About Hartsfield Blades

Phill Hartsfield Sr. had been making blades since he was 11 years old. Although he made many styles of blades, he is best known for his Japanese style knives and swords. Many years of study of the traditional blades led him to his own expressions of this art form. "The steel of the old blades was absolutely magical for that time but I feel to ignore the advances of modern technology would be a compromise in producing the best possible blade." Phill's blades are tool steel, A2, and as the hamon indicates, they are edge hardened. This is done in the heat treating, which is done by hand as is the Hartsfield tradition. This is the way the quality (and spirit) of the blade is ensured.

Quotes about Phill Hartsfield's blades:

"Like a Picasso painting, his knives are reduced to their most elemental form: a point for piercing, an edge for cutting, a handle for control and a scabbard to keep it safe. There are no frills, no superfluous extras, jsut the uncompromising simplicity of functional perfection." - TANTO - JAPANESE KNIVES AND KNIFE FIGHTING, by Russell Maynard. Unique Publications.

"Phill Hartsfield is generally regarded as the popularizer of the modern chisel grind." - BLADE MAGAZINE

"They're different, they're exciting, and they perform beyond expectations!" - BUD LANG, KNIVES ILLUSTRATED

"Upon examining Mr. Hartsfield's work it was apparent that he has succeeded in translating the essence of classical Japanese blade forms into the harmony of contemporary attitudes and materials. While there are Western bladesmiths that produce, or reproduce, in the classic Japanese style none have evolved the Eastern traditions into the effectiveness of Mr. Hartsfield's craft. We are pleased to singularly feature his work as the current Western embodiment of the Japanese school in the display of the Japanese arms and amour featured in the Museum's extraordinary upcoming exhibition. 'THE YEAR OF THE BLADE'." - Bruce F. Ellis, Curator, The Army Museum, Halifax Citadel

Of his work, Phill Sr. simply said: "I make tools designed to be used. The FINISH of a blade is the cutting edge. The QUALITY is how long the edge lasts." If you ask the blademaker how long it takes to make a blade, he will state, "Until it is finished."

Unfortunately Phill Sr., my father, lost his battle with cancer on May 20th 2010. I worked side by side with my dad for over 25 years and although it's been an incredibly hard transition, I am continuing the art that is Phill HARTSFIELD Blades, just as he asked! We have a brand new show room and shop in the city of Santa Ana, and we are open every day except Sundays. I look forward to reconnecting with new and old fans of the Hartsfield name alike, and I can't wait to meet you all on my journey as I continue the legacy that my father started.

- Phill Hartsfield, Jr.