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1881 Knife Works: American Made, functional, and uncompromising
1881 Knife Works is Medford's answer to the question: “Why can't you produce an affordable, American-made knife?” The answer: “We can... to a certain extent.” Medford doesn't go all-in on budget, but seeks that sweet spot between price and quality. The blades and all crucial parts are manufactured in-house at the company's American factory, while other components, such as the G10 handles, are sourced from Europe and Asia. The result? Top quality, but at a more affordable price than the well-known Medford knives.
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Why 1881 Knife Works?
1881 Knife Works stands for functional knives with professional specifications, intended for everyday use. These are not display knives, but reliable tools for people who actually use their knives. The design philosophy is straightforward: strong steel grades, correct heat treatment, well-thought-out geometry, and solid construction. The knives are strictly controlled and benefit from the same quality standards that have made Medford an established name in the high-end segment. 1881 Knife Works works exclusively with high-quality steel grades and reliable suppliers. The steel for many models comes from Niagara Specialty Metals in New York. For fixed blades, steel from Germany is also used, thanks to a long-standing partnership with KA-BAR. Core components such as steel, titanium, and crucial parts are manufactured entirely in the US. This is a conscious decision: maximum quality where it matters, and cost savings on less critical, labor-intensive components. This keeps the price-quality ratio attractive without compromising on performance.
1881 Knife Works series
1881 Knife Works Route 66
The Route 66 is one of the most versatile EDC models from 1881 Knife Works. The knife is equipped with a backlock mechanism and a 3.8 mm thick blade made of CPM S45VN stainless steel, which is known for its excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Such features are usually only found in significantly more expensive knives. The blade has a stonewashed finish that reduces reflections and camouflages signs of wear. Thanks to the thickness of the blade and the reliable backlock, the Route 66 is suitable for EDC work, outdoor tasks, and serious cutting work. The textured G10 handles provide extra grip and control. The reversible titanium pocket clip makes the knife suitable for both left- and right-handed tip-up carry. Route 66 embodies exactly what 1881 Knife Works stands for: high-performance materials, American craftsmanship, and a fair price.
History of 1881 Knife Works
1881 Knife Works was founded by Greg Medford, the founder of Medford Knife & Tool, with the aim of making Medford quality accessible to a wider audience. Although the 1881 Knife Works knives are in a lower price range than the Medford line, the same heat treatment protocols, sharpening standards, and quality controls are applied. The brand is based in Phoenix, Arizona, where production takes place in the so-called “Shactory”: a combination of modern factory and traditional workshop. Here, the same craftsmen work on both premium Medford knives and 1881 models, with each knife receiving the same attention. With this, 1881 Knife Works focuses on users who are looking for American quality and craftsmanship without paying collector prices.
