Rich Orton
Orton Knifeworks
3625 Fleming St.
Riverside, CA 92509
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Hello. I am Rich Orton. In the mid 1940's, I was born in Covina, California. That's when gasoline was 20 cents a gallon ... we had no freeways, cell phones or computers.  Well, in the early 50's, Grandpa first placed a fishing knife in my hand and then told me to clean my own fish. Grandma and Elsie cleaned the doves ... And that's why I create so many bird and trout knives today.

I was taught as a child to 'file the line', how to use a cross-cut and how to rip saw with the grain by the finest of the 'Old Timers'. I'll treasure those memories always. That is real handmade history!

Early 90's, I had begun studying and then making knives to compliment the other handmade folk art that I enjoyed creating.  I was now hooked!
 
Along with its giving members, California Knifemakers Association has been my main inspiration and validation.  

I employ the stock removal method.  My choices are ATS34 stainless steel and now CPM154 . Heat treating is done at Buck Knives in Post Falls, Idaho by the country's best, Paul Bos.  My Damascus knives are of Jim Ferguson's Twisted Nickel in a variety of patterns.  My patterns range from boots to bowies and recently I have added 8 new kitchen patterns a small fighter and skinner to the line up. In the late 90's, I constructed many liner lock folders including a limited edition of 26 knives, a small gents folder called Lil' Red for a knife dealer in Oklahoma.
 
Each Orton knife is completely handmade. One at a time. And they come with a certificate of authenticity.

I hope to meet you all at a knife show soon!