Kenneth works out of Southwest Michigan and still runs HF Blade Co. the way a lot of working makers do: a full-time job on one side, a full-time shop on the other. The knives come out of that grind, and they look like it in the best way. Each one is supposed to have its own character and feel handmade.
He names the Skeeto XL and the MayFly as signature pieces. The knife in this week’s photos is the MayFly with an orange GripX™ combo scale. It is a small, carry-oriented fixed blade, the kind of tool he designs because he already lived the everyday carry life before he ever started making knives.
That is the part that sets him apart. He is not designing for a display case first. He is designing for what he actually wants in a pocket: slim, lightweight, compact, and comfortable.
“I design my knives around what I actually want to carry every day. Slim, lightweight, compact, and comfortable.”
“My goal is to make a knife that disappears in your pocket until the moment you need it.”
GripX earned its spot in the shop for a practical reason. Kenneth said it is easy to work with and has cut a ton of time off finishing. He would rather get a clean, trustworthy handle and keep building than spend hours and hours hand sanding. His usual finish is 400 grit. When he wants more texture, he gives it a light sandblast. Both work.
Follow Kenneth's work with HF Blade Co on Instagram at @hfbladeco
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