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KC Knives Signs on with Elite Outfitting Solutions

December 13, 2017

Kyle Chumchal, the CAD prodigy behind KC Knives, is signing up with Elite Outfitting Solutions (EOS) to jump-start the growing knife company in 2018. The outfit also plans to further expand with a catalog of hardware for other makers.

When we checked in with Kyle a year ago, the self-taught designer was drawing up impressive knives in his spare time. But three months ago he signed up with Goshen, NY-based EOS as a full-time designer. In addition to working in front of the computer, Kyle spends time out in the EOS shop learning the ins and outs of small-scale knife manufacturing. “It’s been a real experience and there’s still a lot to learn,” he tells us.

The first KC Knives design to see physical reality at EOS was the Prawn, released earlier this year. This knife is 2.1-inch blade friction folder with modern touches like a thumb stud, titanium frame, and tanto blade. It exudes the futuristic, sophisticated style that won Chumchal attention in the first place. “[Kyle’s] work is very clean, and his style and attention to small details is excellent,” explains EOS Founder John Koerner. “Most EOS products have that edgy/tactical look, and Kyle’s designs fit right in with us.”

Prawn

But the Prawn is just the beginning. The shop intends to ramp up production in 2018 in an attempt to win a spot for itself in the high-end, USA-made knife scene. “We want to start making more knives. Our biggest thing right now is getting out as many high quality products as we can,” Chumchal says. And his work will play a major role in that. “I’ve drawn up a lot more stuff since I first joined EOS.”

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In addition to new blades, EOS is expanding into knife hardware for their industry peers, rolling out sets of titanium screws for handle and pivot assemblies. “I think many makers don’t pay as much attention to hardware as they should, but this may be because they don’t know what’s out there,” Koerner explains. “High end knives should use high end hardware.”

Koerner notes that titanium is lighter and more stain resistant than steel, with a higher strength/weight ratio. It can also support anodizations and looks better in a raw finish. “There is a reason why Bugatti uses titanium bolts to hold their cars together,” he tells us. This isn’t a side project for EOS, either. The new hardware offerings will grow right alongside new knife products and be a core part of their business. “We plan to be at the top when it comes to American made knife hardware.”

Knife featured in image: An Unnamed Model by Kyle Chumchal

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