Jeff Cook had spent a great deal of time looking for exactly the right blade material, before finding dendritic cobalt. Not a steel, dendritic cobalt is a metallic alloy composed of primarily cobalt and chrome, and each blade is cast to shape at a local foundry just ten miles from Jeff’s shop. Having used knives professionally for over 30 years, the benefits of dendritic cobalt were obvious to Jeff. The non-corrosive alloy could take a great edge, and hold it longer than other metals. Dentritic cobalt also cuts more aggressively than other blade materials, due to the fern-like crystals in the metal that form micro-serrations. After so many years, Jeff has also learned that a knife must balance perfectly in the hand, and how you grip a knife dictates the balance point. A majority of the knives he builds balance at the bolster, or where the blade meets the handle. A forward grip, with part of your hand on the blade, changes that balance point. Just as a rear grip, with your hand on handle, would also change it. Knives that cut leather have a totally different edge geometry than a kitchen knife, and blades for chopping are heavier than fine slicing. "Building a knife that performs for a specific task is my specialty." -- Jeff Cook Like function, form is also very important. Handles are somewhat dictated by blade weight, and again balance, but personal preference also plays a big part. The custom approach, and how you want the knife to look, is what J. Cook Blades is all about. Standards for handles include stabilized reclaimed Belizean rosewood and zircote. Canvas micarta is an excellent hard use material that's impervious to water and abuse. Jeff also has a number of exotics available. Standard rings or spacers include brass, malachite, turquoise, antler, water buffalo, mastodon ivory, mokame, gold and silver. Again, it's all about creating the right tool for you, so feel free to look this Web site over for examples, and then contact Jeff Cook to let him know exactly what kind of blade you need. Kitchen Knives. Kitchen knives that are perfectly balanced, have extraordinary performance, a pleasing aesthetics, and cannot stain or rust. Made to order in a variety of styles, and always with a focus on your specific needs. To see kitchen knives go >> here. Leather Knives. Made for a specific use, and for specific users, each leather knife is made by hand in Jeff Cook's shop.   The dendritic cobalt blades cannot oxidize, come razor sharp, and will hold their edge for years to come. To see leather knives go >> here.