Like other handcrafted knives, LT Wright Knives are in no way cheap. But despite the (relatively) high prices when compared to the mass-produced outputs from big brands like Buck, Gerber and ESEE, LT Wright Knives exhibit quality that upholds a higher level of performance and sets them apart, justifying the higher prices. This short post will investigate some of the areas in which this is the case.
Behind the Quality of LT Wright Knives
With an LT Wright Knife, it ultimately all comes down to quality. All of the company’s knives are made with high-quality steels and handle scale materials. Only a small snapshot into their catalog will reveal the use of high-end tool steels like AEB-L, O1 and A2, along with quality scale materials such as Micarta and Richlite, which offer solid traction even under adverse conditions, and which need effectively no maintenance ever.
Quality materials aside, LT Wright Knives are handmade; entirely handmade, in small batches, and individually heat-treated as well. As you may know, all quality forged items (which includes knives and other tools) are still made by hand because of the level of control necessary to ensure a quality finished product.
Perhaps more importantly is the fact that they are meticulously heat-treated as well. A knife’s heat treatment is the key to its hardness and temper; that is, how fast the edge will wear, and how strong the stock of the blade actually is. Too soft and it will bend, too hard or too inconsistent, and it will snap or chip. LT Wright Knives are individually heat-treated and then inspected to uphold the perfect balance, something that is very, very difficult to achieve with mass production knives (although it is theoretically possible).
These two facts alone justify the price and prestige of LT Wright Knives, but let us also consider that their pricing is very fair; some custom knives and other handmade knives cost several times more than these. If anything they are quite fairly priced.
The company also offers a broad catalog; naturally, they specialize in bushcraft and camp knives, but LT Wright also produces kitchen knives, hunting knives, EDC knives, and a bunch of accessories like sheaths.
At the end of the day, this company is one of the few from which you can still get down-to-earth quality, top-tier materials and unparalleled craftsmanship as evidenced through their product catalog at a price that won’t break most banks. And, at the end of the day, you’ll be the proud owner of a model that, being handmade, is truly one of a kind.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, LT Wright Knives earn their reputation due to unapologetic use of high-end steels and scale materials paired with rigid adherence to a “completely made by hand aesthetic.” Does that mean there aren’t solid mass production knives out there from other, bigger brands?
No. But it does mean that if you are looking for a high-quality handmade knife to change up your collection (or upgrade your carry options) this is one of your better choices. Check out The Knife Connection to get more familiar with some of what LT Wright produces and contact their customer service team if you have questions before you buy.
