Chaves Knives

Overview

Chaves Knives is a knife brand founded by US knifemaker Ramon Chaves, producing folding knives known for rugged construction, ergonomic designs, and high-quality materials like M390 steel and titanium frames. It transitioned from custom knifemaking to production models manufactured in partnership with Reate Knives, targeting collectors and everyday users. The brand features distinct labels—Red, Blue, and Black—catering to different performance and style preferences.

History

Ramon Chaves began custom knifemaking in 2010 in New Mexico, starting with hand-ground fixed blades in Belen and Albuquerque. In 2013, inspired by Blade Show, he prototyped the Redencion folder, launched orders in October after buzz from a USN Gathering event, marking the shift to a production brand. Partnered with Reate Knives for the Ultramar production line, later rebranded to Chaves Knives with Red, Blue, and Black Labels; relocated headquarters to Pleasant Grove, Utah.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Production knives are manufactured by Reate Knives in China using high-grade materials and strict quality standards to minimize issues like blade play or lock stick. Ramon Chaves designs all models from his base in the United States. Custom knives were previously handmade by Chaves in the US.

Notable Products

• Redencion - Iconic first production folder with ergonomic handle and reliable flipper action.
• T.A.K. (Tiny Ass Knife) - Compact flipper knife popular for everyday carry.
• Sangre - Rugged folder featuring stonewashed titanium and M390 blade.
• Liberation - Performance-oriented model with overbuilt construction.
• Scapegoat - Ergonomic design emphasizing durability and grip.

Reputation

Chaves Knives is respected in the knife community for robust build quality, smooth actions, and value in production models derived from custom designs. Enthusiasts praise the ergonomic handles, premium steels, and reliability for hard use, with the Redencion as a benchmark folder. Some note higher prices compared to other Chinese-made knives, though quality consistency is rarely criticized.