Jocelyn Gervais, Knife Art

The first step is to design and create a plastic model of the knife. Then, a plate of steel 440C is carved into the shape of the blade using a band saw, before defining the sharp side of the blade and the handle using a sander. Next, holes are made in the handle for two reasons: lighten the knife and insert rods or rivets that will be used to secure the components of the handle.

Next is the very important step of soaking, which makes the metal harder. The process consists of wrapping the blade in stainless steel and to heat it in a knife kiln until 1,850 degrees F. The knife is then taken out of the kiln, unwrapped and quickly cooled in soaking oil at 120 degrees F. This process is repeated twice at a temperature of 500 degrees F using a small domestic oven.

The blade is finalized by polishing it using different sanding papers and abrasive pastes on cotton. If a mirror finish is desired, it will require much more polishing than for a satin finish.

For making the handle, various materials can be used, including metal, wood, bones, horns, stone, plastic, etc. The chosen material is carved, shaped and assembled using glue and rods or rivets. The handle is then sanded and sculpted into its desired final state, before applying a protective wax.

The very last and very gratifying step is to apply my signature to the knife, which is done using an electrochemical process. The finished knife is then mounted on a nice display, to become an object of desire.