Making the Task Knife
The task knife comes to life via a combination of in-house and out-of-house manufacturing—by working with talented local vendors, as well as leveraging our own manufacturing strengths, we tightly control the process and outcome, to deliver a high-quality product you can’t find anywhere else.
The Solid Metal Knife
The task knife starts out as a 3/8" inch thick billet of metal—first, the geometries of one side are machined away, then the knife is flipped and the symmetrical face is machined as well. We work with local machinists in the Portland area in order to guarantee the highest quality and to work in smaller, leaner batch sizes.
![Exploded view illustration showing the pieces that make up the pen.](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-black-galB-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=37fec025830400eb30326281bb457371 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-black-galB-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=20d88dd8d138770e76ce1a6b712d37c2 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-black-galB-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=a2d8ca2dea0a846bf4b38d4f8d82da09 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-black-galB-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=edc0d2f5e4a21dee1dda4dfb9d96da51 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-black-galB-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=ce88907816e176b52ed6efd1b4556e74 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-black-galB-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=1f8867362a912e0c93a98700dddad8c6 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-black-galB-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=783c7867dbb8aeeb25e79c7a47d3ad05 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-black-galB-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=33ca287988fd8613f9b121c958d4817b 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-black-galB-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=62eb9de2b58d6d6e1fad83493838b225 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-black-galB-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=ba69d43135bd47c0655aa6d5c5473919 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-black-galB-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=18fde759fb7cf7519f3a586d8cad681e 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-black-galB-F2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=7cc1e28ee1e27317a44c258809cb3335 3000w)
Machining metals is no easy task, especially with the sculptural forms we designed in the task knife. To create the sweeping geometry of the blade, we had to use non-traditional knife making methods, which is why the curving blade looks so unique. Once the knife is machined, it comes back to our shop for rigorous quality control.
![Exploded view illustration showing the pieces that make up the pen.](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=143b16085abbd3abab7b45f7a2cce3ec 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=46860de30a672a9c112d11964464bad9 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=a343591fc66fa91538d736718b3d95d2 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=9d49036b495711e97bd31bbc44d82d29 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=48ba2fedb2bf1015fbd7050fd0521bf5 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=97f9571af1620dc3cbd1d4d1c7f963a3 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=504af9a7547507ad1a771e409ca334e8 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=f66dd3883d421b1f58ec318b5179fd0f 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=f3a606dbdadd088461488fa0671547ff 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=07ddf7273ed78870607fd08587925355 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=cbf90503f36c876a251e015b572d83fb 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=3e3a3090120b0bc4c325c8db8771ec7b 3000w)
With the brass and stainless steel version, the finish quality has to be excellent—generally, machined metals are post-machine treated, via tumbling or bead blasting, to create a uniform surface appearance. Because we've designed our task knife to show off the raw machined marks, we have an incredibly stringent quality checklist—basically, nothing gets covered up. The black knives are sent to a local vendor to get coated in a durable ceramic coating found in high-end firearms.
![Detail of the fine machining marks on the brass task knife.](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-brass-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=d8d80cb96664de18533e00e8b2abfdaa 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-brass-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=d4a5e6e5ec62865de86510ad31c6ab26 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-brass-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=037ac3d2f9ff1519ed7b3ac9a6fe7c8f 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-brass-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=93f974f5dcb6bd21430892cc2c558e67 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-brass-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=18e508d9865e6f8f5cef969a8a329cb1 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-brass-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=0d4a648f6533a2b70005c9f0cd5fd53c 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-brass-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=bb2978b3d78dbb609612633b4b2df199 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-brass-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=03e885c13da6f7c102fe524ccb0839fc 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-brass-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=570d5bf13f718728d92df3d36f33b154 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-brass-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=18cfdca0a0dea480378bf4328076bffd 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-brass-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=5fe430e762e9968ccd6753cb2dc8c779 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ftask-knife-brass-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=86e64a4e0d06494898ee40eed9f1a56e 3000w)
The task knife is designed for very light duty, so the blade geometries require minimal upkeep—used as intended, the blade shouldn't have to be sharpened for a long, long time. Our minimalist knife uses high performance 440C blade steel, if that suits your needs better.
The Hardwood Stand
To complement the all-metal knife, we designed a subtle, sculptural stand in walnut or maple. The stand is manufactured almost entirely in our shop. It starts at the CNC mill, where the complex curves and overall shape are cut from the wood.
The wood is glued to the aluminum base plate. Then, off for a combination of belt and hand sanding, to soften the edges and smooth the surface, and bring the metal and the wood perfectly flush.
Finally, hand applied oil and wax finish goes on, to preserve and make the grain pop.
![Exploded view illustration showing the pieces that make up the pen.](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=136a92057ccea349675dfaf8fa1c7dd6 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=7b140af906e80f3b06a90982b0b4a34b 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=adf0b534ab8677d5030681d57e632808 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=5ed0270802986b3449b9596afbcbae38 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=f4d42e2b2ddde64fe48c0635c9d0aaec 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=e0a437b2888a5da28bfd9bbfba58c0a7 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=055defc474190977fb372c323cb546ce 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=e59818f3c2d7f5180f5dcf943746f63e 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=ff05a246159043c4d6e9d0718e2f8dc8 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=e55d3722f46a766b032a5d6fcaa2031f 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=375880dbb2f754349c53a39f0fc4fed9 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=60e3b3611adff37bec8930eb9b16ba8b 3000w)
The final step of assembly for the brass knives is a hand-polish, to make them shine. The brass will patina beautifully over time, as you use it.
![Exploded view illustration showing the pieces that make up the pen.](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=7cebf8a6fa98dcf1ca49523967a64de2 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=6401ccb68401c593e290ca860a71eeb2 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=8974b259d60c67bd97638b719959e66a 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=293bbe86a314c84c0aff5613e9602e66 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=0990fd547297ed09efcc406e05663d72 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=bad6a74da57496f69531e60d1b39debc 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=3666a8954ac83e1c17b7e065e8174521 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=b3b03c23d63292ddbdaf3d0a737617e5 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=3d25f04e2c4a3b2c8563a60fa942bfee 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=f46ba9c3b3091290033a4be56c507777 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=62e69b90c80f77a5a7ce333e945ae099 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=2855c71326bf2a1041cbd0a14073255f 3000w)
We apply a cork foot on the bottom of the stand to protect your desk, and check to make sure the knife nestles perfectly in the stand. We make the custom packaging in-house, and then it’s out the door and on its way to its new home.
![Exploded view illustration showing the pieces that make up the pen.](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-F1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=2b2dc19b7fe2f3d239f117ebd3607af7 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-F1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=3616c2f4068ecc0453d82027c1bcb7cc 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-F1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=fc0752ca1b235e9b2623bbff70b2e550 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-F1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=cb19f88eb15065cd99f87223e8f6cd1d 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-F1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=64e30b731851ee2556fe73a0b7610651 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-F1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=51e319ca6668c7cecb86c31a36b153da 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-F1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=938f22b7f91c992b960fefdddf2b2fc5 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-F1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=512f10f0ec5bf21d0b0923fe414cf649 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-F1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=83e00d0c99aedc392f5c625a7ead7008 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-F1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=68d5c38c7c8753a5ece2144cc11369d1 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-F1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=b91deb7f2e737fd47afd8f8ca0891752 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0130-making-task-knife-F1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=f0d6e4fe41ba1e17543aedc1d039031d 3000w)
Works Alone
Let the machining shine in raw brass or stainless steel, or go for the matte look with a black ceramic coating.