Their approach to design centers on purpose and practicality. Most models begin as solutions to a need, like the Shoal, which was originally developed as a bird and trout knife. Over time, they’ve refined their models to better serve everyday carry and general outdoor use, blending classic aesthetics with modern usability. Rather than chasing trends, they design knives that make sense for real-world use. Compact profiles, efficient edge-to-handle ratios, and intuitive grip designs are consistent priorities.

Steel selection is equally intentional. They've long used reliable options like D2 and AEB-L, and more recently began transitioning into CPM-MagnaCut after rigorous testing. Each steel is chosen based on how well it performs for the intended use. For example, the Shoal uses AEB-L because of its excellent toughness and flexibility at thin grinds. All steels are put through heavy testing, from carving antlers to cutting copper wire and batoning through wood.

Every knife they make is proudly built in the United States. They previously worked with an Italian manufacturer for a few models, but have since returned to 100% American production. To help with scalability, Smith & Sons entered a licensing partnership with White River Knife & Tool, allowing White River to manufacture select Smith & Sons models for broader distribution. These production knives retain the original designs and are co-branded, allowing Smith & Sons to focus more on smaller batch knives and specialty runs.

That shift has made room for new projects like the Founder Series, small batch knives made to reflect the tastes and preferences of the family members themselves. These are the knives they carry, featuring unique materials and finer details. One such project, the Marshland Trapper, is a traditional slipjoint folder that Gary, a longtime fan of pocket knives, calls one of their best to date. It features smooth action, a compact profile, and precise fit and finish.

While the company name might suggest a large operation, Smith & Sons is very much a small, tight-knit business. Every knife, every sheath, every package is handled by Gary, Pam, Alex, or Zac. They are the design team, the production crew, the customer service reps, and the shipping department, all in one. If you place an order or call with a question, you're likely speaking directly with one of the people who made your knife.

They continue to attend shows like Blade Show Atlanta and the Louisiana Knife Show, and are beginning to expand into more events now that their workshop no longer includes a retail storefront. After Hurricane Laura destroyed their original building in 2020, they stepped away from the retail space and relocated to a set of small dedicated shops with separate spaces for grinding, clean assembly, and shipping, allowing for a more focused and flexible operation.