Mark Waite Custom Knife Maker

Mark Waite, a native of Colorado, started making custom handmade knives in 1994 while living in Estes Park. He was privileged to have been able to receive guidance from a group of well-known knife makers that lived there: Doyle Nolen, Robert Dill and Harold Robbins. Master Engraver, Mike Dubber, a member of the Firearms Engraving Guild of America was also living in Estes Park at the time and it was his work that motivated Mark to learn the art of engraving, which he now uses to embellish his knives. Mark is one of a few knife makers who engrave his own knives and the knives of other knife makers. He recently collaborated on a knife with Robert Dill that was presented to Lee Greenwood by the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Mark shapes and freehand grinds each of his blades individually. He primarily uses 440c stainless tempered steel and some Damascus in his blades. Mark uses a wide variety of exotic natural and synthetic materials as handles to transform his knives into a work of art.

Mark’s latest foray is into the world of fine writing instruments. Like with his knives, he uses natural and synthetic materials to turn ordinary writing instruments into unique works of collectable art. When they are paired with one of his letter openers, they create a stunning desk set.

Mark gladly takes custom orders of both knives and writing instruments through this gallery.

Knife Gallery

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