FAQ
Q: Are FX Legal Carry Knives truly legal to carry, and can I carry them safely without worry?
A: FX Legal Carry Knives are designed and manufactured to comply with very strict legal requirements regarding blade length, locking mechanisms, and overall construction. Each knife is developed with careful attention to widely accepted legal measurement standards and conservative interpretations of knife laws.
At the same time, it is important to understand that the practical application of knife laws may vary. Local regulations, municipal rules, law-enforcement practices, and situational discretion can differ from the written law and are beyond the control of any maker.
FX knives are designed to fit within the legal framework wherever possible and to minimize legal uncertainty. By following local regulations and exercising common sense, owners can carry and use their FX knife with confidence.
Q: How is the blade length of FX Legal Carry Knives measured, and what is the purpose of the hidden ricasso?
A: The blade length of every FX Legal Carry Knife is designed to remain lawful when measured using the most conservative and commonly accepted method — from the blade tip to the front edge of the handle liners.
The ricasso, which is the unsharpened portion of the blade, is fully enclosed inside the handle and does not extend beyond it. It is not used to reduce the measured blade length and does not rely on alternative interpretations. Its function is purely structural and related to safety and durability.
This approach eliminates ambiguity during inspection and provides a clear, transparent, and legally robust design.
Q: Are your knives handmade, or do you use CNC machines?
A: Every FX knife is handmade. I do not use CNC milling machines. My modern equipment is limited to a belt grinder, a drill press, and occasional laser cutting or engraving. All fitting, shaping, and finishing are performed by hand using traditional tools.
Q: What steels do you use?
A: For blades, I primarily use Böhler N690, Böhler N680, Elmax, and 440C. For springs, I use German stainless steel 1.4034. I avoid high-carbon steels for springs to improve service life and long-term reliability, especially in traditional long backspring constructions.
Q: Who performs heat treatment, fitting, finishing, and assembly?
A: All stages of production are performed by me personally, from the initial sketch to final assembly and finishing. Heat treatment is a fundamental skill in knifemaking, and I rely on both modern metallurgical knowledge and classical references to ensure consistent, reliable results.
Q: Do you use bundle heat treatment?
A: No. Each blade is heat-treated individually in a separate stainless-steel foil envelope. This method is more time-consuming but ensures better control and consistent quality.
Q: What type of blade finish do you use?
A: All blades receive a hand-finished longitudinal satin finish. This removes cross-grain marks and is a traditional hallmark of custom knife work.
Q: What materials do you use for liners?
A: The primary liner materials are hardened stainless steel 1.4034 and Grade 5 titanium (Ti-6Al-4V). Brass or bronze may be used occasionally for historically inspired pieces. Structural strength and reliability are always the priority.
Q: What are your handle scales made of?
A: Common materials include stabilized hardwoods such as bog oak and walnut burl, natural antlers (moose or deer), and modern materials such as carbon fiber, G10, and Elforyn. Mammoth or walrus ivory is used only rarely and only where legally permitted.
Q: Do you provide a warranty?
A: Yes. A two-year warranty covers craftsmanship, steel grade, hardness, lock type, and handle materials. Natural materials such as wood and horn are excluded due to their inherent variability.
Q: Are these standardized production knives?
A: No. Every FX knife is a custom piece made to traditional standards. Minor variations in size, weight, and dimensions are normal.
Q: Can I order a knife with custom styling or engraving?
A: Yes. Custom orders are welcome. You may send sketches, references, or text, and we will discuss available options.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: Bank transfer, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Payments are processed securely via Stripe through WooPayments.
Q: How do you ship your knives?
A: Worldwide shipping is available via Latvian Post Registered Airmail, EMS, or UPS, with age verification where required. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout.
Q: Can I legally carry FX knives in any country or US state?
A: FX Legal Carry Knives are designed to comply with very strict legal standards. However, knife laws vary widely between countries, states, and even cities, and enforcement practices may differ.
