About Doc Mott Knives
At my workshop on the serene and picturesque island of Molokai, Hawaii, I’m deeply passionate about the art of creating custom knives. The craft is more than just a profession; it's a dedication to preserving the tradition of fine knife-making, infused with the spirit and natural beauty of our island home.
Each knife I produce is a unique masterpiece, crafted with commitment to detail and precision. I source only the highest quality materials, ensuring that every knife is not only a functional tool but also a work of art. From the choice of premium steels for the blades to the selection of local, sustainable woods and other natural elements for the handles, every component is carefully considered and skillfully assembled.
For the avid hunter seeking a reliable and expertly crafted companion, my custom knives offer unparalleled performance, durability, and a connection to the land from which they are born.
My bespoke knives are a reflection of Molokai's rugged beauty and timeless traditions. I take pride in crafting one-of-a-kind knives that are as unique as the individuals who use them, making each piece a personal heirloom to be cherished for generations.
Skinner
Drop Point
A Skinner is specifically designed for skinning game and other animals. Its design focuses on efficiently removing the hide or skin without damaging the meat. Here are some key features and purposes of a skinner knife:
Curved Blade: The blade of a skinner knife typically has a pronounced curve, which helps to separate the skin from the meat more effectively. This curved shape allows for smooth, controlled cuts along the contour of the animal.
Sharp Edge: Skinner knives are designed with a very sharp edge to make clean cuts and reduce the effort required to separate the skin. The sharpness helps to minimize the risk of tearing the skin or damaging the meat underneath.
Pointed Tip: Many skinner knives have a pointed tip to facilitate precise cuts around joints and other areas where skinning requires more control. The tip can also be useful for puncturing and starting the skinning process.
Specialized Use: While skinner knives are optimized for skinning game, they are not as versatile for other tasks. They excel in their intended role but might not be the best choice for general-purpose cutting.
Overall, a skinner knife is an essential tool for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who need to process game efficiently. Its design is tailored to make the skinning process smoother and more precise.
The Drop Point Knife is designed with a blade that features a convex curve along the spine, which drops down to meet the edge. This design has several key purposes and advantages:
Versatility: The drop point blade is incredibly versatile and can handle a wide range of tasks. It's often used for everything from slicing and chopping to detailed work.
Strength and Durability: The curve of the drop point blade helps to distribute the force evenly along the blade, which can make it more durable and less prone to breakage or chipping, especially when used for heavy-duty tasks.
Controlled Cutting: The drop point design provides a strong tip that is still very functional for precision tasks. The lowered point makes it easier to perform controlled cuts, which is useful for tasks like carving or detailed work.
Stabbing and Puncturing: Although not as sharp as a spear point blade, the drop point still provides a good balance of tip strength and control, making it suitable for puncturing tasks.
Drop point knives are a great choice if you need a reliable all-around knife with a blend of strength and slicing capability.
Butcher Knife
The Butcher Knife is a large, heavy knife used primarily for butchering meat. Its main features include a wide, sharp blade designed to cut through bone and muscle, and a sturdy handle for a firm grip. The blade is usually curved to help with chopping and slicing tasks.
Latest Projects
Contact Me
For inquiries or to place an order, please reach out to me. I would like to hear from you!
Call or Text 808-429-4582
docmotts@gmail.com
Care of Carbon Steel Knives
Part I: Rules to Remember
Taking good care of a high carbon steel knife is rather easy. Just keep the idea in mind that rust is the enemy. To that end, there are a few simple rules to follow:
1) Acids are Bad
The acids in the foods we eat react with the steel and if left on the blade will etch the surface and cause rusting. This is very true of the cutting edge. After cutting acidic foods like onions or citrus, the blade should be rinsed and dried to extend the life of the cutting edge.
2) Moisture Equals Rust
Even the smallest amount of moisture in the air is enough to cause rust to form on the blade. To prevent this, oil or wax should be applied to the blade and any fittings every two to three weeks of use, and the knife should be cleaned and dried after each use.
3) Dishwashers are NOT for Knives
The high heat and steam in a dishwasher will ruin wooden handles very quickly. The high heat can also destroy the heat treat of the blade ruining it also.
4) Drastic Changes in Temperature and Humidity Can Lead to Problems
This can cause a host of problems. For instance, if your knife is stored over dry air and elevated temperature the wooden handles can shrink and crack. At the other extreme of too much moisture such as storing a knife in the sink you will deal with condensation. This can lead to rust and in extreme cases will cause mildew or rotting of the organic portions of the handle.
Part II: Feeding
Your knife should be fed a steady diet of oil or wax. Just about any oil will work – from clove oil to olive oil, and there are even some oils on the market specifically designed for knives. We recommend canola or corn oil over olive oil as olive oil can go rancid over time, but any food safe oil or wax will work. Oil or wax the blade and handle whenever the knife will not be used for more than a day or two.
Part III: Care
To apply oils or wax to the knife, wipe the blade with a soft cloth being sure it is totally dry. Next, apply the product to the blade and use a corner of the cloth to spread an even coat over the whole blade adding more product as needed. Once the blade is coated, all metal fittings and wood should also be coated. The whole blade should then be wiped with a clean, soft dry cloth to remove the excess oil or wax.
Part IV: So You Messed Up… What Now?
Keep calm, all is not lost. For light surface rust, scrub with fine steel or plastic wool and oil the blade. This should remove the rust. For the best appearance, scrub length wise with the grain of the metal. For larger rust spots you can use a product called Noxon 7. This product will eat the rust or patina away and leave a silver or gray surface. Just reapply the wax or oil and all is well. If, however, the rust has caused pitting, the blade will need a bit more work and should be 1) lived with, or 2) returned for re-polishing.
The Axis deer problem on Moloka'i is an ecological issue related to the population of Axis deer (Axis axis) on the island of Moloka'i in Hawaii. These deer were introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in the early 1960s, and their population has grown significantly over the decades. Here are some key points about the issue:
Overpopulation: The Axis deer population on Moloka'i has become overabundant. Without natural predators or significant management, their numbers can increase rapidly, leading to several ecological problems.
Impact on Native Vegetation: Axis deer are herbivores that graze on a variety of plant species. Their feeding habits have led to significant damage to native vegetation, disrupting local ecosystems and potentially leading to the decline of native plant species.
Effect on Agriculture: The deer also pose a problem for local agriculture. They can damage crops and pastures, affecting local farming operations and leading to economic losses for farmers.
Management Challenges: Managing the Axis deer population is challenging. Efforts to control their numbers can include hunting and trapping, but these methods need to be carefully managed to ensure they are effective and humane.
Environmental and Ecological Impact: The presence of a large, non-native deer population can alter soil composition, water flow, and the overall health of ecosystems. These changes can have cascading effects on other wildlife and plant species.
Efforts to address the Axis deer problem often involve a combination of strategies, including population control through hunting and management plans aimed at protecting native ecosystems and agricultural interests.it