BUILT DIFFERENTLY

A Route 83 knife goes through around 30 production steps, with 27 completed by hand. Each knife is worked on individually through shaping, grinding, handle fitting, finishing, sharpening and final inspection.

This approach gives each knife the individual character of a handcrafted product, while maintaining the consistency required of a knife designed for everyday use.

STEEL CHOSEN FOR THE JOB

Different knives place different demands on steel. Route 83 selects steel according to the intended use of each knife, balancing edge retention, toughness, corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance.

CLASSIC — GERMAN 1.4116
Stainless steel hardened to 56–58 HRC, selected for toughness, corrosion resistance and straightforward maintenance.

SELECT CLASSIC — JAPANESE AUS-8
Stainless steel hardened to 57–59 HRC, providing a balance of edge retention, toughness and ease of sharpening.

SIGNATURE — JAPANESE VG-10 DAMASCUS
VG-10 core hardened to 60 HRC ±1, with layered stainless steel Damascus cladding. Selected for greater edge retention while maintaining the durability required for everyday use.

NATURAL MATERIALS.

Route 83 handles are made from solid natural hardwoods including olive, ebony and walnut, as well as natural antler. Pakkawood and engineered wood composites are not used.

Natural materials vary in grain, color and character, so no two handles are exactly alike. Hardwood handles are finished with natural olive oil and lemon, without synthetic coatings.

MADE TO LAST

Buy once. Use it for years. Route 83 knives are made from durable steels and solid natural materials chosen to age with use rather than be replaced. Our handles are made from real hardwoods and natural antler — not Pakkawood, plastic or engineered wood composites.

Stainless steel is recyclable, while natural hardwood handles can be maintained and refinished over time. We believe sustainability starts with making fewer disposable things: choose good materials, make them properly and make them to last.

DESIGNED IN THE HAND.

Route 83 knives are designed with generous handles, practical balance and a lighter feel than their substantial appearance suggests. Blade profiles and dimensions are developed around the work each knife is intended to do.

Designs are tested and refined with chefs and pitmasters before production. Our work with world champion pitmaster Moe Cason, for example, involved multiple prototypes and changes based on real-world use and feedback.

We’re proud of the care and attention put into each and every blade we create and we’d love to hear your feedback.