pinstock and Liners
Our handle material is affixed to the blade blank using stainless steel, nickel silver, or micarta pins bonded with specialty epoxy resin. Each knife has a handle liner that absorbs shock, adds girth, and creates a distinctive look. The color of the handle liner is selected to compliment the color of the handle material.
Heat Treat Process
Heat Treat
Heat treating is the process of using extreme temperatures to manipulate the physical properties of steel. A proper heat treat is essential to a well functioning knife an is arguably the most important step in making a quality knife. That is why we use the very best heat treat ovens and most modern protocols in treating our steel. The result is knives with exceptional sharpness, edge retention, wear resistance, and strength.
Hardening
Hardening is the process of bringing steel to a critical temperature and then rapidly cooling it. This process rearranges the molecular structure of the steel, causing the steel to become “hardened.” In our shop we "plate quench" our steel using large aluminum blocks. Our knives are hardened to between 58-61 on the Rockwell hardness scale, depending on the type of steel and intended use of the knife. This range of hardness provides for premium edge retention while also protecting against chipping or breakage.
Cryogenic Treatment and Tempering
After the hardening process, our steel is placed into a dry ice mixture to soak overnight. This cryogenic treatment further hardens the steel and increases wear resistance. Finally, we place the knife into a tempering oven for several cycles between 400 and 600 degrees. This final process increases the toughness of the knife by reducing rigidity and brittleness. After tempering, the knife is ready for final finishing.
Finishing touches
Blade Finish
After the heat treat process, the blade is touched up on a belt sander and then given its final finish. I utilize several different finishes depending on the user's preference and the intended use of the knife. These include a hand rubbed mirror finish, a belt ground satin finish, an acid stone-washed finish, a cerakote finish, and many other variations of these finishes.
Electro-Etching Makers Mark
At Duma Custom Knives, every knife comes with an electro etched makers mark that identifies the knife as a custom model. Electro-Etching is the process of using electricity and a salt solution to etch a permanent pattern into the knife. This type of mark will forever identify your knife as a handmade model.
Sharpening
The final step in the process is honing the knife blade to a razor sharp edge. All of our knives are hand sharpened using a professional sharpening system. Our knives are sharpened to a precise angle ranging between 17 and 30 degrees, depending on the style and intended use of the knife.
Custom Sheaths
Kydex Leather Hybrid
Our hybrid kydex leather sheaths are constructed of premium Kydex for strength and retention. The Kydex is custom formed to each knife for a perfect fit. The sheath contains a custom design that securely retains the knife under all circumstances while also allowing the user to easily access and remove it from the sheath with a push of the thumb.
Premium Leather
The sheaths are backed with premium leather for movability and affixed with a steel clip for mounting on a belt or pants. The leather backing is easily removed and the sheath can be carried via a Molle system or simply in your pocket. The leather backing provides a grip on belts and clothing and offers a slight compression that enhances retention on a belt or pant waist. With this design, the sheath can be worn with confidence on any style of pants or shorts. Whether military gear or sweatpants, this sheath will stay in place no matter what activity you are doing.
Premium Leather Sheath
In addition to the hybrid design sheath, we offer a premium hand stitched leather sheath made from 100% natural vegetable tanned cowhide. The material is and died and tooled in house and fit Custom to each knife. Each sheath is designed to complement the natural beauty of the knife.
Unboxing
Packaging
Your knife will arrive at your door in a sturdy and elegant box that bears the maker’s signature. The box may be used to safeley store the knife or as a gift box.
Certificate of Authenticity
Each knife comes with a handwritten certificate of authenticity signed by Michael Duma. This certificate includes the name of the knife, steel composition, handle material, pinstock material, and date made. A photograph of the knife is then placed in our knife Gallery.