Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.

Looks like the final product, but is not functional.

Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.

A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:

It all started pretty simply and honestly.

After much searching, I found a supplier who would sell me awesome knives without the handles. I bought six, and figured if I made them up and sold a few, I would get a free knife to use at work. So I did just that.

I posted them up on Facebook marketplace on a whim, and by the next day, I had received 70 messages asking for them.

I bought another 20 after that, and they were gone within two days, which is when I decided I could seriously do something special with these.

So why do I need Kickstarter?

I want to expand my range to a full set of knives with custom designed handles. The chef's knife has been a really well received product and I have had requests to expand on that range as one chef's knife wasn't enough.

Sadly large suppliers will only sell to me if I can get enough orders to justify their production runs. I managed to get a few production samples which I experimented with and I was very happy with the quality of the blade. I am excited by the opportunity to create unique handles in all shapes and sizes for every variety of knife.

With your help, I can order in Nakiri, Santoku, Utility, Boning and Bread knives. Then I can make up matching knife sets with unique handles that will make everybody jealous!

So what makes these knives so special?

I'm a chef, been at it for 18 years now, and I've gone through many knives. The biggest issue I had found was edge retention. You want your knives to stay sharp as long as possible, and after much research I found the magic metal - VG10.

It is a stainless steel with a high carbon content containing 1% Carbon, 15% Chromium, 1% Molybdenum, 0.2% Vanadium, 1.5% Cobalt, and 0.5% Manganese.

Basically, that means that it has all the properties of high carbon steels used in high end forged knives without the rusting and maintenance issues. The best of both worlds.

With your backing, these are what I plan extend my range to.

Now comes the fun part.

I think a knife handle should reflect the user and not be identically mass produced. What I love won't be what somebody else will love. And for something you want to show off, it needs to be awesome!

Choose your favourite, and add your customisation in the notes during checkout.

The chef's knives had been my trade, and I thought I should show off a few comments I found online of them.