Reate Knives Manufacturing Process: An In-Depth Look

Reate Knives is a relatively new knife manufacturer, specializing in flipper knives. They are well-known and respected among knife aficionados and collectors. Founder David Deng — a knife collector and aficionado himself — has a background in mechanical design and manufacturing and has made clear-cut design a priority when creating his knives. This driving philosophy has made Reate a much sought-after brand in Asia, Europe and the United States.

Reate uses a variety of different steels, such as Damascus, Bohler M390 and S35V, usually imported from Germany and Japan. The handles are typically made from high-quality alloys like titanium, copper and aluminum and even wood.

EDM precision cutting, laser engraving and low-temperature tempering furnaces are among the tools that make Reate knives such a popular brand.

The Manufacturing Process

• EDM precision cutting

Electrical Discharge Machining is a method of cutting steel to a high degree of precision by using electrical discharges. EDM is used in a wide range of industries because it is a safe and precise way of cutting through electrically conductive materials.

To cut the steel into shape, a high-frequency spark is discharged from a lead or graphite tool that works as an electrode. This spark essentially disintegrates the conductive material being cut along the planned lines to create the blade.

There are several different types of EDM; the most popular are Wire EDM, sinker EDM and hole drilling EDM. At Reate, they use Wire EDM, in which a small wire is used to cut through the metal, With the wire working as the electrode in this case. Once the blade is cut, it goes through a process of heat treatment to make it robust.

• Low-tempering furnace

All recently cut metal must be tempered to reach a desired form and quality. At Reate, a low-temperature tempering furnace is used. This type of furnace is best suited for normalizing, annealing and quenching metal parts.

Tempering is used to increase the toughness of an iron so that it won’t lose shape or break. After the blade is formed, it is too rigid and brittle, like glass. Tempering allows for the metal to gain flexibility and increase its resistance.

• Custom work

Apart from a state-of-the-art cutting and tempering process, Reate offers custom knives.

Their custom work is usually born out of collaborations with renowned knife makers, such as the Parisian Tashi Bharucha, a graphic designer and knife maker with whom Reate paired to make their Reate future knife. This knife showcases both Bharucha’s abilities as a knife designer and Reate’s capacity to create a designer’s brainchild with precision and care. The future knife, which boasts complex angles and incredibly intricate design, is working proof of this company’s capabilities.

Reate can create this and many more designs by using a high-quality system of laser engraving, which allows for multi-layered designs to come to life in the knife. The company also uses CNC speed engraving, a process through which the almost-ready blade undergoes milling at high speeds to imprint a specific design or engraving.

The Results

As a result of these processes, we are presented with a knife that is uniquely crafted, durable and of high quality. Reate’s skilled knife makers hand finish their products to ensure that each knife has been scrutinized and polished by capable hands before reaching the customer.

The innovative details — such as the ball bearing not being visible from the side so they won’t get dirty or the pocket clip being finished on the inside, so it won’t wear out your pocket — are what make these knives renowned among knife collectors and aficionados.

The manufacturing process is gradual and deliberate, especially the tempering and temperature treatment. However, Reate executives insist on sticking to the proven best strategies, regardless of time efficiencies. By prioritizing better manufacturing processes, Reate can sell a better product, even if it means the knife will take longer to make.

With a wide range of prices and types, knife sellers and buyers can rest assured that there is a Reate knife for everyone. Ranging from the simple and down-to-earth Mini Horizon, a PVC handle blade with brilliant bronze décor, to custom work like the Future knife, Reate blades transcend many other custom knives when it comes to their design, feel and finish.

Reate Knives: Quality and Innovation

This company prioritizes quality over speed and invests in top-notch equipment for their manufacturing process. These factors have made Reate well-deserving of praise from niche knife collectors, knife sellers and even custom knife makers.