A.T. Barr - Custom Knives

Hello, I appreciate you taking the time to visit my website. I want to tell you a little about myself and the way I do business. Since the majority of my sales are through either email or snail mail, I will try to let you know as much about me as possible.

I have been making knives for over 25 years, and full time since May 2001. I made and sold my first knife in 1979. I am also a voting member of the Knifemakers Guild . All of my work that is available, can be viewed in the Available page.

For your convenience I have separated my knives by the blade length and style. Knives previously purchased by customers can be reviewed on my Gallery Page. I can take the blade from one knife and the handle shape from another to form many combinations. Simply let me know what you desire. Most of the knives below can be made as a frame lock. A pocket clip can be installed on any knife, at no additional charge. My normal steel is S30V, if you prefer D-2, or A-2, there is no additional charge for this. I also offer Damascus from Devin Thomas, and other makers if you require.

All my knives are truly handmade by one person....me. I feel you want a knife made by a person, not a machine. What machines I have, are controlled by my hands. I do not have or use the services of any CNC controlled machines. I feel you want a one of a kind knife, not one of 5,000. Here is an editorial I wrote in Tactical Knives November 2003 entitled "What is a Handmade Knife?". I also have written my thoughts on Trade Secrets .

I feel there are many reasons for you to purchase one of my knives. Do I put the same amount of time in a $250.00 knife as I put into a $800.00 knife? Why, of course not! But I do put as many hours as I feel is necessary, to make you and myself satisfied. I constantly strive for continuous improvement in each knife I make. I am proud of my knives, and you will be proud of any knife I make for you. Please read My Guarantee .

I flat grind my blades using the stock removal method. In stainless I prefer to use S30V, ATS-34, or 440-C. 440-C is much more stain and rust resistant than S30V or ATS-34. It does not hold an edge as long, but it is still a great steel. If you live in a humid environment, you might want to consider 440-C. In the tool steels, it's hard to beat D-2, or A-2. Being non-stainless, they require a little more maintenance than the stainless, but they perform very well in the field. I also offer Stainless and Carbon Damascus from various makers.

I can legally offer the easy open feature (hole in blade) on my knives, having done the honorable thing of paying Spyderco, Inc. a license fee years ago. This style is available on the majority of my designs at no additional charge.

My liner lock® (Thanks to Michael Walker) folders range from a blade length of approximately 1 1/2" to 4 1/4". I will make a longer blade if that is what you require. But, remember that the length of the handle will be around 1 inch longer than the blade. A knife with a blade length of 4" will have a overall length of almost 9" when opened. That is one heck of a big knife. I do not make pry bars or screwdrivers. My knives are made to cut, and cut they do. Also, due to my equipment (all manual) and my lack of training as a machinist, I do not make automatics.

Purchasing one of my knives
Currently, I have approximately a 8-12 month back log. When you place an order, I do not require a deposit. For knives with Damascus, Mother of Pearl, or other high dollar materials, when I am ready to start your knife I require a deposit of 25% of the total cost of your knife. I will have your knife completed in 45 days or less, after I receive your deposit. I accept Mastercard, Visa and Paypal.

Please contact me before purchasing via PayPal to verify the knife is still available for sale.