X.O. knives: A cut above the rest

MANILA, Philippines - Knives are ordinary but essential fixtures in our kitchens used for a variety of purposes. They are viewed with both caution and reverence, as they can draw blood, even life, from their offenders. However, knives can also be seen as things of awe and splendor, and there are a growing number of collectors in the Philippines who find aesthetic value in them.

With the surging demand, X.O. Knives (http://xoknives.wordpress.com) has opened a shop in Quezon City to cater to Filipinos who collect and appreciate high-quality knives and use these not only as useful implements in the kitchen but view them as works of art. Now, X.O. Knives is offering a wide array of custom-made, semi-custom knives, factory-made knives, Kydex sheaths for knives and more. Since September last year, X.O. Knives has literally “carved” a reputation in the niche group of knife enthusiasts.

X.O. Knives is also the exclusive seller of custom-made knives made by some of the world’s renowned knife makers like Warren Thomas, P.M. Parris, Mark Terrell, Pat and Wes Crawford. The works of these artists, with their own unique styles and techniques in knife artisanship, are prized not only for the materials they use but also for the uniqueness of each knife they make. For example, P.M. Parris makes knives with handles made of real mammoth tooth (this 15,000 to 20,000-year-old fossil can be legally used as a material for crafts) and he only makes 12 knives a year. Mr. Parris has personally chosen X.O. Knives to sell more of his knives here in the Philippines.

Warren Thomas is one of the first knife makers who innovated modern knife making through the use of materials like carbon fiber, titanium and titanium carbide. Legendary Pat Crawford is a pioneer in the combat folding knives genre, having started in 1972, and this tradition is now continued by his son Wes and grandson Cody. These are just some of the venerable names that are now being sold exclusively through X. O. Knives.

These handcrafted knives are considered works of art, and they are bought not just for their beauty and craftsmanship, but also as investment. The price considerably goes up in time.

Aside from custom-made knives, X.O. Knives also sells tactical knives, which are the more popular items being sold in the store. It carries popular brands of fixed blades and folder knives like Spyderco, Zero Tolerance, Kershaw, Ontario, Boker, Cold Steel, Bradley, CRKT, TOPS, Fällkniven and many others. Some of these have sharp, fully serrated edges, others are military-grade and there made of high-quality steel where the knife edge does not dull. Tactical knives are generally used as everyday-carry knives or for self-defense.

X.O. Knives also offers semi-custom knives, which are factory-made modified to suit the buyer’s needs and design. They are hand-filed, re-sharpened or cut according to a specific function, such as quick deployment. These knives are a practical but stylish alternative to the more expensive custom-made knives, but are functional and dependable just the same.

What makes it interesting is that more and more women and young professionals are also getting interested not only with knives, but also some of the items being carried by X.O. Knives. Some of these include the popular tactical pens and credit card knives. Tactical pens are machine aircraft-grade aluminum writing instruments that can be used as a weapon for personal defense against muggers or attackers. Credit card knives are made of lightweight titanium alloy and can be conveniently kept in one’s wallet. It provides a sharp edge for emergency cases, where one can protect oneself from a possible assault or occasional use.

X.O. Knives is proud of its reputation of carrying good quality and original merchandise. And with the growing base of customers in the Philippines who discover and appreciate that the knife is an object of extraordinary and priceless beauty, X.O. Knives is truly a cut above the rest.

X.O. Knives is located at 86 Maria Clara St., corner Banawe St., Quezon City. It is at the second level of Old Chinatown Kopitiam. The shop is by appointment only. For more information, SMS 0917-7329888 or e-mail xoknives@gmail.com.