Michael Axen has been producing custom knives since 1985 and has participated in numerous art shows and renaissance festivals in the Midwest region, including the Kansas City Renaissance Faire for the last 28 years.

    He works primarily in the "stock removal" method using various high carbon steels such as 1065,1095, D2, and 5160 spring steel.

    Both forging and stock removal methods are capable of making excellent knives and swords. With "stock removal" a knifemaker starts with an annealed piece of flat steel barstock and then cuts, grinds and shapes the piece to the desired design. After drilling holes in the tang or shaping it for a hidden tang, the blade is then heat treated to the specifications of the type of steel. Most of my knives are hardened to

57-60 on the Rockwell scale.

    Swords are hardened a bit less to around 55-56, to give them more flex and resilience. Some specialty swords such as katanas are treated with a hard edge and a softer spine for more flexibility. Finally the blades are ground and sanded with progressively finer grits, then polished with compounds.

Next is the handle work, which is actually my favorite part. The artistic possibilities are endless and is only limited by ones imagination. For the handle I prefer natural materials, though I occasionally use a combination of man made and natural materials for spacers, embellishments, etc.  Different woods, bone, antler, and horn can be used for both full and hidden tangs. I also make hand sewn leather sheaths that accompany all of my knives.

    Take a look at the "For Sale" page to see what is available for purchase at this time. Check back often because new items are listed as I finish them. 

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