Shipping Paused Until 9/20/25 during move to new warehouse (will ship sooner if possible).
A Versatile Custom Woodcraft Knife
Versatility that doesn’t sacrifice performance? That’s what everyone wants from a 5.5 inch knife – a blade that pierces, skins, and dresses game, all while performing the duties you need with ease. The high saber grind blade allows for tasks like batoning wood, slicing, cleaning, and effective skinning. Whatever you need from this knife, it delivers.
With this woodcraft blade, you get all the needed control, with traction to support downward pressure. Light and comfortable in the hand, this blade is tough, sporting a 5/32” blade that’s rugged enough for anything you ask of it.
The Ideal 5.5 Inch All-Purpose Pocket Knife
At Architect Knives, we know you demand a higher level of customization. We answer that demand with our Knife BUILDERs feature. This customization tool allows you to “try on” your selected components to create your ideal companion blade. Select from our US-made components for handle scales, blade metals, and attachments, and try them on virtually before committing. The higher-tier quality of our products assures a finished product you’ll enjoy for many happy years. At Architect Knives, you unleash precision in style, offering a superior level of customization. Here, you build your custom woodcraft knife your way – to your exact specifications.
Build Your Blade
Architect Knives is a family business that supports your quest for the ideal blades for work, woodcraft, DIY projects, camping, and so much more. We’re with you every step of the way, offering great service, free US shipping, and guaranteeing 100% satisfaction. And if any of our branded components break, we’ll replace or refund you immediately. Come home to Architect Knives for the best custom knives and higher-tier craftsmanship! Shop now!
Mark Dressler –
I was searching for a new All Purpose knife when I found the Architect brand. When I saw a Tops produced knife in CPM 3V steel it was an easy choice for me. At first I bought the 6.5 field buddy and really liked it. I found myself wanting something a little easier to carry but something that could do still do most of what the field buddy could do. I decided to go with the architect AK 5.5. I was so impressed with the field buddy I wanted to see what the AK 5.5 was really capable of. I took it on an eighteen day field excursion during deer season to the Owyhee mountains of Idaho. This knife was my constant companion. I used it for tasks such as chopping down small trees, cutting branches up to 3″, digging holes, batoning firewood, making Fire Sticks, making Bushcraft shelter items, field dressing a deer and general Camp tasks. I consider myself very hard on equipment but not abusive this knife held up and performed exceptionally and did everything I asked of it. My AK 5.5 will have a permanent place on my belt for every field Excursion I go on from now on. I would highly recommend this knife for anybody who goes on hard-core Outdoor Adventures.
Michael Drapp (verified owner) –
The modular design allows the AK 5.5 to be configured to meet the application. You can easily change scales and/or sheaths to meet your needs. The knife arrived razor sharp, sharper than many other CPM 3V knives in my collection. I did not need to touch up the edge before use. While finished very well, this knife is not one that screams “Safe Queen”. Rather, it is a knife that you will want to use quite often in the field for a variety of tasks.
Gabriel Creighton (verified owner) –
Had one built with MagnaCut. I was a little shocked it arrived unassembled but, 5mins and it’s fully built. It’s a good opportunity to see the build quality. I expect this beautiful tool will last several lifetimes. I regret not finding this several knife purchases ago.
Keith C (verified owner) –
My order arrived in Canada within a week, the blade was sharp and no major problems. The 3v steel is a mat grey and the steel is hard. The handle scales look amazing and are comfortable in the hand. The sheath holds the knife firm and with a little buff with 2000grit sand paper, I could address some minor sharp spots.
The only issues, if you are super critical, is the blade has visible grind marks and some dings in the finish of the primary bevel. Given the intended use of this knife, this is minor at best. But is why I have marked at 4 stars.
I think this is a quality tool and am saving for a magnacut blade.
Andy Luginbill (verified owner) –
Fit and finish is excellent. Can’t wait to get the AK 8 when it gets in stock in Magnacut. It sold out way too fast.
Walter Thomson (verified owner) –
I’m a collector/seller. This is by far the best knife design for Hiking, camping I have ever owned. Great ergonomics, great blade design, available in premium steels, and well balanced.
Neil (verified owner) –
Recently purchased the AK 4.5 and wanted also the AK 5.5. As before, delivery took awhile to germany but it was, as usual, worth the wait. Fantastic knife.
Within minutes assembled. Parts were spot on, perfect. Handle ergonomics on both knives are really great.
Quality and fit & finish are excellent and at a very good price. I am very impressed and happy. I will definitely purchase again from Architect Knives (just waiting on the Magnacut blades). Highly recommend!
Jim King (verified owner) –
Very impressive knife. Architecture knives went above and beyond. I placed my order and the my knife arrived in about a week. If you haven’t tried them yet, you won’t be disappointed!!!
