About Trujillo's Cut Ups
Albert Trujillo
I am a custom knife maker, my name is Albert Trujillo, most people just call me Big Al.
As a teenager, I was already enamored with knives. After testing a new set of kitchen knives by cutting off the corner of the family piano, l was told that one day I would make knives. Twenty years later that dream was realized.
I have been making knives since 1996. It all began when I found an old rusty blade without a handle out in a field one day. I decided to clean that blade up and put a new handle on it. As I was working on that knife, sanding it down and finally marrying it to a new handle, “it awoke the sleeping giant.” In 1998 I was lucky enough to find and buy a used 2 X 72 Burr King Belt Grinder. With the help of another knife maker, and some trial and error, I figured out how to use this grinder to shape the steel into a knife blade (I now call her Mrs. Jones cause “we got a thing going on”). As you can plainly see, that at least for me this knife making thing has gotten all out of hand.
Knife Designs
I strive to design and produce knives that are a blend of: craftsmanship, artistry, and utility. These three ingredients, in my opinion, are vital for a knife to be a success. A knife should be an extension of the hand with a comfortable fit and the ability to perform necessary tasks easily.
The Process
I use two methods for making knives: stock removal and forging. The stock removal method involves purchasing steel (ATS 34 stainless steel, S30V stainless steel, and D2 high carbon tool steel) in 3’ or 6’ lengths, 1 ½’’ width; and 1/8’’, 5/32”, or 3/16’’ thickness. Blades are hand profiled on my grinder or band saw. File work (the inlay along the spine of the knife) is added before heat treatment.
Forging involves: purchasing 5160 or other high carbon steel; and profiling out a rough blade using a hammer, a forge, and
an anvil. File work (the inlay along the spine of the knife) is added before heat treatment of the blades.
The grinding on all my knives is done using the free hand method. I do not usually use grinding fixtures or blade holders
(other than my knife maker vise used for hand sanding handles). I do not use patterns or stencils; this ensures that all my knives are one of a kind. I can get close but each one will be a little different from its brothers and sisters.
I work to turn raw steel in to a workable tool. Heat treatment of the blades hardens the steel so it will retain an edge. Blades hardened in my shop test out on the Rockwell hardness scale between 58 and 61.
Once the blade has been completed, the handle is added. A mix of natural woods, antlers, synthetic materials, and bone materials are used for the handles. Natural woods are often stabilized to minimize adverse reaction to outdoor environments.
Each knife has its own custom made sheath. Sheathes are made out of English Bridle leather and treated with snow seal so that they are resistant to adverse outdoor environments.
I am a custom knife maker, my name is Albert Trujillo, most people just call me Big Al.
As a teenager, I was already enamored with knives. After testing a new set of kitchen knives by cutting off the corner of the family piano, l was told that one day I would make knives. Twenty years later that dream was realized.
I have been making knives since 1996. It all began when I found an old rusty blade without a handle out in a field one day. I decided to clean that blade up and put a new handle on it. As I was working on that knife, sanding it down and finally marrying it to a new handle, “it awoke the sleeping giant.” In 1998 I was lucky enough to find and buy a used 2 X 72 Burr King Belt Grinder. With the help of another knife maker, and some trial and error, I figured out how to use this grinder to shape the steel into a knife blade (I now call her Mrs. Jones cause “we got a thing going on”). As you can plainly see, that at least for me this knife making thing has gotten all out of hand.
Knife Designs
I strive to design and produce knives that are a blend of: craftsmanship, artistry, and utility. These three ingredients, in my opinion, are vital for a knife to be a success. A knife should be an extension of the hand with a comfortable fit and the ability to perform necessary tasks easily.
The Process
I use two methods for making knives: stock removal and forging. The stock removal method involves purchasing steel (ATS 34 stainless steel, S30V stainless steel, and D2 high carbon tool steel) in 3’ or 6’ lengths, 1 ½’’ width; and 1/8’’, 5/32”, or 3/16’’ thickness. Blades are hand profiled on my grinder or band saw. File work (the inlay along the spine of the knife) is added before heat treatment.
Forging involves: purchasing 5160 or other high carbon steel; and profiling out a rough blade using a hammer, a forge, and
an anvil. File work (the inlay along the spine of the knife) is added before heat treatment of the blades.
The grinding on all my knives is done using the free hand method. I do not usually use grinding fixtures or blade holders
(other than my knife maker vise used for hand sanding handles). I do not use patterns or stencils; this ensures that all my knives are one of a kind. I can get close but each one will be a little different from its brothers and sisters.
I work to turn raw steel in to a workable tool. Heat treatment of the blades hardens the steel so it will retain an edge. Blades hardened in my shop test out on the Rockwell hardness scale between 58 and 61.
Once the blade has been completed, the handle is added. A mix of natural woods, antlers, synthetic materials, and bone materials are used for the handles. Natural woods are often stabilized to minimize adverse reaction to outdoor environments.
Each knife has its own custom made sheath. Sheathes are made out of English Bridle leather and treated with snow seal so that they are resistant to adverse outdoor environments.