Billy Chester’s Story Creating WESN (West, East, South, North)
When I started making the WESN knife, I didn’t have any grand ideas of starting a “knife brand.” All I wanted was a knife that I myself would want to own—something reliable, practical, and made of the best materials. Plus, I wanted something worth every penny of the cost, and not a cent too expensive.
The story of how the WESN has come to be is long and unique—but the best part is that the story isn’t done yet. This is a knife I’ll be able to hand down to my kids. And so will you.
This knife is built to go absolutely anywhere you want to take it (well, other than airport security, of course). In fact, that’s why it’s called the WESN: West, East, South, North. Every direction, every destination, the WESN can go there.
When it came to actually making the WESN, you can bet your bottom dollar I did my research. I dug into what’s behind all my favorite parts of different knives I’ve owned. I asked people both in and out of the industry what made their favorite knives so special.
I found out what kind of materials the best knives are made of. And then, I got to work. I ended up with a knife that’s got the practicality and versatility of a full-size knife—but at a fraction of the weight, and the size of a house key.
By using top grade components, the WESN is made with some of the best materials at an affordable price: grade 5 titanium and AUS8 steel.
Partnering with the top knife manufacture overseas, we are able to produce the WESN out-of-country. This keeps the cost down for you and helps us get the knife into more hands. But even though we’re taking these steps to lower the cost, we certainly aren’t lowering our standards of quality.
The titanium makes the body simultaneously tough and hardy, while also dramatically reducing the weight. And by using AUS8 steel, the blade is durable, sharp, and made to last…and last…and last.
Plus, as an extra bonus for Kickstarter backers, we’re super excited that we’ve been able to partner with Stock & Barrel to create an all-natural Wickett and Craig’s natural tooling leather Sheath specifically designed for the WESN and made right here in America.
I’ve always been a huge fan of Stock & Barrel. Their commitment to quality design and materials made them a perfect match for the WESN in my mind. This case is just like the WESN—made with integrity, and built for the long haul.