NOMAD (CHI-CODE)

About the Maker

Alan M. Purpura is the sole artisan behind each knife, personally handcrafting every piece in the United States. Since beginning his journey in knife making in 2020, Alan has been driven by dedication to blending functionality with artistic expression. This commitment ensures that each knife not only performs reliably but also stands out with a distinct visual character.

 While every knife maintains a level of consistency in build quality, the handcrafted process results in unique finishes and customization options. Alan prioritizes ergonomics and functional design in all creations, striving to achieve optimal comfort and utility for the user. The result is a collection of knives that are both practical tools and works of art, each reflecting the maker's passion and attention to detail.

​

Knife Specialization

AMP specializes in crafting knives tailored for personal defense, combat, and outdoor activities. Each knife is thoughtfully designed to address unique requirements of these demanding applications, ensuring that users can depend on their reliability and effectiveness when it matters most. This focus on specialized use guarantees that every knife not only meets but exceeds the exceptions of those who rely on them for safety, tactical situations, or outdoor pursuits.

​

Blade Sheathes

Each blade is provided with a custom-pressed sheath, meticulously crafted to match the exact contours and dimensions of the individual knife. This tailored fit ensures both safe storage and secure transport, offering users peace of mind whether the knife is carried or stowed away.

​

Material and Heat Treatment

Every blade is crafted from 80CRV2 high carbon steel, chosen for its superior strength and performance. To ensure the highest quality and resilience, each blade undergoes a meticulous heat treatment process. This process begins with three stages of normalization, which helps to refine the grain structure and enhance the steels consistency. 

​

After normalization, the blades are subjected to a quenching step. This critical phase locks in the desired hardness and improves overall toughness of the steel. To further maximize durability and ensure long-lasting performance, each blade is completed with a two-stage tempering process. This final treatment provides an optimal balance between hardness and flexibility, making the finished product both reliable and resilient for demanding application.

​

Edge Performance

Each blade is expertly sharpened to achieve a razor-sharp edge, ensuring superior cutting capability. This refined edge allows the knife to easily pop hairs, demonstrating its exceptional sharpness and precision. The meticulous sharpening process is designed to provide users with reliable performance, making every knife well-suited for demanding cutting tasks.

​

Handle Options

Knife scales are offered in a range of materials to accommodate varying preferences and functional requirements. Options include hardwood for classic appeal and durability, exotic woods for a distinctive look, as well as modern choices like Micarta and G10, which provide enhanced grip and resilience. Additional possibilities such as acrylic, horn and bone are available, each contributing unique aesthetic and tactical qualities. This variety ensures that users can select the handle material that best suits their intended use and personal style.

​

Blade Finish

Each blade receives a distinctive and resilient finish through a carefully controlled acid etching process. The steel is repeatedly immersed in ferric chloride or Gator Piss then gun blued, which gradually develops a unique pattern and enhances the blade's visual appeal. For those seeking an even more customized appearance, an additional coffee etch may be applied after the initial acid cycles. This step enriches the contrast and depth of the finish. To complete the process, the blade is stonewashed, resulting in a durable surface that is both attractive and resistant to wear.

​

Blade Identification and Authenticity

Each blade is laser etched to provide clear and reliable identification. Each etching includes several important details: my maker's mark, the specific type of steel used in the blade, the unique name given to the blade, "Made in USA," and an individual blade number. These markings guarantee authenticity and make it easy to distinguish every knife, ensuring that each one possesses its own unique character. 

​

Custom Orders

If you are interested in a knife that is tailored to your personal requirements, custom sizes and designs are available, as long as they are within the scope of my capabilities.

​

To begin the process of creating a custom piece, please reach out to me directly to discuss your specific needs and ideas. I am happy to collaborate with you to ensure the final product meets your expectations.

​

​

​