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MEET OUR BLADESMITH
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Chris has always been fascinated by knives, and like many self-taught knifemakers, he struggled with where to start. What sets his story apart is that a world-renowned company known for handmade knives was just down the street. So, his journey began at Randall Made Knives. After a few tries and some persistence, Chris officially became part of a team of craftsmen making knives from scratch. For nearly three years, he honed various skills, mastering rough and finish grinding, sanding, polishing, shaping, and sharpening.
After refining his skills at Randall Knives, Chris’s passion for knifemaking was just starting to take shape. Though he eventually moved on from Randall, his craft continued. He used his newfound skills to create his own knives, focusing on stock removal. Naturally, he picked up leathercrafting—because those knives needed a place to call home. While they were sheathed in style, Chris began sharpening his focus on the next step: eager to forge ahead.
To gain more control over the materials he worked with, Chris knew he needed a forge. Though he hadn’t gained much experience in forging at Randall, he learned that the key components were a heat source, something to contain and focus the heat, and forced air.
With limited resources, Chris had to get creative. A propane forge wasn’t within reach, and coal was hard to come by. But he did have a wash basin and a hair dryer, which got him two-thirds of the way there. This was 20 years ago—long before the days of YouTube! After plenty of trial and error (and a few trips to the store for lump charcoal), his forge finally roared to life. It wasn’t pretty—so ugly not even a mother could love it—but it worked, and that’s all that mattered for now. Chris was fired up to perfect his craft.
After years of buying cowboy charcoal and dealing with sparks and maintenance, Chris was ready to upgrade again. With more resources, knowledge, and skill, he built his first propane forge. Forging in the backyard and completing his finish work out of a Rubbermaid shed, his skill level reached new heights, and people were starting to take notice.
In 2009, Chris was approached by someone interested in his EDC (everyday carry) knife and commissioned to make one just like it. It was forged from recycled 5160 coil spring steel, with a flat grind blade and green canvas micarta handle slabs. It took him three tries to recreate, but the finished product exceeded expectations, and thus, Fox Trail Knives was born.
Chris was proud of his progress, but the constant ring of hammer on anvil didn’t exactly strike a chord with his neighbors. That changed in 2015, when Fox Trail expanded into a much larger workspace. With 1,200 square feet, Chris had room to craft, and his neighborhood had peace.
Today, Chris’s skills have expanded well beyond the forge. He excels in 3D design, using cutting-edge tools to bring innovative ideas to life. Whether it’s customizing an MG emblem with a 3D printer, designing replacement parts for broken equipment, or turning unique concepts into reality, Chris has yet to disappoint. With this evolution, Fox Trail Knives became Fox Trail Craftworks, reflecting the diverse range of handcrafted creations that now define his work. He pours his heart into every piece he creates, and his dedication to the craft is evident in everything he makes.
FOX TRAIL KNIVES
