About KKustom Knife and Tool:
Kurt Kaunzinger, the Maker:
Creativity, Craftsmanship, Attention to Detail. Instilled into me by my parents. I’ve taken these qualities further through the years, and have forged them into my own unique meld. The intricacies of this are what define my approach, my style, and the energy that I put into my work. It is the driving force of KKustom Knife and Tool, and it is what makes my products so unique.
Meticulously Designed
When I design, I want everything to be defined. My lines and angles are purposeful. My proportions and spacing is mathematical. Each design-decision is built upon previous decision, with everything following structure and having reason. My designs are original, purpose-driven and thoroughly engineered. This is how I develop my products, and I am passionate about it.
Meticulously Made
When I build, I want all processes to be controlled. All of my build operations are very methodical and well documented. I continually push for the highest of workmanship standards in every machining step that I perform, whether they be CNC, manual machining, or hand-working operations. When my pieces are finally finished, it gives me great satisfaction to see the best work that I can do, and to also know that everything under the surface and down to the core has also been done right. No shortcuts. Working in this way enables me to make tools that are reliably rugged and precisely constructed. In our modern world of next day delivery, imagine what it would be like to own a tool that is not intended to ever be replaced. This is how I build my custom pieces, and I am passionate about it.
…in the USA
The KKustom shop is located in Northern California. I perform most of my outdoors testing in the boreal forests of Northern Minnesota. The specialty knife steels that I use are also made in the USA, or some in Germany. I source all of my handle materials, fasteners, paracord, etc. from USA manufacturers, whenever possible. ‘Made in the USA’ is a part of what I stand for, and I am proud of it.
My Purpose
It is my mission to create and individually craft highly functional tools that can be used and cherished with a ‘pride of ownership’ for the long term. The energy that I put into what I do comes from the heart and soul. I’m not in it to make a quick buck, but instead, for the passion, challenge, and growth that this profession gives back to me.
My Customers
My best customers and I have a lot in common. We are conscious of things that go beyond the norm. We push to make life more of a journey and less of the ordinary. We can appreciate an elevated difference to own tools and equipment that give us further inspiration with each use.
Thanks for reading about KKustom Knife and Tool and the driving force behind the brand.
-Kurt Kaunzinger