We were lucky to catch up with Alfonso Cavazos recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Alfonso thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

In the 40’s my great grandfather was a knife maker. He would make utility style knives from the saw blades from textile factory in our hometown in Mexico. Years later, in 1990, I started making knives as a hobby. I would make them and give them out as gifts to friends and family never really thinking it could be more than that. It wasnt until 2018 when my wife and two daughters gave me the push I needed to start selling my work. I am mostly self taught, but I wanted to expand my knowledge in knife making. I had the opportunity in meeting Cowboy from Forge in Fire. He taught me how to forge blades in his shop in Bellville, Tx. When I returned to Houston I created my own gas forge. I enjoy collaborting with my clients and sketching their ideas and then bringing it to life. Being able to talk to each person and knowing the intended use for their knife allows me the opportunity to explain the materials that will be used in their knife. Every knife I have made is unique and geared towards my clients interest. My wife and two daughters are my support, accounting, HR, customer relations and marketing for my buisness. They made sure I added that in.

Alfonso, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am originally from Monterrey, Mexico. I came to the United States in 1982. I began making knives as a hobby in 1990, but didnt start selling them until 2018. I create hunting knives, bbq knives, kitchen knives, filet knives, and hand forged keychains, as well as hand forged blades upon request. All my leather sheaths are hand stiched. My handles are made from various woods and horns that I collect from my hunting trips in Texas. The carvings in my handles are all hand carved by me. I value well made products and I am happy that I can create custom pieces for each of my customers. I enjoy collaborting with my clients and sketching their ideas and then bringing it to life. Being able to talk to each person and knowing the intended use for their knife allows me the opportunity to explain the materials that will be used in their knife. I explain the appropriate care instructions for the life of the knife to all m clients. I have also had clients that have sent me old blades that have been in their family and I created new handles for them to enjoy longer. This one man sent me wood from an old family barn in Oregon and I created knives for him and his children. Another man sent me a set of files that were his fathers, I created a set of knives for him and his son. Being able to create soemthing new out of sentimental items for families is priceless. Every knife I have made is unique and I will continue to make pieces that you cant find anywhere else.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Going to the Hunters Extravaganza and craft shows, have been my most effective strategy for growing my clientele. It gives me the opportunity to speak to new people and tell them more about the products I have in sticks as well as what I can create for them.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Instagram and customer referrals have provided me with a many new clients.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: cavazos_custom_knives