In 1987 he met a master craftsman in the knife field, Charles Rust. Under Rusty's guidance, Jim caught the flavor of the period, making many knives that found their way into collectors' cases. While Jim does produce some standard patterns that are carried in Warren Child's Cutlery Works in Chico, California, much of his work is custom. A well made knife will often display a taper in blade and tang thickness. This is a function of balance and utility.
Steel is heavy.
The tang needs to be tapered, and as much material as possible should be removed from behind the cutting edge. My job is that of a translator between what you want, and what actually happens in steel. Most custom orders go through a design process. First he inquires about the type of knife a customer needs. Then the actual dimensions are set, overall length, relative weight and type of grind.