Don Nguyen Knives
Journey of a knife maker doing knife things.
I've been a full-time maker for a decade now. I like spending enormous amounts of time on small details that probably don't matter, I get distracted by new shiny things every half hour, and I make questionable decisions on the regular that sometimes work.
For updates on events, classes, and available work, sign up for my newsletter: www.donnguyenknives.com/contact-and-newsletter
Don Nguyen Knives
Have I announced merch yet?
Probably not because social media is dead to me (I'm still *slowly* working on videos though). Anyways,,,,,
SHIRTS! After years of dilly dallying and fussing and redrawing stuff, because I have perfectionism issues and even shirts are not exempted from it!
I've hemmed (heh) and hawwed over where to get them made, what kind of blend, distribution, etc. These are printed by NeatoPOD, a small business in the States. The shirts are a flex printed, triblend with 70% cotton (I like how the triblends feel but I wanted MAJORITY cotton, which is hard to find).
Order on my website. They're printed then shipped in a couple weeks.
2 months ago | [YT] | 14
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Don Nguyen Knives
Chef's Knife Class 2025, Nov 6-9!
I'm teaching again this fall at Desert Metal Craft, my four day course on kitchen knives. Kitchen knives are some of the most difficult to dial in and get right, and in my opinion there aren't really a ton of solid resources out there that point you in the right direction. It took me years to get somewhat decent at them, and it's taken me 15 years to figure out my process and geometry (and it's still evolving). The goal of this class to save those years of trial and error.
All skill levels welcome, we've taught complete beginners and we've taught experienced swordsmiths. Come here to have a full technical breakdown, or come here to just have a great weekend making a knife and eating good food with us. Upon completion of the class you'll have a finished blade you can cook with and use as reference in the future. Spots do fill up, so put it in your calendar.
desert-metal-craft-108715.square.site/product/don-…
First photo by: Justin Haugen Photography
5 months ago | [YT] | 38
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Don Nguyen Knives
The new new, how these flipper floopers work.
6 months ago | [YT] | 5
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Don Nguyen Knives
New video tomorrow on what makes the flippiest floopers.
6 months ago | [YT] | 36
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Don Nguyen Knives
In the works.
Early draft is up on the Patreon.
6 months ago | [YT] | 20
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Don Nguyen Knives
Antilag is now open for pre-orders! Find it on my website.
-CPM Magnacut
-2.75” Edge Length
-Phosphor Bronze Washers
-Titanium Liners
-Forged and Hand-Ground Titanium Pocket Clip (I squish them once on my hydraulic press)
This is a design I've been working on for probably over a year now. I wanted a relatively small, minimalist EDC that I would want to carry everywhere and dismantle all the boxes. I wanted the flipper tab as far forward as possible for maximum leverage, but still be able to just flick it straight back. I wanted phosphor bronze washers because they feel so silky, but also they are clean and elegant.
Any questions?
7 months ago | [YT] | 19
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Don Nguyen Knives
My first OFFICIAL design! I’m super excited about it - I think it looks good, simple, but also unique. It’s taken me a long time to dial this design into something that I’m happy with and also build the initial foundation for the process.
This is based on a front flipper, yet not a front flipper (I think I’ve seen some people call it a ‘top flipper’). I wanted the speed and minimalism of the front flipper, but without the difficulty and awkwardness of using one (I know there’s a big group of people who DO like them, but let’s be real, most of us don’t have that dexterity, me included :P). The result is a knife that I think looks elegant, flips fast, and has a strong lock position that’s uncompromised by a flipper tab.
Its name is Antilag.
I'm opening up the first preorders for them soon through my newsletter.
7 months ago | [YT] | 31
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Don Nguyen Knives
Ahhh this is so satisfying and exciting! Still so far to go but I'm so proud of my work so far.
8 months ago | [YT] | 36
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Don Nguyen Knives
I think it's about time.
After about half a year of fussing about, trying to build the beginnings of a system to make folders, I think I'm finally at the 'starting' point. The first few I made I ham fisted my way through with sheer willpower and luck, but I can't be making any official ones in that approach.
I've dialed in more of what I like in a folder. I've made a station to organize and assemble them. I've modified my grinder and mini-mill to do some critical operations that cannot be half-assed. Still WAY more to do, still a LOT of processes that I'm doing the dumb hard way, but we'll get there.
I'm pretty damn excited. Keep your eyes peeled for some announcements soon in the email newsletter.
8 months ago | [YT] | 31
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Don Nguyen Knives
In your opinion, what makes a really good flipper? What does it mean to have "good action"?
9 months ago | [YT] | 30
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