Q - Just what is the deal with composite-laminated blades and why should I care?
A - With a composite-laminated blade, the weight of a knife will be drastically reduced without compromising blade strength. We replace about 2/3 of the steel needed to make up the thickness of the blade with a composite material called G-10.

Q - How do you laminate the G-10 to the stainless steel?
A - We apologize for being secretive, but we are not willing to divulge that information. Suffice it to say that we use a chemical bonding process.

Q - Are composite-laminated blades really as strong as solid stainless steel blades?
A - Yes, if done correctly. Warren developed the process for knife making over a dozen years ago with significant input from an Apache helicopter engineer. We performed extensive testing to ensure that composite-laminated blades will stand up to the kind of hard use that they see in combat situations and in every day use. Only one single knife of Warren's has ever been returned for a problem with delamination. That says it all.

Q - When did Warren Thomas become a full-time knife maker?
A - In 1993.

Q - What do you mean by "shopcrafted"?
A - The term "mid-tech" is a little too broad for our liking. By "shopcrafted" we mean that we are providing you with knives that are essentially made by hand. Instead of starting with square sheets of material, like Warren does with his custom knives, we start with individual blade and handle pieces that have been CNC machined. However, from there on out, everything is done by hand. Almost every hole is drilled to size so that tolerances are perfect. The blades are laminated and ground by Warren. The lock is ground and fit by Warren. The knives are all finished, assembled, tuned and tested by hand. "Shopcrafted" represents a level of quality that you do not get through mass produced means.

Q - Do you make folders for "lefties"?
A - Not yet, but we will soon.

Q - Do you make fixed blade knives?
A - We will be making fixed blades very, very shortly.

Q - Will you be at my next local knife show?
A - Possibly. If not, just look for 9line Knives on the table of your favorite dealer.