Every week, we receive inquiries like this:

“Hi, I want a private label knife.”

“Can you quote a custom knife set?”

“Need OEM knife manufacturer.”

We are always happy to help, but many customers are surprised when we cannot immediately provide a quotation.

The reason is simple:

A custom knife is not a standard product.

Just like building a custom house, the final price depends on the materials, design, finish, and quality level you choose.

Recently, a customer from the United States contacted us looking for a custom knife gift set under his own brand.

At first, he only described the product as:

• 6-8 piece knife set
• Wooden handles
• Knife roll bag
• Custom logo
• Gift box

While this sounds straightforward, there were still many critical details missing.

The Biggest Factor: Steel Selection

When customers say “high-carbon stainless steel,” this can mean many different things.

For example:

Entry-Level Options

• 3Cr13/K420J
• 5Cr15MoV

Mid-Range Options

• 7Cr17MoV
• 9Cr18MoV
• AUS-8

Premium Options

• VG10
• 14C28N
• D2

High-End Options

• Damascus Steel
• M390 Powder Steel
• Aogami Blue #2 High Carbon Steel

These materials have very different costs, hardness levels, performance characteristics, and manufacturing requirements.

Without confirming the steel, any quotation is simply a guess.

Design Matters More Than Most Buyers Realize

Many buyers assume two knives with the same blade length cost roughly the same to produce.

In reality, a 7-inch Serbian chef knife can vary dramatically depending on:

• Blade height
• Steel usage
• Special engraving
• Grind style
• Handle design
• Tang construction

A larger blade may consume 30-50% more material than another knife of similar length.

This directly affects production costs.

Surface Finish Can Significantly Affect Cost

One area many first-time buyers overlook is finishing.

A knife can be produced with:

Standard Production Finish

• Smooth edges
• Functional appearance
• Most economical

Satin Finish

• Cleaner appearance
• Popular with professional kitchen knives

Stonewashed Finish

• Unique rugged look
• Better scratch resistance

Mirror Polish Finish

• Premium appearance
• Requires more labor
• Higher production cost

Two knives made from the same steel can have very different prices simply because of the finishing requirements.

Packaging Is Also Part Of The Product

Many customers focus only on the knife itself.

However, modern private-label products often include:

• Waxed canvas knife rolls
• Leather straps
• Gift boxes/ Simple boxes
• Care cards
• Blade guards
• Custom inserts

Packaging can represent a significant portion of the total project cost.

Our Recommendation: Start With Reference Photos

The fastest way to receive an accurate quotation is not necessarily providing technical drawings.

Even simple reference photos can help.

You can send:

• Images from competitors
• Amazon listings
• Existing products
• Hand sketches
• CAD drawings

Once we understand the product direction, we can recommend suitable materials and provide realistic pricing options.

We Offer Two Different Customization Paths

Option 1: Custom Logo On Existing Products

This is the easiest and fastest solution.

If you find a product from our existing collection, we can usually add your logo through laser engraving.

Benefits

✅ No minimum order quantity

✅ Logo customization from just 1 piece

✅ Faster delivery

✅ Lower investment

✅ Perfect for testing a new brand

Option 2: Fully Custom OEM Knife Development

For customers who want a unique product, we offer complete OEM and ODM services.

Typical MOQ

100 pieces per design

We can customize:

• Blade shape
• Steel grade
• Handle material
• Surface finish
• Packaging
• Gift boxes
• Knife rolls
• Care cards

If you have drawings, we can manufacture them.

If you only have an idea, our design team can help develop the product from concept to production.

Compliance & Testing

For international markets, we can manufacture products designed to meet testing requirements such as:

• LFGB
• FDA Food Contact Requirements

Testing requirements should be discussed during product development so that appropriate materials can be selected.

How To Get The Fastest Quote

To help us provide the most accurate quotation, please send:

✅ Product photos or drawings

✅ Target quantity

✅ Preferred steel

✅ Handle material

✅ Packaging requirements

✅ Logo details

✅ Target price range

The more information you provide, the faster we can recommend the best solution for your brand.

Let’s Build Your Knife Brand Together

Whether you need:

• 1 piece with your logo
• 100 pieces of a custom design
• A complete private-label knife collection

WCK can help.

Our team supports customers from product design and material selection to manufacturing, packaging, and branding.

Have an idea for a knife? Send us a photo, sketch, or description, and let’s start the conversation.

FAQ About Custom Knife Quotes

What is the MOQ for a custom knife?

Our typical MOQ for a fully custom OEM knife is 100 pieces per design.

Do you offer logo engraving on stock products?

Yes. For many in-stock products, logo engraving is available from as few as 1 piece.

Can you help design a custom knife?

Yes. We can assist with knife design, steel selection, packaging design, and branding.

What steel do you recommend?

The best steel depends on your market and budget. Popular options include 5Cr15MoV, 7Cr17MoV, 9Cr18MoV, VG10, Damascus Steel, M390, and Aogami Blue #2.

How long does it take to receive a quotation?

Providing reference photos, drawings, target quantities, and packaging requirements allows us to prepare a quote more quickly and accurately (Estimated 2-3 days).