Shipping Paused Until 9/20/25 during move to new warehouse (will ship sooner if possible).
About Us
Hi, Ethan here, owner of Architect Knives. Architect Knives provides a simple and modern cutlery buying experience that is unique, supplying curated knives and accessories for the world to enjoy.
We are a small family business that has been in the cutlery space since 2008, serving customers around the globe. The launch of Architect Knives provides uncompromising quality, unmatched customization options, and tremendous value. There is something for everyone.
Architect Knives operates on the American values of God, family and country. We welcome you to join the growing numbers who have discovered our innovative products.
2009
It all started with my father
Dale Stoops (1959-2021), out on his
tractor mowing in 2009, and
thinking about a new knife design.
I remember him saying “If I were to
design the ideal outdoor/field knife,
what would it be?” This was the
thought process that brought about
the AK 5.5 (originally named the
Field Buddy 5.5) which was the first
knife released in what later would
become the Architect Knives brand.
2014
Over the next few years, Dad
drew more new knife designs
including the AK 6.5 (Field
Buddy 6.5), AK 3.5, AK 4.5,
AK 8 and AK 3 (listed in
chronological order).
2018
Archived drawings of the AK 5.5 and
AK 6.5, moved from paper to prototype,
with TOPS Knives as the manufacturer.
The first blades featured 1095 Carbon
steel with a clear cerakote finish. The
original handle design for the AK 5.5
and AK 6.5 was slightly different than it
is today. Based on years of positive
feedback of our own aftermarket
handles for the ESEE-5/6 knives, we
decided to use these same proven
handle slabs for the AK 5.5/6.5/8
models. This was met with enthusiasm
from our customers, who enjoyed the
flexibility this offered.
2019
We first coined the “build your
blade” concept at The Knife
Connection, and coded an industry
leading visual knife configurator
(builder). This initial concept has
matured into what Architect Knives
offers you today.
2020
The name “Architect® Knives” was
finalized in early 2020, and the first
“Field Buddy 5.5” was sold at
theknifeconnection.com on May 5
2020. It had Black w/ Orange Liner
G10 Handle, Black Kydex sheath,
and Black Leather Backer.
2021
The CPM 3V Steel versions of the “Field Buddy” 5.5 and 6.5 were launched with a positive response from the community. Prototyping was completed for the AK 3.5, AK 4.5, and AK 8.
Dad passed away due to virus complications on Dec. 6th, 2021. Not wanting the AK project to become merely dust covered drawings, I decided to continue the vision Dad and I had shared to grow the Architect Knives brand.
2022
Design & Development of an Architect Knives website began.
The “Field Buddy” name was replaced with the shorter “AK” which provided a simpler and more logical naming system.
2023
In addition to working with TOPS Knives, White River Knife & Tool was selected in early ’23 to be the manufacturer for our CPM 3V, S35VN, MagnaCut blades.
2024
On January 1st 2024, we launched the Architect Knives website.
Four new knife models were released: AK 3, AK 3.5, AK 4.5 and AK 8.
Future
The future is yet to be written!
What Would YOU Like Next?
Architect Knives was founded based on community feedback, and we would love to hear what you would like to see next from AK.
Please send us feedback, including your comments and suggestions.
