Bespoke Service

Commission a Knife of Your Own

When a knife off the shelf will not do, a bespoke commission is the answer. Brad forges each one to order in the Edinburgh workshop, shaping the steel, the handle timber, the size and the balance around the way you cook. Nothing generic, nothing mass made, just a knife that is yours alone.

  • Steels 26C3, 80CrV2, 52100
  • Workshop Edinburgh
  • Start to Finish One Maker
A HandFab knife being made by hand in the Edinburgh workshop
Inside the Workshop Edinburgh, Scotland
Brad in the HandFab workshop in Edinburgh, Scotland

Made by One Pair of Hands

Your Commission, Brad's Bench

When you enquire, it is Brad who reads your brief and replies. He will help you settle the steel, the handle and the dimensions, and give you an honest sense of cost and timing before anything is agreed. You are dealing with the maker throughout, not a queue.

Every bespoke HandFab knife is made and finished in Edinburgh by Brad alone. Choose the steel, 26C3, 80CrV2 or 52100 carbon, or a Damascus or San Mai blade, then the handle and the size, and the knife takes shape around how you actually cut and cook. And when the edge eventually needs bringing back, our workshop sharpening service can return it to you keen again.

  • WorkshopEdinburgh, Scotland
  • SteelsCarbon, Damascus, San Mai
  • AftercareSharpening service
  • FinishBoxed, ready to gift

What to Expect

Straight From the Forge

  • You hear back from the maker Brad handles enquiries himself, so the person answering is the one who will forge your knife.
  • A conversation before any cost Sending this form commits you to nothing. You settle the detail and the price together, then decide.
  • A knife built for the long run Hand made in carbon steel, delivered with a branded saya, linen wrap and box, and made to be used every day for years.
Browse the full range

Begin a Commission

Describe Your Ideal Knife

Share whatever you know so far. Brad reads every enquiry himself and replies to talk through the steel, the handle, the size and what it will cost.

Sending this is the start of a conversation, not a purchase. Nothing is charged until you have seen the detail and agreed to go ahead.

How It Works

Idea to Bench to Box

01

Send Your Idea

Fill in the form with whatever you have, how you cook, what you tend to cut, a steel or handle you like the look of, even a rough sketch. If you are not sure on the specifics, leave them open and Brad will help you shape them.

02

Shape It Together

Brad replies to go over the steel, handle, size and balance, and to give you a clear price and a sense of timing. Take it at your own pace, there is no obligation to proceed at any point.

03

Forged to Order

With the detail agreed, your knife is forged and finished by hand as a one off. It arrives boxed with its branded saya and linen wrap, ready to put straight to work or to give as a gift.

Yours to Decide

Every Detail on the Table

Steel

All carbon: 26C3, 80CrV2 or 52100, each with its own balance of edge retention, toughness and ease of sharpening. Damascus and San Mai are there when you want the blade to show its construction. Every one takes a patina with use. Unsure which suits you? Brad will point you the right way.

Handle Timber

Pick the timber, grain and tone that sits right with your kitchen. Each handle is worked and fitted by hand, so yours will be unlike any other.

Size & Profile

Set the length, height and blade profile around your grip and your board, whether you want something compact and nimble or a longer chef's knife with reach.

Balance & Weight

Some cooks like a knife nose-heavy, others prefer it even in the hand. Tell Brad how you want yours to sit and he will build the balance in.

Finish & Detailing

Choose the blade finish and the smaller touches to taste, each carried out to the standard every HandFab knife is held to.

Saya & Presentation

Your finished knife is paired with a branded saya, wrapped in linen and boxed, so it looks the part from the moment it arrives.

Need a Starting Point?

Start From a Series

A lot of commissions start from something that already exists. Have a look through the ranges, find the one closest to what you want, then tell Brad what you would change.

Prefer to Talk?

Speak Directly to Brad

If you would rather not use the form, call 07715 635084 or email handfab.enquiries@gmail.com. Brad is glad to talk a commission through and help you land on the right knife.