Burchtree Bladeworks

Michael Burch:

Michael Burch.

I was born in 1978 and grew up on a (mostly) unfarmed chunk of land in Southern Missouri. The land was wild, expansive, and full of adventures for a young boy. I spent a lot of my youth exploring every inch of that land with a Buck Special strapped to one side and a black lab walking close on the other.

I'm not sure where my love for knives came from - but it's always been there. I started collecting knives from flea markets or garage sales. I even built a few blades in my father's workshop when I was about 12. I had no idea what I was doing, but it was fun nonetheless.

As I grew, so did my collection. After high school, I joined the United States Marine Corps as a reservist and went on to play soccer and attend college.

After sowing the proverbial "wild oats," I settled down in Springfield, Missouri and started working as an editor and writer for the Internet department of an outdoor retail company. Around 2003, the bug to build knives hit me hard. I spent hours upon hours reading the "shop talk" archives of bladeforums.com, asking questions, and talking to as many knifemakers as I could. My first "adult knife" turned out about as well as the knives I built when I was a kid, but I kept at it and now my blades are a lot more functional, and aesthetically pleasing. I still have a lot to learn, and I will always be striving to make my work better.

Burchtree Blades:

I pride myself on building blades that are both functional and beautiful. I am a collector and user of knives myself, so I know how a knife needs to perform. Whether it's to cut open mail, or dressing a deer - my blades are built to be used.

I usually only work on one blade at a time. I believe the blades deserve that attention to make them to the best of my abilities. Sometimes it is a long process to get a blade from barstock to your belt, but it's a process I greatly enjoy. I take my time with my knives and I will work with you to create the blade you want. I am always more than happy to e-mail pictures of the progress of your blade and I invite you to ask questions. Your blade is your companion so it's your right to get to know it well.

Most of my work is Japanese-influenced and I build them with 1095, 1080, W-1, and W-2. I enjoy doing a wide variety of blades though, from large tactical choppers to small hunting knives. I do both forged and stock-removal blades and can do hollow- and flat-grinds. I'm willing to try about anything, and if I feel like I can't build your order to your satisfaction, I can put you in touch with someone that can.

I do all the sheath work myself and can do leather, or kydex in a variety of carry-styles.

If I can help you with a knife, or just want to talk "shop," feel free to send me an e-mail.