Custom Cutlery, Inc. was born from the dreams of two people, Jim Plowman and Mike Harford.

As childhood friends they grew up together in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  In 1980 Jim moved away to a small town named Marengo in Iowa and finished high school there while Mike finished his schooling in Cedar Rapids.

During Mike's final 2 years in high school 1982 & '83, He started to work for a  small knife manufacturing company called "A. J. Harris and Sons" later know as "Harris Knife Co. Inc." and finally known as "Matson Knife Co.".  Jim also started working there in 1984 after graduating high school.

At this knife company, both learned the fine art of making hand forged knives in the traditions of the company that was founded by a blacksmith named A. J. Harris in 1874.  Learning the full spectrum of the craft of knife making from basic metallurgy to the fine art of forging and grinding the blades, then finishing the handles by hand.

Unfortunately the company relied heavily on knives sold to meat processing plants and was not able to continue to stay in business. From 1986 through 1990 it went through 3 changes of ownership and finally closed permanently in 1990.

Fortunately by 1985 Mike and Jim had already set up a hobby shop, along with their normal duties at work, they were experimenting with new designs and materials in knife making. Also they did some knife finish work that the owners of the knife company they worked for had no interest in.

After the closing and selling off of the equipment, of then, Matson Knife Co. -  they both worked at other jobs while continuing to make knives in their spare time from 1990 to 1993.

Year after year the hobby continued to grow from a 8' X 12' shed in the back yard, to a small garage at Jim's home, then to a larger shop at Mike's home, and now where it is today in a 44' X 48' commercial building with  several employees.

Currently, Custom Cutlery, Inc. makes knives using stock removal methods, producing knives in several fields, the products include:  A sporting line with hunting, fishing and camping knives and a kitchen line with  chef's, ulu, carving, slicing,  paring and steak knives.

The customer loyalty, excellent quality and value has given Custom Cutlery, Inc. more growth than could  ever be expected from a small town knife shop that started in a small shed with one grinder and a dream back in 1985.

We plan to carry on the traditions of our teachings in the art of knife making and freely share our skills and knowledge with others that are interested in the craft.

Thank You for your interest and support.