About Gary Goree
Gary's Custom Made Knives is located in a small country town of Pottsville Arkansas, east of Russellville on HWY 64.
Gary started making knives in the early 70's when he went to work for Jimmy Lile, the "Arkansas Knife Smith". Over the 17 years he worked with Jimmy, he was able to work on all aspects of knife making. Being a machinist, a lot of his time was spent machining the various parts required for making a knife; guard, rivets, blade, etc.
The Rambo knives (history of Rambo Knife) being the highlight of his career. But not everything was about machining. Hand-fitting is a very important aspect of knife making. Having an eye for detail and being able to bring out the beauty in the finish is most important.
The process in making a knife involves, laying out the design (Gary's or yours), sawing it out on a band saw, drilling necessary holes, stamping makers name, grinding the blade, heat treating, making the guard and rivets, soldering the guard, fitting handle material, shaping the handle and finally, finishing the handle and blade.
A quality leather sheath is supplied with each knife and free sharpening for life.
Gary uses mostly D 2 tool steel; it's a high carbon high chrome steel which holds an excellent edge. Some 440-C stainless and other grades are available on request. Handle material varies according to your wants. Wood and Micarta are what he mostly uses but will use other materials if available at your request. Guard and rivets are mostly brass.
Gary started making knives in the early 70's when he went to work for Jimmy Lile, the "Arkansas Knife Smith". Over the 17 years he worked with Jimmy, he was able to work on all aspects of knife making. Being a machinist, a lot of his time was spent machining the various parts required for making a knife; guard, rivets, blade, etc.
The Rambo knives (history of Rambo Knife) being the highlight of his career. But not everything was about machining. Hand-fitting is a very important aspect of knife making. Having an eye for detail and being able to bring out the beauty in the finish is most important.
The process in making a knife involves, laying out the design (Gary's or yours), sawing it out on a band saw, drilling necessary holes, stamping makers name, grinding the blade, heat treating, making the guard and rivets, soldering the guard, fitting handle material, shaping the handle and finally, finishing the handle and blade.
A quality leather sheath is supplied with each knife and free sharpening for life.
Gary uses mostly D 2 tool steel; it's a high carbon high chrome steel which holds an excellent edge. Some 440-C stainless and other grades are available on request. Handle material varies according to your wants. Wood and Micarta are what he mostly uses but will use other materials if available at your request. Guard and rivets are mostly brass.
