In the world of knife-making, the fusion of tradition and innovation often leads to the most exciting breakthroughs. In November 2025, we highlight one of the biggest trends making waves among DIY knifemakers and small-scale custom makers, namely laser cutting and engraving. As laser technology becomes more affordable and versatile, new creative possibilities are opened for blade blanks, handles, and decorative customisation.
Why Laser Cutting Matters for Knifemakers
Laser cutting is gaining traction, offering precision, efficiency, and versatility. With a laser, you can cut steel blanks with tight tolerances, saving hours of profiling and grinding. It also helps reduce material waste since designs can be nested closely together on steel stock.
Another advantage is creative freedom. Makers are now experimenting with intricate cutouts, skeletonised blade designs, and decorative profiles that would be time-consuming or impossible with hand tools alone. And it’s not just about blades; lasers are also being used to cut handle scales, liners, and spacers from materials such as wood, acrylic, and G10.
Additionally, laser engraving has become a go-to method for adding professional details, such as logos, serial numbers, or patterns. It’s a non-contact process, so it doesn’t damage the integrity of the steel or handle material, and it adds a unique custom touch.
Different Laser Options for Knife Makers
Not all lasers are the same, and each has its place in knife-making.
● Fibre lasers are the top choice for cutting metals, including stainless steel and tool steels. They’re precise, reliable, and ideal for cutting blade blanks. The smaller desktop versions of the fibre laser are ideal for logos and engraving. They are a budget-friendly entry point. While they can’t cut thick steel, they’re excellent for high-definition logo engraving.
● CO₂ lasers are more commonly used for non-metals, such as handle materials, liners, wood, leather and decorative inlays. They’re also more affordable than fibre lasers, making them popular among hobbyists.
For many DIY knifemakers, the first step is outsourcing fibre laser cutting for blade blanks while experimenting with smaller fibre lasers for engraving and logos.
How Knife Makers Are Using Laser Cutting
Knifemakers are integrating laser technology into their process in several exciting ways:
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Cutting Blade Blanks: Instead of spending hours on profiling, makers can start with laser-cut blanks that are ready for grinding and heat treatment. This reduces wasted effort and ensures consistent results.
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Matching Handles and Liners: By cutting both blades and handle components with the same digital file, makers achieve perfect alignment between scales, liners, and spacers.
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Decorative Cutouts and Inlays: Skeletonised tangs, artistic cutouts, and intricate inlays are becoming more popular thanks to the precision of lasers. These designs not only reduce weight but also add a unique character.
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Engraving Logos and Marks: Adding a maker’s mark, logo, or custom design has never been easier. Engraving elevates a knife from a handmade to a branded product, which is especially appealing for those who want to sell their work.
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Rapid Prototyping: With CAD software and a laser, makers can test multiple blade shapes or handle designs before committing to a final build. This saves both time and material.
Challenges and Considerations
Like any tool, laser cutting has its own challenges. Heat-affected zones on steel may need to be ground out before finishing. The cost of owning a fibre laser can be high, and proper ventilation and safety equipment are non-negotiable. Also, each laser has limits on the thickness and type of materials it can cut.
For many hobbyists, the best option is to outsource laser cutting services to local fabricators before deciding whether to invest in their own machine. In South Africa, several workshops and metal service companies now offer laser cutting for custom projects, making it more accessible than ever.
Getting Started with Laser Cutting in Knife Making
If you want to try laser cutting in your own projects, here’s a simple roadmap:
1. Start with outsourcing – Partner with a local shop to cut a few blanks.
2. Learn basic CAD design – Software like Fusion 360 or even free tools like Inkscape can create vector paths for laser cutting.
3. Experiment with logos and engraving. Use a desktop fibre laser for small-scale projects such as engraving or shaping liners.
4. Refine your workflow – Track your designs, tolerances, and finishing steps to improve each project.
Final Thoughts
Laser cutting is no longer just for large manufacturers but is becoming a powerful tool for DIY knifemakers and hobbyists. From cutting precise blanks to engraving custom logos, this technology helps makers work smarter, save time, and unlock new design possibilities.
As November 2025 unfolds, laser cutting is one of the most exciting trends reshaping the knife-making community. Whether you outsource the work or invest in a laser of your own, it’s worth exploring how this technology can elevate your craft.
If you’re ready to experiment with new techniques, explore our KMTS knife-making supplies and see how tradition and innovation can come together in your next project