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Author: A.N. Nash

  • DOMESTIC AND BRUTAL: THE BLADETRICKS PIZZABIT

    DOMESTIC AND BRUTAL: THE BLADETRICKS PIZZABIT

    The best test of a design philosophy occurs when it is asked to challenge its very purpose. The idea of applying a brutal geometry to a purely domestic tool sat in my workshop for years. A client’s specific request for a tactical pizza cutter finally gave me the operational green light to execute the concept.

    The result is The Bladetricks Pizzabit: a specialized cutting instrument that I see not as a novelty, but as a commitment to design.

    Execution and the Dominant Grip

    Its structure is built around the reverse grip—a stance chosen because it’s inherently efficient for gaining control. This structure doesn’t just let the user drive substantial downward force, which is exactly how this tool performs; it also results in an ergonomic grip that feels natural and comfortable.

    Ulu knife pizza cutter prototype

    Its functional, curved cutting edge, featuring a long blade, and its characteristic, calculated geometry bring to mind the effectiveness of the ancient Ulu knife, but with a different mission. The Pizzabit makes sure force drives straight down, enabling a consistent, deep rocking motion for a strong, clean cut.

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    The Essential Material

    Material selection is a calculated part of the process. For a tool that demands reliability, I make a cold decision. For the Pizzabit, built for an environment where corrosion resistance and low maintenance are key, I chose AEB-L stainless steel.

    This steel perfectly balances toughness, edge retention, and the cleaning requirements of a culinary setting, delivering top performance without compromise. The AEB-L blanks are precision-cut using a waterjet process, supplied by the professionals at New Jersey Steel Baron—the quality foundation I require.

    Bladetricks New Jersey Steel Baron pizza cutter

    My selection standards are always high; to better understand why AEB-L is the base material I use, check my previous analysis on stainless steel selection.

    The Blade Finish

    I hold a foundational belief: A tool shouldn’t be polished and has to be used. I generally avoid mirror finishes and high-gloss aesthetics in favor of a look that speaks to purpose. The Pizzabit’s blade reflects this philosophy.

    Hand brushed knife finish

    I manually hand-sanded and hand-brush the steel. This process gives the blade a functional, matte look that is both natural and instantly recognizable as handmade. The result is a deliberate invitation: it is a blade meant to be picked up, used, and integrated into your daily life.

    Tactical Lineage and Finish

    The Pizzabit’s connection to my tactical work is more than deliberate. The handle uses my typical Bladetricks hand sculpted black G10 handle scales to guarantee a secure, positive grip.

    hand sculpted knife handle G10

    This connection is completed with the custom Kydex sheath that comes with it.

    Chef knife pizza cutter custom knife scaled

    The Bladetricks Pizzabit is not a tool to be hidden away. It is the product of precise execution and a demanding philosophy. It belongs on the countertop, visible, ominous, awesome, and always ready for action.

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  • COMBAT GRIP, KITCHEN EDGE

    COMBAT GRIP, KITCHEN EDGE

    I don’t separate design from function, regardless of the environment. A knife is a tool built for a specific job. This is one of the core principles of Bladetricks.

    The challenge this time was unique (at least for me): two custom chef knives: a thin cleaver and a boning knife, requested by another loyal customer. These are the first two chef knives ever made by Bladetricks and this immediately set the parameters for the entire project, forcing design decisions that prioritize performance in the kitchen.

    THE COMPLETE DEMAND
    The client provided a set of functional parameters that dictated every step of the design: stainless steel, affordability, a thin profile, easy-maintenance handle material, and the use of my standard tactical grinding geometry, a feature he was already accustomed to.

    FROM TACTICAL GRIP TO KITCHEN ERGONOMICS
    The client’s list included one crucial ergonomic requirement: apply the profile of a tactical fixed blade (The custom Parks double edge karambit) to these new kitchen knives. The reason was simple: the client had already tested the grip on a previous custom knife I made for him and found it comfortable and ergonomic for his hand. I kept the design intact, ensuring the grip’s stability and control translated directly to the kitchen setting.

    Double edge Karambit AN Nash scaled

    THE STAINLESS STEEL NECESSITY
    The overall design required light, agile tools, and high longevity, which I achieved with a thin 2mm stock. This agility, combined with the demand for longevity, forced the definitive move into stainless steels.

    To achieve superior edge retention and maintain a good price point, I used 14C28N stock. This is where the tactical mindset meets the kitchen: the alloy offers high toughness. Critically, it delivers superior corrosion resistance. This is not about flair; it is a pragmatic choice that frees the user from constant maintenance worries.

    PRECISION CUTTING AND TACTICAL ROOTS
    Both the cleaver and the boning knife feature a functional chisel grind, built for maximizing slicing performance. This is the same geometry I employ on the vast majority of my tactical knives. I complemented this with a secondary micro bevel on the flat side. This is design focused on extreme sharpness and clean cuts.

    Bladetricks custom Boning knife scaled

    For the handles, the priority was simplicity, durability, and affordability. I chose black Delrin, a reliable material that delivers a secure grip without unnecessary complexity and is highly resistant to the demanding environment of a professional kitchen.

    Finally, I made two custom Kydex sheaths. This feature is a direct homage to the tactical roots of Bladetricks and its fixed-blade origins. It ensures safe transport and provides a clear, strong visual contrast.

    Bladetricks custom chef knives kydex sheath scaled

    These two knives demonstrate that every choice, from handle material to steel thickness, is a cold, functional decision for pure performance in the kitchen.

    custom made boning knife scaled
    Chef knife cleaver scaled
  • THE NOSAF RAAL KNIFE: FROM CUSTOM REQUEST TO CRITICAL TOOL

    THE NOSAF RAAL KNIFE: FROM CUSTOM REQUEST TO CRITICAL TOOL

    I will spend as much time as required to solve a problem that comes with tackling a new knife design. The Nosaf Raal Knife is a direct result. The demand was specific: take my aggressive Nosaf Raal Karambit and refine it into a pure, double-edged tactical knife. A dedicated client requested this model, and when a trusted client’s needs push the design envelope, I treat it as an opportunity to build a better tool.

    Cutom made Karambit double edge Nosaf Raal Pikal Bladetricks tactical knives scaled

    Bladetricks Blink Nosaf Raal double edge pakal knie karambit

    WHAT WAS THE CHALLENGE?

    To refine my aggressive Karambit geometry into a dedicated, pure double-edged tactical blade.

    IMG 20250321 121124 160 scaled
    IMG 20250321 121243 167 1 scaled

    PIKAL PERFORMANCE. SABRE VERSATILITY.

    This is a blade built for the Pikal technique (both reverse grip and edge up). The final balance is PERFECT (the customer’s own words, not mine). However, the new handle design (an optimized handle profile borrowed from the Kadesh dagger) transitions seamlessly to the traditional Sabre grip, offering full flexibility for dedicated and adaptable tactical use.

    BestEDCtacticalknife scaled

    CALCULATED DESIGN FOR CONCEALMENT

    I chose a 2mm thick stock for maximum simplicity, concealment and speed.

    I also made the calculated move to use stainless steel on this model. This choice isn’t for aesthetics, but for the fundamental practicality of corrosion resistance. You get absolute reliability and minimal maintenance, allowing you to focus on the critical tasks.

    The Nosaf Raal Knife is minimal design for maximum consequence. It’s a dedicated, double-edged problem solver.

    CustomPikalknifecordwrapped scaled