FABLADES

The Eric Ochs Sherworx Chute is a premium specimen of Pacific Northwest custom knifemaking, representing Ochs’ transition from an avid outdoorsman to a master of “functional elegance.” This specific build, dated January 2014, is a “Full Dress” version of the Chute, a model designed to balance the robust characteristics of a field knife with the sophisticated finishes of a boutique custom.

Elite Metallurgy and Material Synergy

• S110V Hand-Rubbed Blade: This knife utilizes CPM S110V, a “super-steel” that stands at the pinnacle of edge retention and corrosion resistance. It features more vanadium and niobium than S90V, making it exceptionally hard to wear down. The hand-rubbed satin finish is a labor-intensive touch that highlights the clean, sleek lines of the blade.

• Crowned Spine: A hallmark of high-end custom work, the crowned spine means the top edge of the blade has been rounded and polished. This not only adds a refined visual aesthetic but also makes the knife much more comfortable when applying thumb pressure for controlled cuts.

• Mokuti & Timascus: The bolsters and pocket clip are crafted from Mokuti/Timascus (Titanium Damascus). These exotic laminates are heat-anodized to reveal vibrant, swirling patterns of blue, purple, and gold, ensuring that this specific 1/2014 build is a unique one-of-one.

Intricate Layered Construction

• Uni-directional Carbon Fiber: The scales provide a high-tech, lightweight handle that offers a “shimmer” effect, contrasting with the vibrant Mokuti bolsters.

• Tiered Anodization: The titanium liners are finished in a bronze anodization. This theme is carried into the three-piece backspacer, which features a complex layered anodization of bronze and purple, providing a hidden detail along the knife’s spine.

• Hidden Pivot: The design utilizes Mokuti bolsters that cleverly hide the pivot hardware, creating a seamless “show-side” appearance that emphasizes the flow of the materials.

Technical Specifications

• Blade Length: 4.25″

• Overall Length: 9.625″

• Action: Runs on a precision bearing system, providing the smooth, “glassy” deployment Eric Ochs is famous for.

• Condition: New from maker, including the original pouch and the rare “OCHS 1/2014” internal etching that confirms its provenance.

About the Maker

Eric Ochs, based in Oregon, is a largely self-taught maker who turned full-time in 2011. His designs are heavily influenced by the rugged terrain of the Pacific Northwest, focusing on ergonomically superior handles—his philosophy is that “if you can’t hold on to a knife, you can’t cut very well.” His custom work is highly limited as he no longer accepts new orders, making “New from Maker” pieces like this Chute significant collector acquisitions.