Tim Gault (verified owner) –
ARCHITECT®AK 5.5
Lionel Boni (verified owner) –
I appreciate the way to make my own knife.
Great job on the blade and the handles are really confortable and so beautiful even on my ESEE 6.
I received it perfectly in France.
Thanks a lot to make it possible
Paul Angcaya (verified owner) –
Great steel, awesome price, fast shipping thanks!!!!!!!!
Caleb Crabtree (verified owner) –
My architect Ak 5.5 shipped here quickly and the knife is of very high quality!
M. Howard (verified owner) –
I started with the 3.5 in magnacut and then got the 4.5 Blackout in 3V. I just received the 5.5 in 3V and I loved the other two knives but this one felt perfect in my hand. Balanced and not too thick in the blade. I love it! Customer service and delivery were great!
Steven Neighbors (verified owner) –
I have many knives. This knife stands to be one of the best, It is easy to sharpen and feels great in the hand . This knife is useful as a bush knife or a tactical weapon.
J Long (verified owner) –
Great all around knife with perfect ergonomics balance and blade profile. Highly recommend.
Kyle L (verified owner) –
These knives are some of the best in any price range. Absolutely worth every penny. The only problem I’ve encountered with architect knives is that they multiply faster than I can afford – joking. These are great knives with excellent people behind them. Get one, or three.
Will Ragan (verified owner) –
I am 21 years old and just getting into survival/hunting knives. I started collecting very recently however after owning the ak 6.5 in Cpm s35vn and the ak 5.5 in cpm 3v I dont feel interested in buying from any other company. The high sabre grind is way more versatile than I had originally thought and the factory grind is phenomenal as well as easy to reprofile to a higher angle. Chopping is excellent and cutting through anything is very easy. Thank you Ethan and the whole team behind these knives. Sincerely William Ragan 🙂
John Schilstra (verified owner) –
ARCHITECT®AK 5.5 Knife
Travis worts (verified owner) –
I would put 4.5 stars but that’s not an option. The few things I can complain about are that the lazer engraving could be cleaner and the edge of the kydex is a little sharp. Now on to the good. I’m impressed by all the hardware included with this knife. It has extra hardware for the handle scales and extra hardware for the carry attachments. Almost every carry option is accounted for with all the extra hardware included. It came with a nice edge. The Micarta has a nice grippy texture and the holes for the screws alow them to be nicely inset into the handle. As a newer company this is great work and I look forward to purchasing more products.
Neil (verified owner) –
Just received my Magnacut AK 5.5 today. This is my sixth knife from Architect knives and it doesn’t disappoint. It is, as usual, excellent quality, fit and finish. For the price unbeatable. Love the quality leather sheath.
Gears (verified owner) –
This is what I’ve been looking for in a long time, almost fits every thing I expected, the grind the size the sheath and the customizable mods design, and Magnacut made the last piece of a perfect knife. The only flaws is the side bushing is little long not quite fits, but easy to adjust. So I’ll rate this knife 10 out of 10
Ky Ellis (verified owner) –
Beautiful knife! Love it!
This is a gift for a friend of mine. I hope he gets years of pleasurable use out of this knife. I know he is going to love it!
Todd (verified owner) –
I haven’t been able to really put it to hard use yet but everything so far shows it will hold up well. I like the options on the knife builder. Always have parts and accessories in stock. It was a great buying experience.
Cole Hood (verified owner) –
I bought the 5.5 and couldn’t ask for a better knife. It’s shorter and a little thinner than the 6.5 which I love just as much.
Robert Pond (verified owner) –
I love this knife, the edge retention lasts for days, the handles are very ergonomic and grippy. The screws do tend to come loose when batoning wood. But for $250, its much better than something like a reiff f5.
Ray S. (verified owner) –
I received my second Architect Knife: an AK-5.5 in Magnacut. This my second Architect Knife. I have an AK-6.5 in Magnacut. You could pay more for a knife, but I don’t think you could get a better knife. The quality and ergonomics are exceptional. Customer service is excellent. Also, I like supporting family businesses. I’m waiting patiently – okay, impatiently, for my waitlist AK-8 in Magnacut.
Architect Knives earns my highest recommendation.
William Rodman (verified owner) –
My new everyday carry very happy with the 5.5 it’s nice and balanced no hot spots feels real good in the hand very fast and comfortable reprofiled my blade to a 19° both sides 38° total . By the way it was already razor sharp out of the box but now it’s a slicy and choppy beast in magnacut. Looking forward to the 3.5 the 6.5 and the 8 in magnacut or 3v !!!!
