Louis Martin Custom Knives
Handmade Folding Knives
A folding knife has a blade that pivots into the handle for safe carry and compact storage. Louis Martin folding knives are handcrafted with Damascus or high-carbon steel blades, and the handle and fittings vary from piece to piece.
Quick Answer
A folding knife has a blade that pivots into the handle for safe carry and compact storage. Louis Martin folding knives are handcrafted with Damascus or high-carbon steel blades, and the handle and fittings vary from piece to piece.
A premium folding knife is the most personal tool a person carries. At Louis Martin, we craft folding knives that balance precision engineering with traditional handwork — every blade is hand-ground, every handle is hand-fitted, and every blade is tuned for a smooth, solid action.
Characteristics & Construction
These notes describe folding knives in general. Lot pieces are picked from stock, so features such as blade length, handle material and construction vary piece to piece.
Lock and Action
How the blade is held open varies from piece to piece, so check each folder when it arrives: open and close it a few times and make sure the blade sits firm with no play before you put it to work.
Blade Steels
Folding knife lots come in Damascus (pattern-welded high-carbon steel), D2 semi-stainless tool steel, or an assorted mix. Damascus folders combine stunning visual appeal with outstanding edge retention.
Handle Scales
Handle scales vary from piece to piece in material and color, so no two folders in a lot look alike.
Blade Profiles
Blade profiles vary from piece to piece and can include clip-point, drop-point, tanto, and sheepsfoot shapes. Clip-point and drop-point folders are versatile enough for everyday tasks and refined enough for collectors.
In Stock In-Stock Lot
Folding Knives: 10-Piece Lot
A hand-picked lot of 10 folding knife pieces from stock. No two are alike, and features vary piece to piece. Every knife ships with a sheath. Choose your steel below.
Assorted is a mixed lot of folding knives, no two the same. 10% off all lots for a limited time. Free US shipping. 60-day returns. See our shipping and return policies.
Also on our eBay store (97.7% positive across 57,600+ ratings) and in our daily live Whatnot auctions (4.8★, 12,200+ reviews), at in-person shows, and for wholesale volume. Carry rules vary: see knife laws by state.
Care & Maintenance
Full care guide →- 1
Clean the pivot and lock
Use a toothpick or soft brush to remove debris from the pivot area and locking mechanism. Grit in the pivot accelerates wear and causes the blade to become loose over time.
- 2
Lubricate the pivot
Apply a single drop of knife oil or light machine oil to the pivot pin. Open and close the blade several times to work the oil in. Wipe off excess.
- 3
Clean the blade
Wipe the blade with a dry cloth after each use. For Damascus and high-carbon blades, follow with a light coat of mineral oil to prevent oxidation.
- 4
Check lockup regularly
Periodically test blade lockup by gripping the spine and attempting to fold the blade while locked. Any movement indicates the lock needs adjustment or the knife needs professional service.
- 5
Store open occasionally
If storing long-term, leave the blade slightly open to prevent the handle scales from pressing against the blade edge and dulling it.
Folding Knives: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal blade length for a folding knife?
What is the difference between a liner lock and a frame lock?
Are Damascus folding knives practical for everyday carry?
How do I sharpen a folding knife?
What makes a good EDC folding knife?
Do Louis Martin folding knives have pocket clips?
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One of a kind
Each piece is the only one we made. Sold once, gone for good.
Hand-forged since 1993
Forged, ground, and finished at our own facility.
Warranty in the box
Every knife ships with our warranty card.
Free US shipping
Dispatched within 3 business days.
What Live Buyers Say
"These guys are legendary and their blades are sick!"
"Outstanding quality and Craftsmanship, incredible customer care, and fast shipping. I will be returning to shop again."
"Love the product, great prices, and very fast shipping. Had an issue with my order and they were willing to fix it immediately. thank you, A++ seller"
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