Stainless Steel Restaurant Fabricators can make Custom-Knives?

[SpyderEdgeForever]

There are machinists and companies that will fabricate stainless steel furnishings and equipment for restaurants, diners, and industrial and medical and other fields. My question: Since they list themselves as having the tools and ability to custom-make structures (tables etc) from stainless steel, does that mean if you went in there with a knife design for a custom knife, they would be able to take stainless or carbon steel, and grind and heat treat and shape it for you, or, not? A related question:

Would that allow someone who wants a custom-made knife to have it made for a lower price than if you went direct to an actual customer knife maker, or, would it likely cost the same if they were able to make it for you?

My guess is that the heat treatment process may be the difficult issue for them, because a custom knife maker is a specialist in that area, whereas the restaurant-equipment maker may only use machines to cut and shape the steel.


As an example: I found this company online: http://www.beltram.com/stainless-steel-fabrication.htm

They say they will make you a custom-made stainless steel table. If they can do that, if they can machine that, could you or I go in with a design for, say, a hunting knife, and say "hello, I would like you all to fabricate this for me. Please use 154 CM Stainless Steel for the blade, and a polymer for the handle, how much will it cost?" and they could take sheets of steel and the proper polymer for handle, and call you up some time later and say "It is finished. Come and get it." ?

From their site:

" Beautiful, durable, and sanitary, stainless steel is the industry standard for foodservice equipment and fabrication. Beltram can meet your exact specifications for custom stainless steel products. Whether it is simply a desire for a modern and clean style, modifications to existing equipment, or custom units specifically for your application, we can accomplish what you need.

Serving the restaurant supply industry for generations, The Beltram Foodservice Group has a fully equipped, modern stainless steel fabrication plant based in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Our on-site, state-of-the-art laser cutting machinery, use of quality heavy gauge materials, experienced staff and detailed craftsmanship ensures top quality products completed in a timely manner. "

[The Mastiff]

I got to watch an industrial sized kitchen set up when I was working setting up a brand new prison. Everything was shears, rivets and angle grinders. They did have a welder with generator but didn't use it as much as the other items.That was about it. Steel was 304 stainless maybe? I forget what gauge it was. There was nothing around knife or knife making related except the razor knife one guy had to cut the occasional cardboard or plastic item.

Still, it was interesting watching a team of guys that has worked together for a long time. They tended to be pretty competent and were one of the better crews there. The fence crew was good too as they go from prison to prison doing nothing else.

Joe

[yablanowitz]

I'd bet against any of those outfits having the tools, experience or correct steels available to make a custom knife, unless you plan to order a butter knife. That they could probably handle. Tables are not heat treated. Tables are not tapered to thin cutting edges. Tables are not usually made from high carbon steels. The ability to make a table does not indicate the ability to craft a custom knife. An individual at the company might have the interest and specialist knowledge to do so, but so could an individual at your local machine shop, or the nearest Wal Mart for that matter. Chances are they'd charge you more to attempt the job than a reputable custom maker, too.

[The Deacon]

Given that there are literally dozens of knowledgeable custom knife makers who would be willing to make a knife to your specifications, why anyone would even consider using a company that would be unfamiliar with blade steels, heat treating, tempering, and all the subtle nuances of knife fabrication makes no sense to me.

[Clip]

Would you want a custom knifemaker to furnish the rest of your kitchen or would you go to someone who specialized in that?

[Studey]

OP, the only thing that company has in common with a knife maker is materials. That's like saying that because Lowe's has wood and steel, you should be able to make a rifle. Materials does not equate with skills, ability, and experience.

[Donut]

The kitchen equipment I've seen is all made from bent sheet metal.

I can't imagine someone who primarily bends very thin sheet metal would do a good job on a knife.


Maybe there is one out there who is expert enough to do it, but finding that one would be a tough job.