Published: May 19th, 2025

The story of Curtiss Custom Knives is not one of overnight success or a single defining moment. It is the product of decades of mechanical experience, personal resilience, and a deeply held belief in building with purpose. At the center of this story is David Curtiss, a craftsman whose journey into knifemaking is as honest and straightforward as the tools he creates.

The online post quickly caught the attention of the knife-making community. Among those who noticed was custom knife maker Dan Gray, the original designer of the blade profile. Recognizing his work, Gray confronted Curtiss, unaware that the parts had been subcontracted. Though it began as a misunderstanding, it evolved into a candid and constructive conversation. Curtiss walked away with a crash course in knife community etiquette and a deeper understanding of intellectual property and design ethics. That pivotal exchange marked his transformation from outsider to respected contributor in the knife-making world.

Following that experience, his business rapidly expanded. He became a trusted supplier of water jet-cut components for knifemakers around the globe. At the peak of that work, Curtiss was producing parts for more than 500 individual makers, ranging from hobbyists to full-time professionals. While the work was fulfilling, the desire to create something of his own grew steadily stronger.

Eventually, he began designing knives himself. He chose a challenging entry point, a frame lock flipper with a bearing pivot. From the start, his approach emphasized mechanical precision, strong lock geometry, and ergonomic integrity. He made mistakes, scrapped parts, and restarted builds until the process and product met his standards. When he completed his first knife, he posted a photo online, and within hours, it had sold to a collector in California for $500.

All components of a Curtiss knife, excluding pivot hardware and screws, are made entirely in-house. Even heat treatment is performed on-site. Maintaining complete control over the process ensures that every knife meets Curtiss’s high standards. He inspects and finishes each piece himself. Over the years, he has considered bringing pivot and screw production in-house, but the capital investment and logistics have made it a long-term consideration rather than an immediate objective.

Curtiss has rarely had employees. Aside from a local apprentice who helped during summers and school breaks, his only long-term collaborator was Matt Christensen. Christensen, now the founder of Christensen Knife Works, worked with Curtiss for over a year, commuting daily from Illinois. Curtiss saw Christensen’s potential early on and encouraged him to pursue his own business. Today, the two remain friends and respected peers in the industry.

His current shop remains primarily a solo operation. The workflow is efficient but deliberately paced. Curtiss emphasizes that building a high-quality knife requires time, attention, and care, none of which can be rushed in the name of productivity.

Although Curtiss has concentrated much of his work on folding knives, his portfolio also includes slip joints and a limited selection of fixed blades. Among these, slip joints hold a special appeal. Their mechanical intricacy and timeless design continue to offer a rewarding challenge, drawing interest from both seasoned makers and dedicated collectors. While the broader market has leaned increasingly toward tactical and everyday carry folders, Curtiss remains deeply connected to the craftsmanship and heritage found in traditional patterns. If freed from the demands of commercial production, he envisions spending more time creating slip joints purely for the satisfaction of the process.

Other shows he has supported include the East Coast Custom Knife Show in Fort Lauderdale, the Badger Knife Show in Janesville, Wisconsin, and local events in Nashville, Tennessee. Curtiss prefers shows where makers and collectors can connect without being overwhelmed by crowds. In his view, smaller gatherings still reflect the community-driven spirit that first drew him to knifemaking.

Throughout his career, Curtiss has taken pride in mentoring others. Whether offering CAD help, cutting parts for new makers, or simply answering questions, he has always believed in giving back to the community that helped shape his own career. He credits much of his success to those who offered support when he was starting out and sees it as a responsibility to continue that cycle.

Now approaching his 59th birthday, Curtiss has no plans to retire. His work remains a daily pursuit, not out of obligation, but out of passion. He continues to design, build, and refine his knives one at a time, ensuring that each one that leaves his bench is the result of personal attention and decades of experience.

Curtiss Custom Knives is more than a brand. It is the embodiment of a craftsman’s philosophy. Built with intent, tested through use, and refined by the maker’s own hands, each knife reflects the journey that brought it into being. For David Curtiss, the work is far from finished. As long as the shop lights are on and the tools are within reach, the next knife is already taking shape.