Before carrying your knife in a new location, please consult local regulations and the Knife Laws section of this website.
Q: Are there age restrictions?
A: Yes. FX Legal Carry Knives are sold only to customers aged 18 or older, in accordance with applicable laws.
Q: Can I take an FX knife on an airplane or across borders?
A: Knives are generally prohibited in carry-on luggage. Even where regulations appear permissive, airport security practices are strict. Knives should always be placed in checked baggage. Customs and border inspections may vary by country and procedure.
Q: How does the full-length handle fit different hand sizes?
A: FX knives feature a full-length handle comparable to standard full-size EDC folders. This provides a natural, secure grip for a wide range of hand sizes without feeling cramped or compromised.
Q: How should I maintain and sharpen my FX knife?
A: After exposure to acidic substances or moisture, clean and dry the knife thoroughly. Occasional lubrication of moving parts is recommended. Sharpening methods depend on personal preference; quality stones or guided systems are preferred over inexpensive pull-through sharpeners.
FX knives are not designed for throwing or impact use.
Q: Are FX knives safe for everyday carry?
A: Yes. FX knives use the French cran force slipjoint, which eliminates constant spring pressure during closing and reduces the risk of accidental injury. In addition, the design ensures that the cutting edge cannot contact the fingers during closure.
Q: Can I choose a different lock type or blade shape?
A: Yes. Where legally permitted, FX knives can be made with a lockback mechanism. A variety of blade shapes are available, and custom designs can be discussed.
Q: Are custom handle colors or textures available?
A: Yes. Please contact me in advance to discuss material availability and production time.
Q: Are there restrictions on international shipping?
A: Regulations vary by country. Please review local laws before ordering.
Q: Is ivory legal?
A: Elephant ivory is not used. Walrus ivory is subject to strict regulations and is prohibited in several countries, including the USA and Canada. Please verify local laws before ordering.
Q: What makes FX knives unique?
A: FX knives are designed to look and feel like full-size folding knives while remaining legally compliant under strict blade-length regulations. They are not intended to outperform conventional knives but to offer a lawful alternative where restrictions apply.
Q: Will the protruding liners cause discomfort when carrying the knife?
A: To remain compliant with the law, small compromises are sometimes unavoidable. I consider this a reasonable and acceptable trade-off for the ability to legally carry a full-size folding knife.
Q: What exactly is the subject of the registered design at FX Knives?
A: As you may have noticed, all knives in the FX project differ from one another: they vary in style and execution, in size and weight, and in thickness — from more robust models to extremely slim profiles. Blade shapes differ as well. The only feature that unites them is the extended liners that cover the ricasso. Made of hardened steel or Grade 5 titanium to resist deformation, these liners match the blade in width, are polished, fit tightly against it, and visually appear as a direct continuation of the blade itself. This brief description, which captures the underlying concept of the registered design, was submitted to the relevant patent authority together with the drawings and photographs. Everything else — including the French spring system and similar elements — represents optional features that may vary depending on the legal requirements in your region.
Q: Where do you source your stabilized bog oak?
A: I don’t buy ready-made material — I do everything myself. In the Baltic region, oak has long been regarded as a sacred tree, and vast oak groves once grew there alongside rivers and wetlands. Large amounts of this wood have been lying in rivers and swamps for centuries, sometimes millennia. I purchase locally sourced oak that has been properly sawn and pre-dried to a safe moisture level. I then dry it further to near zero moisture content and stabilize it in a vacuum chamber using Cactus Juice, following established technical standards. This is my favorite material to work with.
Q: Why do you sell labor-intensive, fully handmade knives at prices below typical MidTech levels?
A: I am not a full-time professional knifemaker, and knife making is not my primary occupation. It is a personal passion project, which allows me to keep prices significantly more accessible for customers. In addition, this is a new conceptual project, and I am still exploring how much interest there is in legally compliant EDC knives. For that reason, I deliberately avoid pricing that would push the knives into an excessively high range.