Custom Knife Design

At Big Zulu Knives, we offer a Custom Knife Design service that lets you create a blade perfectly matched to your needs, whether for hunting, cooking, collecting, or everyday outdoor use. Every custom knife is handcrafted in New Zealand by knife maker Rick Coetzer, using premium materials and precision techniques to ensure beauty, performance, and durability.

 

Bring Your Dream Knife to Life
Our process is fully collaborative — from the first idea to the final polish. We guide you through:

  • Choosing the blade shape that suits your purpose.

  • Selecting steel types for the ideal balance of edge retention and toughness.

  • Picking handle materials that fit your grip and reflect your style.

  • Adding personal touches such as engravings, mosaic pins, or exotic woods.

No two custom knives are ever the same. Your blade will be a unique reflection of your personality and needs.

 

What to Expect When Ordering Your Custom Knife
When you order a custom knife, we begin with an initial consultation (in person, by phone, or online) to understand your vision. You’ll be able to:

  1. Browse examples in our Products for Sale page for inspiration.

  2. Choose your materials and features with our expert advice.

  3. Approve the design before we begin the handcrafting process.

  4. Receive progress updates until your knife is complete.

The final result is a one-of-a-kind knife, built to perform for a lifetime and to be cherished for generations.

 

Heat Treatment Process – Built for Performance
We use proven heat treatment techniques to achieve the perfect hardness and durability for your blade. This ensures excellent edge retention, resistance to wear, and a sharp cutting edge you can rely on.

 

Quality Handle Materials – Beauty and Function Combined
Our handle materials are sourced worldwide, including:

  • Exotic woods such as African Rosewood and stabilized burl.

  • Resin in striking colours and patterns.

  • Bone and antler for traditional designs.

Every handle is shaped for comfort and grip, making your knife as functional as it is beautiful.

 

Hear From Our Customers

"The design is impeccable, the quality is outstanding, and it has quickly become my favourite tool in the kitchen." – Benjamin Wood

"Razor-sharp, perfectly balanced, and looks incredible. Rick delivered something truly special." – Emma Thompson

"Every detail reflects the care and skill that went into making it. A true work of art." – Oliver Hartman

 

Start Your Custom Knife Order
Ready to design your own blade? Contact us today to begin the process.

 

Get in touch with us today to start designing your custom knife.

What to Expect When Ordering a Custom Knife

When you order a custom knife from Big Zulu Knives, you're entering into a collaborative and carefully guided process. From the initial consultation, we take the time to understand your specific needs, preferences, and intended use. You'll choose from a range of blade styles, steel types, handle materials, and design features — with expert advice available at every step. Once your design is confirmed, we begin the handcrafting process, keeping you updated on progress and timelines. The result is a one-of-a-kind knife, crafted with precision and purpose, and built to reflect your vision and perform for a lifetime.

Heat Treatment Process

The Heat Treatment Process ensures that your knife is of the highest quality and durability. We use top-notch heat treatment techniques to enhance the performance and longevity of your blade. With our attention to detail and commitment to quality, you can trust us to provide you with a custom knife that is not only visually stunning but also highly functional and reliable.

Quality Handle Materials

Our Quality Handle Materials are sourced from all over the world, including bone, resin, and exotic woods. These stable materials not only provide a stunning aesthetic but also offer excellent grip and comfort during use.

We take pride in using only the best materials and techniques to create custom knives that are both beautiful and practical. Trust us to deliver a knife that will be a valuable addition to your collection.

"I am absolutely thrilled with the custom knife I received from Big Zulu Knives. The design is impeccable, the quality is outstanding, and it has quickly become my favourite tool in the kitchen."

Benjamin Wood

"The custom knife I ordered exceeded all expectations. It’s razor-sharp, perfectly balanced, and looks incredible. Rick delivered something truly special that I’ll use for years."

Emma Thompson

"I couldn't be happier with my custom knife from Big Zulu Knives. The craftsmanship is top-tier, and every detail reflects the care and skill that went into making it. A true work of art."

Oliver Hartman