CityView Magazine - Fayetteville, NC
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/124109
Damascus knives are born from a detailed process that consists of multiple layers of different steel. The Damascus steel is layered carbon steel with nickel that is finished in an attractive decorative pattern that emerges after being dipped into an acid finish. The result turns the carbon steel black, but not the nickel, giving it an almost marbled appearance. 30 | May/June • 2013 carried around in a sheath attached to a pants pocket, TCT knives mean different things to their owners. "I want people to connect with the knife, feeling the passion, vision and craftsmanship behind it," Sirois said. "That's what Tactical Combat Tools is about". The average knife takes him around eight hours to complete. Being in his shop with all the specialized equipment, tools and custom-built machinery lining the perimeter, it is easy to see that Sirois' knife-making is an art, not a science. Rows of knife samples line the workbench atop drawers of bits and pieces used to craft each knife. Vested in the community, with many emotional untold stories behind the recipients of TCT knives, Darrin made the conscious decision to use his talents as a way to give back. Organizations often auction Sirois-donated knives to raise funds, including: the Patriot Charities, Purple Heart Homes, Wounded Warrior Foundation, Combat Veteran Sportsman Adventure, Steven R. Elrod Memorial Scholarship Foundation and the Station Foundation. Though his work has become a hot commodity and his TCT knives have gone for high prices at charity events — and to some famous named people — Sirois is characteristically humble about his talent. Tools and weapons always seem like an easy choice of gifts for a man. Giving the gift of a knife is much simpler than the process of purchasing a gun, these days. From dads and grads, to battle hardened soldiers who appreciate his well-honed skill and final product, Sirois' knives are in demand. He also fashions knives specifically intended for ladies, complete with a pink colored handle and sheath. You can view his handiwork on his website: www.TCTknives.com and might have already seen them displayed around town at three local distributors: Sharp and Pointy, Carolina Military Surplus and Guns Plus, where 80 percent of his sales come from. Others happen upon his work at Lizardtactical.com, an internet distributor. CV