About Caudill Custom Knives

Welcome to Caudill Customs, where heirloom-quality knives are forged with passion and precision. Based in Reno, Nevada, I’m Paul a knife maker originally from Northern California - dedicated to crafting small batch, custom blades that are as functional as they are beautiful. Every knife I make is a labor of love, built to be the perfect tool for any situation, and paired with a handcrafted sheath tailored just for it.

My Story

Knife making started as my passion project, something I pour my heart into alongside my full-time job. I’ve always been drawn to creating things that last - tools you can rely on and pass down. That turned into Caudill Customs, where I now craft each blade with meticulous care. It’s not a production line here; it’s just me, shaping steel and handles one knife at a time. Because it’s a side gig, I’m upfront about wait times - transparency matters to me, and I want you to know exactly when your custom piece will be ready.

What I Do

I specialize in custom knives that stand out, whether it’s a rugged bushcraft blade, a sleek everyday carry, or a unique design you’ve dreamed up. I work with high-carbon steels like 1095, 8670, 5160, and even recycled rasps and files, each chosen for its strength and character. Handles? You’ve got options: gorgeous woods, tough synthetics like Micarta, acrylics, or G10 - whatever suits your style. Every knife comes with a sheath I craft myself, made from leather or Kydex, built to fit like a glove.
Beyond new knives, I offer sharpening, restoration, custom sheaths, and leather holsters. Whether you pick from my existing templates or go fully custom - from steel, to handle, or to sheath - I’m here to bring your vision to life.

Why I Do It

For me, knife making is about more than metal and edges - it’s about crafting something meaningful. I love the challenge of turning raw steel into a tool you’ll trust, a piece that might even outlast us both. High-carbon steel needs care to shine - keep it oiled, sharp, and clean, and avoid wet sheaths for long-term storage. I’ll make sure you’ve got everything you need to keep it at its best.

Thank you for taking the time to read about me and my story, Let's work together to build your dream knife!