Hard sharp tools forged by a single smith professionally accomplished in the crafts of butchery, illustration and design.
The butcher who brings his hunting and forging experience into the kitchen. Being attached the outdoors, he knows the importance of having a quality knife in your arsenal. Nicholas D. Ellis’ high quality knives are crafted with both design and functionality in mind, ensuring they are both beautiful as they are practical. From field to table, these knives are the perfect tool for any avid cook or hunter looking for the best.
The Smith behind Tooth Knives…
Nicholas D. Ellis, a skilled knife maker with a diverse range of talent and expertise. With a degree in illustration/design and years of experience as a professional butcher in the California Bay Area, Nick brings a unique perspective and approach to his craft.
Nick's interest in knife making began while working as a butcher, where he quickly realized the importance of a well-made knife. He began studying the art of knife making in his spare time, eventually turning his passion into a full-time profession.
One of Nick's specialties is creating knives that are tailored to the specific needs of his clients. With his background as a professional butcher, he understands the importance of a blade that is not only sharp but also comfortable and easy to use. He takes the time to get to know his audience, listening carefully to their needs and preferences before creating a one-of-a-kind piece that ideally meets their needs.
Nick's expertise in illustration also plays a key role in his knife making. He approaches each blade as a work of art, paying close attention to the design and aesthetics of the piece. Nick incorporates intricate patterns and details into each blade, creating knives that are not only functional but also visually stunning.
When it comes to materials, Tooth Knives only uses the highest-quality steel and other materials. We sources materials from the U.S.A. and all over the world, searching for the best of the best to incorporate into our designs.
Nick is a knife maker with a unique perspective and approach to his craft. With his background in illustration and professional butchery, he brings a level of expertise and attention to detail that is unmatched in the industry.
Steel Types
High carbon and high chromium tool steels are preferred at Tooth Knives. A combination of these steels are used depending on each knife’s function. When tool steels are properly quenched and tempered, it yields for exquisite steel that retains an incredible edge during and after extreme abuse. Tooth Knives and its blade smith prides themselves on the reliability and durability of each individual blade. Each knife is individually heat treated to ensure maximum hardiness and consistency.
Built with purpose…
Designed to endure.
Knives made from D2 tool steel and high carbon steels are highly regarded in the outdoor and hunting communities for their exceptional durability and reliability. D2 tool steel is known for its hardness and toughness, which makes it a popular choice for high-end knives that can withstand heavy use and harsh conditions. Similarly, high carbon steels are also renowned for their strength and sharpness, making them ideal for cutting through tough materials like bone and thick hides.
Tooth knives are forged using a combination of traditional and modern techniques to achieve the perfect balance of strength, sharpness, and durability. They feature a full-tang construction, which means that the blade extends through the handle, providing additional stability and strength. The handles are typically made from materials such as wood, G-10, or micarta, which offer a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet or slippery conditions.
In addition to their functional benefits, D2 tool steel and high carbon steel hunting knives are also prized for their aesthetic appeal. These materials can be polished to a high shine, giving them a beautiful, mirror-like finish that complements their rugged and durable nature.
Knives made from D2 tool steel and high carbon steels are a popular choice for serious hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who demand the very best in performance, durability, and style. Whether you're tracking game through dense forests or preparing a fresh catch for dinner, these knives are sure to impress with their unmatched strength, sharpness, and overall quality.
“Forging my first knife was set into motion with the sole intent of making a highly durable and functional outdoor chef knife. One that could filet a fish after splitting wood for kindling.”
