Christensen Knives
Mission Statement
Christensen Knives is dedicated to crafting high-quality heirloom knives. My aim is to ensure your complete satisfaction with my creations and make you feel like an integral part of the Christensen Knives Ohana.
Ohana Means Family!
Raised in the Great Pacific Northwest
Don Christensen was born in the Great Pacific Northwest, a region in western North America bound by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Rocky Mountains on the east. He grew up exposed to many aspects of outdoor life and was mentored by three outdoorsmen who instilled a natural woodsmen mentality in him.
His father was a commercial fisherman; sharing his knowledge of salt water fishing and the marine environment of the Puget Sound, while his step-dad grew up in the logging industry and later became a truck driver, educating Don on life in the forests of the Cascade Mountains and the Willapa Hills. As if having two fantastic dads to learn from wasn’t enough, his grandpa possessed all the woodsmen skills. Held in high regard to his grandson, he was a champion marksman in pistol, rifle and trap shooting. He crafted handmade knives as a hobby and Don owes his skills and artistic side to his grandpa.
Don shares his reminiscing - “When I wasn't on a fishing boat on the sound, I was on the beach collecting clams or mussels, anything edible. If not on the shores of the Sound I was on a boat in a lake trout fishing
or on a river fishing for the elusive Steelhead. Or up in the woods camping and tying flies with grandpa. Often, we would Salmon fish off the coast in the Pacific. We even netted Smelt, so tasty! Come fall, hunting season! And all my dad’s loved to hunt. Our primary focus was on deer and elk with an occasional bear tagged and many pheasant and grouse to throw over the coals. It is easy to see how I gained a love and respect for knives”.
There was still one more person in Don's daily life and the biggest influence; his older brother Dale. The two were inseparable and grew up doing boy things like - building forts, souping up Hot Wheels, creating rockets or making hydroplanes and towing them behind their bicycles. Much of who Don is, was influenced by his brother's great talents, ideas, and kind nature. Don lost his brother in 2015 and would like to dedicate this page Dale.
RIP Brother, You Are Forever
In My Heart
Dale 5/10/61 - 12/5/2015
Don Christensen’s Journey
After trade school, Don embarked on a journey to Hawaii, setting up a new life in the stunning landscapes of Kauai. He lived aboard the Kan Tsui', a majestic 90' ketch with a 20' bow sprit, weighing a substantial 110 tons. Below deck, the vessel was a marvel, constructed from 22 types of exquisite common and exotic wood. The Kan Tsui' was either anchored in the tranquil waters of Hanalei Bay , Nawiliwili or gracefully sailing the ocean.
Kauai's natural beauty made the transition seamless for Don. With its mountains, rivers, and vast ocean, it bore a striking resemblance to his birthplace. Although he left behind his three mentors, he quickly gained a new family of "uncles" who shared their knowledge of the outdoors in his new environment.
In Hawaii, the game changed. Wild pig and goat took the place of deer and elk, and the fishing scene saw the Mahi Mahi, Ono, Yellow Fin Tuna, and Aku become the new stars, replacing Salmon and Steelhead. But there was a taste of home too, as Bass and Trout could be found in Hawaii as well.
The shores of Kauai offered new culinary delights, including Opihi, Black Crab, and Moonlight Pipipi. In the island's rivers and streams, he discovered prawns, crayfish, and freshwater mussels, further enriching his connection to the bountiful Hawaiian environment.
Birthplace of Christensen Knives
In 2005, after residing on Kauai for over half his life, Don relocated to Oahu to be with his beloved wife, where he still resides today.
Don's life was deeply intertwined with competitive cycling for decades. However, in 2012, he underwent his first back surgery. To pass the time during recovery, he delved into the art of crafting custom bicycle frames, a creative endeavor that allowed him to remain connected to the cycling world, even when he could no longer train and compete.
A more complex second back surgery in 2016 brought an extended period of recovery. During this time, he ventured into the world of hand-made knives using the stock removal method. From this journey, the seed of Christensen Knives sprouted, fueled by the enduring love for craftsmanship and tradition. This new passion was a tribute to his grandpa, keeping his memory alive and vibrant.
In keeping grandpa’s memory alive, the Knife Bug Bit & Christensen Knives was born!
What is CFAB?
CFAB is short for Christensen Fabrication Studios. CFAB is the studio that crafts all custom knife accessories and jewelry creations, as well as bicycle frames, leather goods and Kydex materials.
“CFAB is all about Fabrication, meaning what I can fabricate is without limits. In my studio, the machinery, tools, supplies and accessories all come together to create individual projects. My work is driven by artistic diversity. Let me create your vision.”
- Don Christensen, Maker, Christensen Knives
200+
Handmade Creations
180+
Creations Sold
150+
Jewelry Creations
500+
Fabrications Created