Zac PNW (verified owner) –
Great knife out of the box
Roger C Riddle (verified owner) –
I received the knife components in a timely manner and had the knife and sheath assembled in 15 minutes or so. This is the third AK knife in my collection (4.5 Magnacut and 6.5 3v). This knife has the best balance in weight and in use. While the use has been light, the knife has enough mass to be tough enough for true knife work and light enough to complete smaller tasks and fine work. The knife came straight, sharp, and touches up easy. There is enough handle for any hand size and has no hot spots. The kydex sheath is secure and adequate. I have other knives such as Fallkniven, TOPS, Winkler, Bark River, and Battlehorse to name a few. This knife fits my overall needs as good or better than any other plus, it’s in Magnacut. Bout as good as it gets if you like a good drop point and high Sabre grind. Would love to see an offering with a clip or Swedge point but still utilizing the same companies and heat treats.
JonW (verified owner) –
I just received my AK 5.5 Magnacut and WOW! It’s even better in person. It balances perfectly, it’s razor hair shaving sharp and extremely comfortable to hold and handle. The G10 scales are perfectly molded. Everything about it is screams high quality. It’s the ultimate camp knife that can do it all. It’s definitely a slicer but will work flawlessly for bushcraft needs. It even fits my custom leather sheath for another knife I own perfectly. I couldn’t be happier! This thing is amazing!!! I purchased this after watching a review from Aaron over at Gideonstactical and am so glad I stumbled across his review because it’s what introduced me to Architect knives. Sorry Aaron I forgot to use your promo code when I made the purchase.
Dylan (verified owner) –
Love the 5.5 it is truly a perfect size and thickness and good profile for practically all of the slicing, skinning needs not over built or to long for game processing nor to thin and short. Absolutely love it. Bought from watching gideonstactical review on YouTube
I bought of green handles and neon yellow and orange with kydex and leather sheath truly can’t go wrong with ARCHITECT KNIVES
Matt (verified owner) –
This knife is awesome. I really like the saber grind, the drop point, the blade height and length, the handle length and contouring, the exposed pommel, the lanyard hole, the full tang, the neutral balance, the g10 handles, the carbon fiber sheath, the magnacut steel, that it is American made with a reputable OEM. This knife looks great and feels great to hold. This is a stout, functional knife. It is comfortable to hold and use and the blade shape is very practical for a wide range of uses. I love this knife! Also, leading up to my purchase I had some communication with the owner. He was helpful and professional. Considering the price this knife is an excellent value. Shipping was quick. Overall a great experience.
Billy Brewer (verified owner) –
After about a year looking for a camp knife I ordered a Magnacut 5.5 with leather sheath with dangler. I didn’t want a choil or any coating on the blade. The only problem was deciding on which size 6.5 or the 5.5 and Kydex or leather. The black leather sheath is beautiful. I didn’t wet form it and just wrapped a towel around the knife and sheath then put it in my bench vise overnight. The retention is perfect. I couldn’t be happier. The knife is stunning. The G10 scales are really nice and fit my hands rather well. And thanks to Gideons Tactical for showing me about this company. I was looking at the Esee 6 and was recommended to look into Architect knives. Same warranty as Esee. No blade coating or finger choil. Now I have one 🇺🇸💪🏼👊🏼
Jason Gonzalez (verified owner) –
Great knife! Razor sharp right out of the package. I am not a kydex sheath sort of guy, but I purchased the kydex because there was not a left hand leather sheath option in the build. I just wish there was some sort of instructions for assembling the sheath to the leather backer. The length of the bolts and nuts isn’t making much sense with the thickness of the backer and sheath. I feel like I’m sort of at a loss as to how to assemble the two. I’ll keep watching some more YouTube videos and hopefully I’ll get get it. Other than that, I’m very happy with my purchase. I would definitely purchase another knife from Architect in the future.
Timothy Marshall (verified owner) –
Seems like a great do everything knife in a great stainless steel!
Might change the grind to a convex to fit me
Austin Hegdahl (verified owner) –
This is my second architect knife and I absolutely love both i sold off all my other fixed blades these will be the only 2 I’ll need for camping, hunting fishing you name it
Peter Matthews (verified owner) –
Choice of blade material, handle options. Shearh material and configuration freedom to choose!
Great blade profiles and outstanding blade composition.
Collin Schneider (verified owner) –
Tip was bent and blade was not straight but other than that great
HB (verified owner) –
This outfit gets it. Out of the park customer communication/service and build quality. The end product is nothing short of flawless! With the right configuration you can be assured of a very high quality hunting and or camping knife. Well designed web site and payment process also.
JP Maynard (verified owner) –
I love this company. Quality knives, fair prices and fast shipping.
Loki (verified owner) –
Ship the knife completed. I appreciate the selection of materials but do not like building my own knife. That said, the design and quality of all components is top knotch.
Kona Keala-Quinabo (verified owner) –
As expected. They put in extra screws, stainless to be similar to magnacut. Easy to put together. Mahalo!