Interview for Artisan Cutlery: Diving into the Design of "The Trust"

Hi Theo,

We are absolutely thrilled to feature you and "The Trust" on our upcoming blog! Your design philosophy deeply resonates with our community, and we want to share the story behind this amazing piece.

We’ve put together a few short questions to help our readers understand your journey and why "The Trust" deserves a spot in their pocket. Feel free to answer these as casually and authentically as you'd like—we love real talk!

Q1 From Handling Thousands to Creating Your Own

With your background at BladeHQ, you’ve literally seen, handled, and tested thousands of pocket knives. How did that massive exposure influence the design of "The Trust"? Were there any specific "pain points" in other knives that you were determined to solve with this model?

Throughout my time in this industry, I very quickly realized that designs were mostly done for aesthetics, and not to refine a necessity. Knives are one of the few tools you can carry that allow you to share your personal style and interests with others at just a glance. Similarly to watches, their utility is not truly common in the contemporary world, but to those that enjoy them, they hold a great deal of value.

In terms of pain points, I found it increasingly surprising that there were very few companies willing to embrace the changes that come with using knives as intended. Show pieces and investments absolutely have their place in the industry, however there is a lack of designs that purpose is to change and embrace how those changes look.

Q2 The Art of Balance & "Vanishing" in the Pocket

You mentioned that "The Trust" was designed to be symmetrical when closed, visually balanced when open, and slender enough to vanish in a pocket. At only 2.91oz with a 3.75" CPM-S35VN blade, it’s an absolute powerhouse. How did the combination of Titanium and Aluminum in the handle help you achieve the ultimate EDC sweet spot between durability and lightweight comfort?

I personally like a good balance of weight for any tool I have on me. If it is too light, it feels incapable, but I still wish for it to go unnoticed in my pocket. My knife, pen and keys all live in the same pocket, and if any one of them is cumbersome it makes it a hindrance to my day, and not a benefit. Additionally, something slender and refined is a more welcome sight if used in public or if someone else needs to borrow it.

The Trust - Quick Specs

Q3 The "Personal Relic" Experience

One of the most inspiring things you’ve shared is the idea of a tool evolving into a "unique personal relic" through scratches and patina. Fast forward one year: how do you envision a customer’s connection with "The Trust" changing after a year of hard, daily use?

I am hopeful that customers will feel as though it is something they are excited to carry, and choose to do so regularly. I hope that they look forward to 10, 15, 20 years from now, they still carry it regularly, and are ready to pass it down to the next person. I would love to meet the people who have them, and hear about where those different dings and marks came from, and how they can’t wait to get more.

Q4 The Ultimate Companion in the Wild

It’s called "The Trust" because you can depend on it, and you specifically designed it to inspire curiosity rather than intimidation in public spaces. In your own day-to-day life, what are the top 3 tasks you find yourself reaching for the Wharncliffe blade to conquer?

Working in the marketing space, there is a surprising amount of packages to be opened and boxes to be cut down for disposal. While not a romantic use of it, it’s never an unwelcome companion in the pocket to get menial tasks like that done!

Q5 A Message to the Future Owners

From playing with Legos to getting your first pocket knife at 14, your passion has come full circle. If you could speak directly to an EDC enthusiast who is about to add "The Trust" to their collection right now, what is one hidden detail, subtle design choice, or "Easter egg" you hope they notice the moment they unbox it?

My hope is less that they will notice something, and more that it will inspire them. My inspiration came from the pieces I gravitated towards when I was collecting, and the values I hold as an individual. To be able to pass that along to the next generation of designers would be an honor.

Thank you so much for your time and brilliant design, Theo! We can't wait to share your insights with the community.