I hope you all have been staying safe and healthy! Thank you for the amazing support over these past few months! Here is an update as to what’s been going on at the Camacho Knives shop over this time.

 

COVID-19

Fortunately, working alone has it’s perks. I’ve been able to continue working at my shop during these trying times, but have cut my hours a bit to be home with my family and help out around the house more. This, combined with some delays in acquiring materials and supplies has set me a bit behind, but I’m working very hard to catch up. I was hoping to be able to make it to Blade East & West this year but due to the virus I am currently tentative about attending depending on how things play out over the next few months. I am limiting my post office trips to once per week, typicall Tues or Weds.

 

 

Shop Break-In

A few weeks ago we unfortunately had a burglary take place in the shop. Someone had managed to jimmy our front door open and took every power and hand tool they could. Most of my important tools are either too big to carry or are bolted down so nothing too essential was taken. Thanks to the massive generosity and support of the knife community, I was able to raffle off a one-off CuMai chef knife which more than covered the costs of replacing my tools. We have since beefed up or locks, security, and installed a CCTV camera system in the shop to deter future burglaries. Business has since resumed as normal.

 

New Forge & Anvil!

I’m working on taking the next step in my journey as a knife maker. Currently, the vast majority of my knives are made through the stock removal method but that is going to slowly change as we finish out this year. I’ve purchased a new 3-burner propane forge and 75lb knife maker’s anvil to begin the next chapter of my bladesmithing education.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lots of exciting things to come from Camacho Knives & Leather these next few months and I can’t wait to share them all with you! As always, I appreciate all of the support for what I do and couldn’t do it without you. Thank you!

-Zac

 

***Please Read!***

First off,  I’d like to take this opportunity to give a big, heartfelt Thank You to all of you who placed a custom order, purchased one of my knives, participated in one of my raffles, shared my photos, showed support, etc… I couldn’t do this without the support and appreciation for my work that you all continue to show and it means the world to me and my family.

2019 was a big year for myself and the business. In addition to becoming a father and moving my shop to a new location, I offered up [44] total spots last year for custom work and ultimately ended up capping out at [48] custom knives and around [100] knives total for the year. Unfortunately, due to the sometimes unpredictable nature of knife making and some poor time management on my part, I managed to fall embarassingly behind on a few custom orders which I am just now wrapping up this month. I vow for that to never happen again so this year I will only be offering a limited number of spots [20] for custom work.  The minimum price for custom work will also be set at $500. This limited number of spots and slightly higher pricetag will allow me to give each of these customs the full attention they deserve and ensure that each one is crafted to the requested parameters with an increased quality of work and presentation.

With a smaller amount of custom work being offered, this is going to enable me to spend a bit more time on stocking my online store and retail shop with ready-to-purchase inventory. With that being said, I will also be working on moving away from social media a bit and diversifying the way I connect with potential customers. I will be creating an email list and newsletter that you can sign up for so that you’ll be the first to know of monthly knife drops and inventory additions. I will also be expanding my knife making skills to include more forged knives and pattern welded steel this year which I simply did not have the time to do with so many custom orders on the books in 2019.

Lastly, one of my main focuses for 2020 is going to be to make it to Blade Show East as an exhibitor and possibly Blade Show West if all goes swimmingly. This means I will be working on more one-off projects of the highest quality that will really push the extent of my knife making abilities and be worthy of a table in June.

If you would like to get on my books for custom work this year, please swing by the “How to Order” page and let me know what your looking for so that we can make 2020 your sharpest year yet!

-Zac

 

 

 

to Downtown Manchester, NH!

Just under 2 years ago I opened my shop in downtown Nashua, NH. It was a great starting point and learning experience, but it’s time for bigger and better things. Thank you all for your appreciation in my knives, business and support. My new shop will be located at 45 Manchester St. near the corner of Elm St. in downtown Manchester, NH. I will be spending the next few weeks getting settled in and doing my best to continue work on custom orders and online store knives. I hope to open doors to the public this summer with the focus being on custom chef knives and how best to use and maintain them through knife skills classes and sharpening demos. In the mean time, my books are still open for custom orders so don’t hesitate to shoot me an email!

 

Thank you!

-Zac

I will be offering 44 total spots for custom knife orders in 2019 with my focus mainly on chef knives, but I will also consider orders for daily carry, hunting, or bushcraft style knives. This equates to four custom knives per month from February to December with spots being offered up on a first come first served basis. A 50% deposit will be required to hold your place in my order books and get things rolling with the remaining 50% due upon completion. Work on your knife won’t start until the month of your order number.

I will also have ready to ship stock knives that will be available periodically in my online store CamachoKnives.BigCartel.com if you miss your chance at a full custom.

For more info on how to order please swing by my “How to Order” section!

 

Happy New Year!

Stay Sharp!

-Zac

Thank you to everyone who has placed an order for a custom knife! I couldn’t do this without your business and support. I will have some knives that will be posted for sale on my Instagram (@CamachoKnives) as well as my online store Camacho Knives but my books will be closed for custom orders and will reopen January 1st, 2019.

Stay sharp!

November filled up quick so I’m opening up my books early for December. I will be offering only (3) spots for custom orders in the month of December (will ship before Christmas) and I expect them to go fast! So if you’d like to get a custom knife for that special chef in your life now is the time to place your order! Swing by my “How to Order” section for more info. Once December is filled my books will be closed until the New Year.

[1 Spot Left!]

 

October is full up for custom orders, but books are open for November! I’ll still have a few knives that will be posted for sale throughout the month, but if you’d like a custom chef knife in time for Christmas now’s the time to grab you spot! I’ll be offering (5) spots for custom orders that will be ready by the end of November and only (3) spots for custom knives in December that will be ready to ship before Christmas.

Swing by my “How to Order” section for more info and fill out the form to get a quote for your custom chef knife!

 

-Zac

I just finished up two beautiful 8.5″ (216mm) gyuto chef knives wearing @5thArrowKnives c-tec and resin scales. Both have been listed in my Online Store. Full specs can be found in the description.

 

 

I’ve got my next batch of chef knives prepped and ready for heat treat tomorrow, books will be reopening for custom order chef knives after September 1st.

 

Thanks for the support!

Stay Sharp!

-Zac of Blades

Raffle is live on Instagram! Head over to @CamachoKnives for your chance at the 6″ gyuto with the @HawksNestCustoms signature “Damascarta” handle material. There will be 20 spots available at $20 each, grab as many spots as you’d like. Payment due via PayPal F&F upon claiming your spot(s). Winner will be picked via Random.org number generator on live Instagram video when full.

 

 

Knife Specs: 6″ gyuto in 1095 high carbon steel, acid etched hamon finish hand sanded at 800grit, 10.5″ overall length, 1.5″ tall .1″ thick at ricasso, .028″ thick above the edge, .02″ thick at the tip. Unique “Damascarta” handle material, .125″ carbon fiber pins. Includes leather saya with retention strap.

 

Good luck!
Stay Sharp!

-Zac of Blades