FAQ’s about the skinner knives:

1. Why would I want a flint knife?  It’s sharper than steel, performs better, and looks cool.
2. Seriously? Sharper than steel?  Yep, like glass.  Flint breaks much like glass and the cutting edge is actually made from a fracture, not by grounding like steel edges are made.
3. How well does it hold an edge?  Indefinitely when used only on soft tissue.  Like steel, if it’s used on bone, wood, etc. it will get dull, but it does hold an edge much better than steel.
4. What animals will a flint knife skin?  ALL animals, even wild hogs which are about as tough as they get.  Imagine cutting up a whole hog without resharpening!  Hog hunters would appreciate that advantage tremendously.
5. Do you guarantee your knives?  Yes.  Free repairs forever... as long as it is repairable.  Broken or spent blades should be replaced at a cost of $10-13 per inch (cost depends on the type of flint).  Broken tips and nicks on the edge can normally be repaired.  Resharpening dulled blades is included in the guarantee as well as a handle that becomes loose.
6. What if I don’t like the knife I bought?  Simply send it back for an exchange or refund, but if you want something that fits you better then tell me and I'll custom-make one for exchange.
7. What are the blades made of?  I use flints, agates, cherts, obsidians, and jaspers.  Almost anything that makes a conchoidal fracture (breaks like glass) can be used.
8. Are some flints sharper or more durable than others?  Not noticeably among different flints but obsidian (volcanic glass) is a little sharper at the expense of being more brittle.
9. How do you make the blade?  Too much detail to explain here so go to the “How To” article at the back end of my website (coming soon).
10. Can it break? Yes.  Think of it like a ceramic tile or plate.  I make my knives a little thick for that reason, but still, try not twist or pry with it.  Shorter blades are less likely to break than the longer ones.  If you prefer a monster blade then keep that in mind.  Most of my skinner blades are kept to a minimal length to keep them stronger. 
11. What if I break it?  Buy a replacement blade at $10-$13 per inch (depending on the blade material) and I’ll mount it on the original handle for no additional charge.
12. How do I re-sharpen a dulled blade?  Either learn pressure-flaking, or better yet, send it to me for a FREE re-sharpening/reconditioning.  It's a simple and quick process.
13. How often would it need to be re-sharpened?  If all you do is skin with it then perhaps never.  If you use the heck out of it then it will take many re-sharpenings before it’s time to replace the blade.
14. Why are some blades different styles?  Each is hand-crafted and I try to have some diversity for my customers.  These knives are not mass produced from machines so each is unique.
15. Which blade style is the best?  The most popular and preferred by hunters is a blade that has a generous radius on the leading cutting edge; a dulled thumb-rest on the top edge; plus a pointed tip helps to get the cutting started in tight places of a hide (running up the legs of a deer for example).  See my VIDEO and examine how the knives are being used with each feature being utilized.
16. What size do I need?  2” to 3” of exposed blade length suits most, but it’s really a matter of preference (or perhaps ‘vanity’ if you want a really big knife).  You really don’t gain much with a monstrously large knife… but they ARE impressive!
17. What is the handle made of?  I mostly use mule deer antler.  They are straighter than white-tail deer and have bumps for added ‘character’ and a better grip in slimey conditions.
18. How do you attach the handles?  Will it hold?  Artificial sinew is wrapped and embedded in two-part epoxy.  It's the epoxy that holds the blade.  The wrapping is mostly to dress it up.  The blade will probably break before the glue lets go.
19. Why do you leave a small tine on some handles?  If it’s not in the way of holding the knife, it sometimes adds to the grip.  I give the buyer the option to have it removed.  Sometimes tines can also act like built-in stands for display.  If it’s protrusion is preventing proper seating in a sheath then it should be removed. 
20. I don’t see a knife quite exactly what I want, do you make custom orders?  Yes.  Contact me with your specifications.
21. How long does it take to make a custom knife?  Loaded question.  I make the knives in my free time (I have a "real" job elsewhere) so please ask me and see if I have the time to make your custom order.  If nothing much is going on then I’ll say a week at the least.  But whatever the date that I tell you, I hold to it.
22. How do you arrive at the price for your knives?  Depending on the blade material I charge $10-$13 per inch plus $30-$35 for the handle.
23. Will you make the handle from an antler that I provide to you?  Yes, but I’ll charge $15 to fashion and attach it to the blade.

FAQ’s about the accessories:

1. Does a sheath come with each knife?  They are sold separately at $30 each. 
2. Do I really need a sheath?  If you use your knife in the field then you really need one.  A sheath will protect it, keep you from losing it, and the knife will be handy when you need it.
3. What size sheath do I need?  I have a number of sizes to choose from.  If I cannot get a good fit with what I have in stock then I’ll custom make one which may add a day or two to the delivery.
4. What’s so special about your sheaths?  Simplicity at it’s best.  One piece of leather with no stitching to come apart. 
5. Do you guarantee your sheaths too?  Yep.
6. Why would I need tassels on my sheath?  Just for looks.  They are a plus for mountain man outfits or knives hung on a wall for decoration.
7. What’s so special about your sheath tassels?  All natural materials just like what the Indians used or had access to.  Nothing plastic, real horsehair.
8. I bought your knife without a sheath and now I want one.  What size do I get?  It’s tricky fitting it without the knife.  I suggest sending me a scan of the knife, or better yet, send me the knife for a better custom fit. 

FAQ’s about payment and shipping:

1. I want to buy a knife.  Now what?  Email and tell me what you want and how you plan to pay for it.  I’ll take it from there.
2. Do you deliver to oversea destinations?  No, unless it’s an APO address to our military.
3. What about Canadian orders?  I love to take Canadian orders.  They are mailed no differently than in the US.
4. Do you take credit cards?  No, but transactions made in person can be made with a card.
5. What are your preferred methods of payment?  PayPal and postal money orders.
6. Do you take personal checks?  Yes, but if your bank does not have a branch in my neighborhood you’ll have to wait for the check to clear before you order is mailed. 
7. What method of delivery do you use?  USPS first class or Priority Mail.
8. When would I expect it to be delivered?  Usually the next day after payment has arrived or cleared the bank.
9. Can you mail it to someone else and not to me?  Yep.
10. How big a package should I expect?  Normally a medium size Priority Mail package.
11. Can I have more than one knife included on the same shipping costs?  Yep.
12. Will you hold an order for me before payment arrives?  Yep.
13. Do you get postal insurance on knives being shipped?  Only if you want it and pay for it. 
14. What if it doesn’t arrive?  Although this has never happened to me, I can’t guarantee the postal delivery and will send you the postal receipt to prove it was sent. 
15. What if it breaks during shipment?  I’ll refund or replace.
16. Can I pick up my order to avoid the shipping costs?  No problem. 

Other FAQ’s:

1. How long have you been doing this?  I began to learn in 2001.
2. Will you teach me flint knapping?  Yes, for free.  I do this to create a core group in my area, so please don’t use my time to satisfy a passing whim.  If you live in my zip code (77379) and sincerely want to learn I’ll gladly teach you.  Otherwise, your best bet is to seek a knap-in for superb teaching from many willing individuals.  KNAPIN LINK
3. I don’t want to purchase online.  Can I come over to get one?  Sure, I live in Spring, Texas, which is just north of Houston.  Contact me by email first and I'll give you more contact info.  knivesofflint@yahoo.com