In the world of knives, quality, precision, and reliability are everything. Every step in production from steel selection to blade grind, handle fit, and sheath retention has an impact on the final product. Outsourcing might seem convenient: lower upfront costs, fewer machines to manage, and less hands-on work. But the reality is far more complex. At Shed Knives, we made a decision from the very beginning: we would never outsource manufacturing. Not partially, not temporarily. That decision continues to define our brand, the quality of our products, and the level of trust our customers place in us.
I always knew that I did not want to outsource manufacturing from day one. I did outsource a few of my processes to other 100% USA knife companies or manufacturers in the U.S., but they were way too slow, taking usually up to a month to complete an order, and often two to three weeks just to get something rolling. The big problem I was trying to avoid by staying in-house was lead times. I also wanted to make sure that every step of the way, whatever we wanted to do was happening, and we could control the time. It was really just a big time thing.
The True Costs of Outsourcing
From 2018 to 2022, we were cutting knives with an angle grinder - mostly my own work. In 2023, I outsourced knife blanking to a water jet company. Some of those knives cost up to $55 per blade in 154CM steel, with the average around $35, plus heat treat costs that could reach $25 per knife. Beyond being expensive, they were absolutely slow.
In 2024, I brought a CNC machine into the shop. This allowed us to mill grinds and blanks with far more precision than water jet, and to perform more intricate work. The CNC machine itself cost approximately $23,000, and it required nine months of learning and adaptation. Each part had to be brought into the shop individually through a door the size of a bedroom door, and the shop electrical system needed wiring by a professional electrician to fit the new electrical needs.
The investment and effort were considerable, but the result was control. The ability to monitor tolerances, inspect parts in real time, and adjust processes as needed transformed our production. CNC allowed us to consistently achieve the precision and quality we demand for every knife.
Risks of Outsourcing Beyond Cost
Even working with U.S.-based vendors introduced hidden risks:
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I sent a heat treat company approximately $25,000 worth of knives, and lost close to $2,000 during shipping. The knives actually fell out of the box.
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Lead times were inconsistent and often slow.
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Even minor variations in tolerance affected performance. Water jet or outsourced blanks could not match the precise standards we require in-house.
Only by inspecting every part personally can subtle but critical quality differences be caught. In-house production allows for immediate correction, rework, or scrapping of parts that don’t meet our standards.
Standards That Only Work In-House
Ft. the Shed Knives Shop as of November 2025
Our quality control requires in-house manufacturing. Each process is checked meticulously, and any part that doesn’t meet specifications is addressed before assembly. As I’ve said, “We design knives to the process, and we process knives to our design.” This synergy ensures the final product is consistent, functional, and fully reflective of our design intent.
Maintaining these standards involves attention to:
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Blade grind and edge geometry
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Handle contour and fit
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Tolerance and alignment
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Sheath retention and usability
This approach guarantees that the knives we ship consistently meet the high expectations our customers rely on.
Why Domestic Manufacturing Matters
Domestic manufacturing is about more than knives. It’s about economic independence, national pride, and strategic control. Whether you’re in North America, Europe, Asia, or South America, investing in your own country’s manufacturing is critical for long-term success.
As an American, I focus on American manufacturing because that’s where I am and what I believe in. I need to make sure I am keeping my money inside America, keeping American workers strong, and supporting local industry. Many knife companies are sending production overseas to China or Taiwan. That may benefit those countries, but it doesn’t positively impact the U.S. economy.
When another country controls production, they can raise prices and be impacted by tariffs. Shed Knives prices have not increased due to tariffs because everything we do is 100% USA-made. In fact, steel prices slightly decreased during recent tariff adjustments, allowing us to invest more in quality. Maintaining domestic production ensures:
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Consistent pricing unaffected by foreign policy
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Reliable lead times and production control
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Support for U.S. workers and suppliers
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Freedom to innovate without external limitations
Daily Habits That Keep Standards High
Ft. 2026 Shed Knives Skur in Atlantic Blue
High standards are more than machines. They’re our culture and discipline. Every day, our production staff engages in:
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Reading from Daily Reflections for Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
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Reading Positive Action Plan by Napoleon Hill (365 meditations for daily success)
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Physical discipline including at least 100 push-ups
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Hydration, clean eating, and goal review for both the shop and the business
These routines ensure focus, consistency, and a mindset geared toward precision and quality.
Advice for New Knife Makers
Our first production knife model, the 2018 Shed Knives Sheepsfoot in Atlantic Blue 550 Cord
If a new knife maker asks whether to outsource, my advice is simple:
“If you feel you would provide a better product to the market by outsourcing, pick an American company to outsource with. There’s nothing wrong with outsourcing as a whole. Plenty of companies make tons of money and positively impact people’s lives doing that. But make sure you stick to your country. If you’re in Germany and want to make great knives, use a German company. Or use an American company. Use your country first. Use your community first. If you can keep something in your own community, even better.”
This approach keeps control over quality and ensures that every knife reflects the maker’s vision and values.
The Impact of Doing It In-House
Our in-house Tormach 770M doing a 2D contour on the 2026 Skur
Bringing production fully in-house has allowed Shed Knives to:
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Maintain tight tolerances and precision in every part
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Reduce lead times dramatically compared to outsourcing
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Respond quickly to design updates and process improvements
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Ensure every knife leaving the shop meets our strict standards
Controlling production is not just a technical advantage—it’s the foundation for our reputation and for building knives that last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
Ft. 2026 Shed Knives Skur in Skur Orange
In-house manufacturing is more than a business decision; it’s a philosophy. By keeping production in-house, Shed Knives controls quality, lead times, and innovation. It allows us to maintain standards other companies can only aspire to, ensures every knife leaving the shop meets our expectations, and supports the broader goal of American craftsmanship.
For outdoor enthusiasts, collectors, and professionals alike, this commitment means every Shed Knife you hold has been made with precision, care, and the highest standards. That’s the advantage of controlling your own production from start to finish—it’s not just a knife, it’s a reflection of skill, discipline, and pride in American manufacturing.
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Explore the 2026 Skur here: https://shedknives.com/products/2026-skur
Know another outdoor enthusiast who may find value in this blog? Feel free to share the link of this blog with them so we can continue to educate & encourage our fellow outdoor & knife enthusiasts. Thank you for your support. - WJB
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About The Author:
Jack Billings is the 21 year old CEO and Founder of Shed Knives, a rising manufacturer of high-quality fixed blade bushcraft knives. With over 5 years of experience as a knife maker, he has developed a reputation for crafting durable, reliable knives that are designed for outdoor enthusiasts and bushcrafters alike. Jack started making knives at the age of 13 and has been refining his craft ever since.
In addition to his expertise in knife making, Jack has a High School Degree from POLYTECH High School, where he studied Automotive Technology and obtained his ASE Certification. He is also a content creator for Shed Knives and has reached the eyes of over 1,000,000 people on Shed Knives platforms across the world through his work.
When he's not working on knives, Jack enjoys exploring the outdoors and has a passion for bushcraft. He also has a passion for the automotive world and enjoys learning about new technologies and advancements. Additionally, he has a great interest in language and is studying Spanish, German, Russian, and Arabic.
Jack's personal mission is to constantly improve himself, his products, and his processes in order to stay ahead of the rapidly changing interests of the knife industry and to surpass the competition. He takes great pride in American manufacturing and is committed to contributing to the growth of the world knife industry through his work.
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