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Chaves Knives
Published: May 21st, 2025
From humble beginnings in the small town of Belen, New Mexico, to becoming a major name in the knife industry, Ramon Chaves’s journey into knife making is one marked by curiosity, community, and a relentless drive to create something exceptional. Though he grew up just south of Albuquerque and later moved into the city itself, Chaves eventually relocated to Utah, where he now works out of a shop in Pleasant Grove. The area has quietly become a thriving hub for knife makers, with a growing community of craftsmen and respected brands calling it home.
Ramon’s first brush with knives came early, thanks to a gift from his mother at Knott’s Berry Farm. That first fixed blade may have lost its handle over the years, but the seed had been planted. It was not long before inspiration struck again when he found a knife made by his late uncle. This discovery led him to try making one himself while still in high school, forging a blade just days later. Though he initially made knives as a hobby, everything changed in 2010 when a friend commissioned a knife, marking Chaves’s shift from hobbyist to professional.
By 2010, things started to change. A friend asked him to make a knife and insisted on paying for it. That commission opened the door to turning his passion into something more. Friends of friends began reaching out, and demand steadily increased. Ramon was still making fixed blades at the time, unaware of how large the knife community really was. That changed when another maker introduced him to Blade Show in Atlanta.
- Chaves Knives was founded by Ramon Chaves (pictured above)
In 2013, Ramon attended Blade Show for the first time. The scale of the event and the variety of folding knives on display were eye-opening. Inspired, he returned home and set his sights on designing a folder. Within a few months, he had produced the first prototype of the Redencion and brought it to USN Gathering 5, a respected custom knife event hosted by the Usual Suspect Network over Labor Day weekend in Las Vegas.
The Gathering was known for its tight-knit community, its focus on high-end tactical knives, and the presence of top-tier makers. It was there that Ramon connected with influential figures like Robert Carter, who invited him to share his table and display his work. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and the experience gave Chaves both confidence and exposure.
By late 2013, riding the momentum from that show, Ramon put together a grassroots strategy to introduce his work to a broader audience. Rather than relying on traditional marketing, he selected ten trusted influencers from the knife community, most of them active on YouTube, and offered each of them a Redención at a significant discount. They reviewed the knives, shared their impressions, and created a buzz that quickly built momentum. On October 31st, Ramon officially opened orders. The response was immediate, and Chaves Knives took off. That moment marked a turning point, shifting his operation from a passionate hobby into a serious brand with a growing following.
As the business gained traction, Ramon began expanding his lineup, introducing new models and experimenting with different styles and mechanics. Among the most beloved is the T.A.K., short for Tiny Ass Knife, a compact flipper that became a staple in the Chaves lineup.
- On October 31st, 2013 Chaves Knives officially started accepting orders
Due to ongoing customer demand for a larger version, a new model called the N.T.A.K., or Not Tiny Ass Knife, is currently in development and expected to release later this year. While the overall design remains the same, the N.T.A.K. will offer a scaled-up profile for those who prefer more substantial dimensions without sacrificing Chaves’s signature lines, build quality, or bold styling.
One of the defining features of Chaves knives is the instantly recognizable skull pocket clip. Bold and unapologetic, it has become a visual signature of the brand. For those who prefer a subtler look, a more traditional milled titanium clip is also included with most models. Each knife typically features either a drop point or a true Japanese tanto blade, not the Americanized version, and most are built with solid titanium scales and a frame lock, offering a blend of simplicity, durability, and aggressive styling.
Chaves’s approach to growth has been both methodical and fearless. A major milestone came with his collaboration with Pro-Tech on an automatic version of the Redencion. Known for their precise manufacturing and reliability, Pro-Tech was a natural partner, and the resulting automatic model was an instant hit. Meanwhile, Chaves continued to refine his in-house production, shifting many designs from traditional backspacer construction to integral builds. Machined from a single piece of titanium, integrals are more difficult to execute but offer superior strength and a seamless profile. The move underscored Chaves’s commitment to precision and his desire to push the limits of what his shop could produce.
Chaves/Pro-Tech Redencion 229 Auto
To make Chaves knives accessible to a broader audience, the brand is structured around a tiered system. The Blue Label line represents entry-level offerings, with more budget-conscious materials but the same design language. The Red Label series covers core production models that are widely available, while the Black Label line includes exclusive versions available only through Chaves’s website or at select events. This tiered approach allows collectors and first-time buyers alike to access the brand in a way that suits their preferences and budgets.
As the shop in Utah expanded with multiple CNC machines, a dedicated team, and a growing catalog of models, Ramon remained closely involved with the design and development process. While he has not produced a full custom knife in recent years, his production models carry the same spirit and attention to detail that defined his early work. He is also exploring collaborations with outside designers, looking to bring fresh ideas into the Chaves brand while maintaining control over the final product.
Today, Chaves Knives stands as one of the most respected names in the knife community. From the hand-ground fixed blades he made in a small garage behind his first home to the integrals and automatics coming out of his Utah facility, every knife tells part of the story. It is a story about perseverance, authenticity, and a deep connection to the people who use and carry his work. Whether it is a Redencion, a T.A.K., or a Blue Label entry piece, each knife proudly carries the Chaves name and the weight of a maker who never stopped refining his edge.
What to Buy
The Chaves Knives Redencion Street blends bold design with precision performance in a premium everyday carry. Made in collaboration with Reate Knives, it features a 3.63-inch satin-finished Bohler M390 stainless steel tanto blade, offering exceptional edge retention, corrosion resistance, and piercing power. The manual thumb stud deployment and solid framelock mechanism ensure smooth, secure operation. Gray titanium handles deliver durability with a clean, modern look, while the signature skull-shaped pocket clip adds distinctive Chaves style. Measuring 4.59 inches closed and weighing 5.7 ounces, this knife offers a confident, substantial feel without bulk, making it both functional and striking in any setting.
The Chaves Knives Blue Label Series T.A.K. is a compact, high-performance folder built for reliability and control. Its 2.75-inch Elmax steel blade offers exceptional edge retention, corrosion resistance, and a rugged stonewash finish. A drop point profile ensures versatile, precise cuts, while the flipper mechanism delivers fast, smooth deployment. The secure linerlock holds the blade firmly in place during use. Finished with black micarta scales for a grippy, lightweight feel, it performs confidently in any condition. A tip-up pocket clip allows for ambidextrous carry, making this knife a dependable and accessible everyday companion for left- or right-handed users.
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.