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Custom Knife Factory Takes Global Approach to Knife Design

June 15, 2018

Custom Knife Factory is releasing new batches of two popular knives on the heels of its ambitious Terra SNECX production collaboration. CKF hopes to keep the quality and style coming through the end of the year with worldwide designer partners old and new.

CKF pushed mid-tech knifemaking to the limits with the Terra. This design was based off of the legendary IFS-20 from SNECX Tan. The small batch release emulated the screwless construction of that custom knife in a production format. “That was one of the most difficult knives to produce,” says Mike Kulygin, Founder of CKF. “A genius idea but difficult machining, and extremely hard to get the fit and finish so everything worked right.” But the result was worthy of its custom predecessor. “You press on the backspacer, release the clip, and use the clip to unscrew the pivot,” Kulygin explains. “Everything is simple.”

CKF/SNECX Terra

Coming off the explosive success of the Terra, CKF rolled out two follow-up batches of popular designs, the Kadat and the Baugi. The Kadat [feature image], designed by Alex Vorobyov, is a massive tactical folder, with a 4.3-inch M390 blade dressed in a black stonewash finish. “The idea was to make that knife large, brutal, simple and effective,” Kulygin explains. The 5.81 oz. knife’s ‘exposed’ pivot look not only catches the eye, but provides a sturdy turning point for the large blade and protection for the ceramic bearing system. “[It] seems like it is not a part of the handle, but the bearings are hidden inside the round pivot.”

Anton Malyshev drew up the Baugi, an all-arounder with sinuous organic lines. “According to Norse mythology, Baugi was a giant,” Kulygin tells us. “According to CKF and Anton, Baugi is a superb, simple and near-perfect EDC design.” He believes the Baugi’s robust build and 3.43-inch M390 blade enable it to tackle nearly any cutting task. “If you need a tactical knife, this is it. If you’re looking for a survival knife, this is also it. And if you want a knife to carry out on the town, this knife can do that too.”

CKF/Malyshev Baugi

Kulygin also sketched out CKF’s plans for the rest of the year. While CKF made its name as a showcase for incredible Russian knife design talent, the company’s outlook has become global. “We do not work with Russian designers only, we also try to collaborate with the best names in our industry,” he notes. “Every knife show brings us new stories.” 4 – 5 more new knives are expected by the end of the year. These upcoming releases will be from collaborators old and new: Matthew Christensen, Peter Rassenti, Anton Malyshev, and Alexey Konygin. “We are full of ideas. I regret there are only 24 hours in the day,” Kulygin says.

Knife featured in image: CKF/Vorobyov Kadat

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