Brandon Vallotton Iron Cross, a Sword in the Hand
Open this knife and look at the silhouette. The cross at the pivot becomes a guard, the handle becomes a grip, and the whole thing reads as a sword about a third the size it should be.
That is the entire idea. Brandon Vallotton named it the Iron Cross and built the shape around a Latin cross inlaid in blue against damascus. Browse more collector automatic knives currently in stock.
He finished it on 29 August 2026 and we bought it from him at the Ancient City Continental show in Orlando. It runs 8.25 inches open on a 4.25 inch blade and weighs 7.4 ounces.
Three Generations of Vallottons
Brandon is the grandson of Butch Vallotton and the oldest son of Rainy. He has been making knives since 1999, which puts him past twenty-five years at the bench in a family that has been at it far longer.
Butch was the patriarch. Blade Magazine credits him as the first folder maker to use a blade thumb stud as a stop pin for the lock. He took two Knife-of-the-Year awards, his assisted-opening technology went to Gerber, and he worked with Spyderco and Microtech.
What Butch Designed for Microtech
He designed the Chameleon Double Action. We carry a 1996 Microtech Vallotton Chameleon, which means the grandfather’s design and the grandson’s own work are both in this inventory at the same time.
There is a third. William Tuch learned automatic knifemaking under Butch, and his Umpqua took Best of Show Automatic at TACC this year. Three knives, one line of teaching, all currently on the shelf. See more from this maker on the Brandon Vallotton Custom Knives brand page.
Damascus Blade, Damascus Handles
Most makers put damascus on the blade and something else on the handle, because damascus is expensive and heavy and difficult to shape twice. Brandon used it for both.
The pattern is Baker Forge Riptide Ripple, named on the certificate. It runs in long wave bands with copper-toned lines threading between the layers, and the handle scales carry the same pattern flowing in the same direction as the blade.
The cost of that decision is weight. At 7.4 ounces this is a substantial knife for its length, and anyone expecting a light carry piece should know that going in. Read more in our knife knowledge section.
The Timascus Backspacer
A Timascus backspacer runs the length of the handle, visible as a violet and blue channel between the damascus scales. Timascus is titanium damascus, and heat rather than dye produces that colour.
File work is cut along both edges of it in a regular scalloped run. That work sits where a hand covers it and where most photographs never look, which is exactly why it is worth pointing out. Learn more in our guide on how to choose a custom knife.
Action and Lock
It fires from a hidden button, so nothing sits proud of the handle to break the line of the damascus. The action snaps out crisply and the liner lock engages with no play in either direction.
The blade tapers symmetrically to a fine point. There is no pocket clip and no lanyard hole, which is consistent with a piece built to be handled and displayed rather than carried.
Condition and What’s Included with This Brandon Vallotton Iron Cross
New, bought directly from Brandon at his table in Orlando. The damascus etch is even across the blade and both scales, the Timascus shows no marks, and the edge is untouched since it left his shop.
Nothing has been carried. Our approach is set out under our standards.
- Brandon Vallotton Iron Cross hidden button automatic
- Vallotton Custom Knives hard case with fitted foam
- Knife pouch
- Engraved metal Certificate of Authenticity, signed, recording the blade, handles, backspacer and completion date
The certificate is an engraved metal plate rather than a card, which is unusual and worth keeping with the knife. See our approach to provenance.
Brandon Vallotton Iron Cross Specifications
We measured the dimensions and weight in house. The blade, handle and backspacer materials are recorded on the maker’s certificate.
- Overall length, open: 8.25 inches
- Blade length: 4.25 inches
- Cutting edge: 4.25 inches
- Closed length: 4.5 inches
- Blade material: Baker Forge Riptide Ripple damascus
- Handle material: Baker Forge Riptide Ripple damascus
- Backspacer: Timascus with file work
- Bolsters: None
- Lock type: Liner lock
- Action: Hidden button automatic
- Pocket clip: None
- Lanyard hole: None
- Weight: 7.4 ounces
- Completed: 29 August 2026
- Country of origin: United States
- Condition: New from the maker
- SKU: 00197-BV-IRONCROSS-BAKERFORGE-20260829
No document records blade thickness or hardness, so we do not state them. Browse more knives direct from the maker.
Video Description: Vallotton Iron Cross
This is the Brandon Vallotton Iron Cross, finished on 29 August 2026. Brandon is the grandson of Butch Vallotton and the oldest son of Rainy. He has been making knives since 1999. The blade and the handles are both Baker Forge damascus in the Riptide Ripple pattern. It measures 8.25 inches open on a 4.25 inch blade.
A cross sits at the pivot end and forms the guard when the blade is open. Open, the whole knife reads as a sword. A Timascus backspacer runs the handle with file work cut along both edges. It fires from a hidden button and locks on a liner lock. There is no clip. Closed length is 4.5 inches and it weighs 7.4 ounces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Brandon Vallotton?
An extremely talented third-generation Oregon knifemaker. He is the oldest son of Rainy Vallotton and the grandson of Butch Vallotton, and he has been making knives since 1999.
What is a hidden button automatic?
The firing button sits flush or concealed rather than standing proud of the handle. The knife fires the same way, but nothing interrupts the surface when it is closed.
What is Riptide Ripple?
A named Damascus pattern from Baker Forge, recorded on the certificate for both the blade and the handles. It runs in long wave bands with copper-toned lines threading between the layers.
Why is it heavier than most folders this size?
Because the handles are Damascus rather than titanium or a composite. Steel scales add real weight, and at 7.4 ounces this knife carries like what it is.
How should Damascus be cared for?
Keep it dry and wipe it after handling. Damascus is carbon steel and it will spot if left damp. Store it in the case rather than a sheath or a drawer.
Does We Buy Knife Collections actively support the broader knife enthusiast community?
Yes. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, We Buy Knife Collections is a curator and purveyor of fine custom made folding and fixed-blade knives. We are dedicated to the high-end custom knife community and we support knife rights advocacy.
Following our commitment upgrade in April 2026, we are proud to hold an AKTI Premier Membership, supporting the American Knife & Tool Institute’s vital advocacy and lobbying for knife owners, makers, and the future of the industry.
Buy This Brandon Vallotton Iron Cross
We inspect every knife in hand and describe it as we find it, weight included. This one comes from the third generation of a family that changed how folding knives lock. See more on the Brandon Vallotton Custom Knives brand page, or sell your collection to us.
Automatic Knife Legal Notice
This is an automatic knife. Laws governing purchase, possession, and carry vary by state, county, and municipality.
The buyer must know and follow the laws that apply where they live before ordering. We do not give legal advice. For current state-by-state information, consult the American Knife and Tool Institute.
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