Blade Show 2026, Atlanta — Custom knifemaker Richard Rogers has been honored with the MACK (Machine Assisted Custom Knife) Award for his Wharncliffe with mother of pearl inlays — a recognition of his continued mastery in the space where precision machining meets hand-finished artistry.
The MACK Category: Where Craft Meets Technology
The MACK Award celebrates knifemakers who leverage CNC machining and modern production techniques while maintaining the soul and individuality of custom craftsmanship. Richard Rogers has long operated in this domain, producing knives that blend the repeatability of machine work with the irreplaceable touch of hand-finishing. His Wharncliffe design — characterized by its straight edge and sheepsfoot-inspired profile — has become a signature shape in his portfolio, prized for both utility and aesthetic refinement.
Mother of Pearl: A Classic Material, Elevated
The award-winning piece features mother of pearl inlays, a material choice that speaks to Rogers' willingness to bridge traditional knifemaking materials with contemporary design language. Mother of pearl demands meticulous fitting and finishing — any imperfection in the inlay work is immediately visible. The fact that this piece took home the MACK Award underscores the precision of both the machining and the hand-work required to execute such a detail at competition level.
About Richard Rogers
Based in the United States, Richard Rogers has built a reputation for knives that occupy the upper tier of the custom and mid-tech market. His work is characterized by clean lines, impeccable fit and finish, and mechanisms that operate with a precision that only comes from obsessive attention to tolerances. The Wharncliffe profile — with its straight cutting edge and reinforced tip — has proven particularly popular among collectors who value both the blade's practical geometry and Rogers' refined execution of the form.