Burchtree Bladeworks is the custom knife workshop of Michael Burch, an American knifemaker based in Missouri. Operating primarily as a one-man shop, Burch produces individually made knives that combine distinctive design, practical ergonomics, and detailed hand finishing. His work has developed a strong following among collectors, particularly for compact folders and other designs with a recognizable blend of modern and organic forms.
Burch makes custom knives one at a time in his own shop and generally avoids repeating the exact same configuration. Depending on the project, components may begin as raw material shaped with a bandsaw and grinder or may be prepared with waterjet or CNC machining, but blade grinding, handle contouring, fitting, assembly, and final finishing remain part of his hands-on process. This combination of modern equipment and individual craftsmanship is characteristic of many high-end custom knives made for collectors and experienced users. Burch has worked across a wide range of knife formats, including fixed blades, slipjoints, friction folders, thumb-opening folders, flippers, swords, and occasional hatchets. His designs frequently use titanium, carbon fiber, carbon and stainless blade steels, and Damascus. He also works with differential heat treatment on some carbon-steel blades to produce a visible hamon and has used Damascus forged in collaboration with other makers as well as stainless Damascus from specialist suppliers.
In addition to his one-off custom work, Burchtree Bladeworks has produced midtech knives intended to make Burch’s designs more accessible while retaining his involvement in quality control, lock fitting, assembly, and sharpening. Michael Burch has also collaborated with other makers and designers, and versions of his designs have been produced by established knife companies including Boker and Spyderco. His custom order book is currently closed, with new pieces generally offered through selected dealers, knife shows, lotteries, or occasional direct sales.
