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Frequently Asked Questions

 

General

 

What makes Ice Age Blades knives different?

Our knives are built around a simple idea: combine modern American manufacturing with materials and inspiration drawn from the past. From precision-machined components to unusual handle materials, each knife is designed to balance performance, durability, and character. Our knives are built to be used and enjoyed, not sit in a drawer.

 

Where are your knives made?

All Ice Age Blades knives are designed, ground, finished, sharpened, and packaged right here in the USA. We prioritize domestic manufacturing to maintain tight control over quality and consistency, as well as to support our fellow working countrymen. If you’re interested in a deeper behind the scenes peek at our production - it’s no secret and we’re happy to share our story. Ice Age Blades is a collaboration born out of friendship and passion for knives by John Chubbuck and Dmitri Serjanov. John, a navy veteran, is an industrial machinist who works with steel for a living, and the metalworking part of our operation is done in Rome, NY where he lives. Dmitri, a neuroscientist by day, is a well known knife handle material supplier, and our handle work is done in South Bend, IN where he lives. We work in tandem to combine our expertise and deliver you the best tools we can.

 

Are your knives handmade or production?

Both. We offer two tears of products:

Elite - hand ground, hand finished, and hand sharpened (handprint engraving on the blade).

Core - machine ground, but still finished and sharpened by hand (gear engraving on the blade). This hybrid approach allows us to deliver high-end results without the variability of fully handmade production, and allows us to keep the prices down.

 

 

Materials & Construction

 

What steels do you use?

While we enjoy and use a lot of modern premium steels such as CPM MagnaCut and CPM 3V, we have a soft spot for old-timey steels that have been used for knife making for many decades, such as AEB-L, D2, and 52100 for their dependability and ease of servicing in the field. Specific steels vary by production batch, please see individual product pages for details.

 

What is an acid-etched and stonewashed finish?

This finish combines chemical etching and mechanical tumbling to create a dark, low-reflective surface with a rugged texture. It helps hide scratches from use while giving the blade a distinctive, worn-in appearance.

 

What is micarta?

Micarta is a durable composite material made from layers of fabric or paper bonded with resin, originally developed as an electrical insulator. It offers excellent grip, strength, and resistance to moisture, making it ideal for hard-use handles.

 

Are mammoth handles durable?

To a point. Fossilized mammoth tusk and tooth are stabilized to improve durability and resistance to environmental changes. While they are more unique and visually striking than synthetic materials, they are still functional for use when properly cared for. However, these are ancient natural materials and will never offer the same level of hard use performance as modern composites. Generally speaking, mammoth teeth are a much more durable material as compared to the tusk, which is much more fragile and sensitive to changes in humidity, making it better suited for display pieces or gentle indoor use.

 

 

Use & Performance

 

Are your knives meant for use or display?

Both, but first and foremost, they are functional tools. Every knife we make is designed to be used. The materials and finishes are chosen to perform in real-world conditions while still offering a level of craftsmanship that makes them worth keeping for life.

 

What can I use these knives for?

Depending on the model, our knives are suited for:

Everyday carry (EDC)

Outdoor and field use

Hunting and processing

General utility tasks

Cooking

 

Do your knives require special maintenance?

Basic care goes a long way:

Keep the blade clean and dry

Apply a light coat of oil if storing long-term

Sharpen as needed using appropriate tools

Acid-etched finishes are low-maintenance and help hide wear from use.

 

 

Fit, Finish & Details

 

What is jimping and why does it matter?

Jimping refers to the fine grooves along the spine of the blade. We use precise, finely cut jimping to provide grip and control without being aggressive or uncomfortable during extended use.

 

Will the finish wear over time?

Yes, and that’s part of the appeal. Our finishes are designed to age well, developing character through use while maintaining performance.

 

Are there variations between knives?

Slight variations may occur, especially with hand-ground knives and natural handle materials, making each piece unique. Even our machine-ground knives are always finished by hand, introducing slight variations from knife to knife.

 

 

Orders & Availability

 

Are your knives limited production?

Yes. Our knives are produced in small batches, especially those featuring rare or ancient materials.

 

Do you offer custom work?

We occasionally take on semi-custom projects depending on availability. Contact us directly to discuss options.

 

Do your knives come with a sheath?

Yes, all our knives come with either a leather or a kydex sheath. We offer additional or limited run sheaths available as well. Please see specific knife model pages to check availability.

 

 

Warranty & Support

 

Do you offer a warranty?

Yes. We stand behind our knives and workmanship.

If you experience an issue, reach out and we’ll make it right.

If there’s an issue with the knife, we’ll replace it.

If there’s an issue with the handle, we’ll replace it.

If there’s an issue with the sheath, we’ll replace it.

 

 

Legal & Safety

 

Are your knives legal to carry?

Knife laws vary by location. It is the buyer’s responsibility to understand and comply with local laws and regulations.

 

Are these knives intended for self-defense?

Our knives are designed as tools. Any use beyond that is the responsibility of the user.

 

Have a question not listed here? Reach out to us as blades@iceagecrafts.com, we’re always happy to talk knives.