Williams & Hussey custom knives have a maximum cutting depth of 3/4". The width of the profile can be up to 6-3/4", depending on the design and the machine's capacity.

Williams & Hussey custom knives are made from M2 high-speed steel (HSS). This durable material holds a sharp edge, resists wear, and performs well across various wood species. Our knives are not corrugated. Our profile knives are explicitly designed to fit Williams & Hussey molders.

A "set of 2" refers to a matching pair of custom knives. One knife bolts to the top of the arbor and the other to the bottom of the arbor. Both knives are cut with the same profile to shape the molding evenly from both sides. A matched set helps maintain balance during operation, reduces vibration, improves the surface finish, and provides consistent, accurate results.

Yes. Custom knives are fully compatible with all Williams & Hussey molders, including older models. Our molders' arbor size and internal components have remained consistent over the years, so there's no need to worry about fit or function. If you're unsure about your machine's setup, contact our team, and we'll be happy to help confirm compatibility.

The lifespan of custom knives depends on the material being cut, how often the knives are used, and how well they are maintained. High-speed steel (HSS) knives can produce thousands of feet of molding with proper care. To maximize knife life:

• Inspect regularly for chips, dullness, or wear.
• Clean after use to remove sap, resin, and debris that can cause overheating and damage.
• Sharpen as needed. Dull knives lead to poor cuts and stress the machine.
• Store properly in a dry, protected place when not in use.

Send your knives to Williams & Hussey for professional resharpening as soon as dullness is noticed. Sharpening knives in pairs and following recommended grinding methods ensures consistent performance and long-term value. To schedule sharpening, contact us at customerservice@williamsnhussey.com or call 641-843-3240 to receive a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number.

Ordering custom knives from Williams & Hussey is a straightforward and collaborative process.

1. Send Your Profile: To get started, you can ship us a physical sample of your molding or upload a hand-drawn sketch with dimensions or a digital CAD file through our website. These options allow our team to evaluate your desired profile accurately and begin the custom knife design process.
2. Design Review and CAD Drawing: Our experienced knife makers will review your profile and create a detailed CAD drawing. This drawing includes precise measurements and a visual representation of the final profile.
3. Customer Approval: Once the drawing is complete, we'll send it to you for review and approval. This step ensures the profile meets your exact specifications before we move forward with production.
4. Knife Manufacturing: We manufacture your custom knives from M2 high-speed steel after you approve the drawing. We grind the knives to match the approved profile that fits Williams & Hussey molders.
5. Shipping:  Once your custom knives are completed, we'll carefully package and ship them to you. If you provided a wood sample, it will be returned along with your new profile knife. Typical lead time is 1–2 weeks from design approval, depending on the complexity of the profile and our current production schedule.

If you have any questions during the process or need help getting started, our team is here to help. Contact us by phone or email.