Bill utilizes the stock removal method of making knives.  He grinds all of his blades “free hand.”  Doing so allows him to try new grinds on his blades.  Bill likes to say that he makes a true handmade knife.  So while Bill has standard models, no two are exactly the same.  Bill Luckett has achieved what most custom knife makers strive for; a distinct and recognizable style.  What drew me to his knives were the deep hollow grinds in the blade and his mirror finishes.  Over the last 40 years, Bill has tried a wide variety of steels.  Today he primarily uses CPM154, D-2 and CPMS30V.  These three steels would offer the end user an excellent choice no matter what tasks they had in mind for one of Bill‘s knives.  While these are Bill’s primary steels, he has incorporated Damascus into his steel repertoire.  The results of a deep hollow grind on a Damascus blade are stunning!

Perhaps the next most recognizable aspect of Bill’s knives are the lugged guards and pommels.  These guards and pommels show the influence of another maker who builds some of my favorite knives, Rod Chappel.  Bill primarily uses 304 stainless steel for his fittings.  He has also utilized Micarta for his fittings and on rare occasion, brass.  For me, it is those deep hollow ground blades, massive double lugged guards, and a big pommel that typify a Bill Luckett custom made knife.  One of my favorite models Bill makes is the Freedom Fighter shown here:

Bill Luckett Custom Presentation Freedom Fighter is his “signature knife.” Bill was a student of W.W. Cronk as this knife reflects his unique style.

Granted, the majority of these big knives are primarily for visual appeal, they can do the job they were intended for.  Bill also makes what most would consider a more usable knife.  These include hunters, a very cool integral dagger and fighters.  His favorite handle materials are stabilized burl woods, lined Micarta and Stag.  Bill’s Raptor custom presentation knife, Raptor, (featured below) is not only a great looking knife, its lethality is present for those who know what they are looking for. Like most professional knife makers he can use a wide variety of handle materials.  Bill uses a wide variety of spacer materials on his more complicated handles.  In addition to his exceptional knives Bill is a very talented sheath maker.  His knives come with a custom leather sheath that compliments the knife.

Bill Luckett is an elite craftsman and knife maker.  He has created that which all knife makers strive for a distinct and instantly recognizable style.  When you see a Bill Luckett knife, you have no doubt who made the knife.  Holding one in your hand firmly cements that which catches your eye. The handle ergonomics and the balance make the knife a joy to hold and use.

Bill Luckett Raptor Presentation Fighter

Robertson’s Custom Cutlery is your source for custom knives from today’s leading custom knife makers. We only feature the highest quality knives at value prices. Our custom fixed and folding knife selection includes tactical fixed and folding knives, presentation fixed and folding knives, bowies, hunters and skinners, and a large selection of forged blades. Les Robertson, author and owner of Robertson’s Custom Cutlery, is also a Field Editor for Blade Magazine and an instructor at Blade University. If you have questions about the content in this article or about any knife or maker on our website, you can contact Les directly at les@robertsonscustomcutlery.com or (706) 650-0252.