The Halide name is derived from a specific classification of minerals formed by the bonding of halide ions to metal elements, resulting in crystalline salt compounds. All of James Arnold's knife designs are named after various types of rocks or minerals, reflecting his childhood passion for collecting them. The Halide model originally began as a custom friction folder design created early in his knifemaking journey. It was later upgraded to a custom locking version, which serves as the foundation for the Kansept Halide.

James Arnold is the founder and craftsman behind Horizon Machine Works. Since 2020, he has been creating knives from a small corner of his garage, starting during the pandemic lockdown. With a lifelong passion for making things—whether folding origami as a child, woodworking projects with his dad, or building and customizing plastic model kits—James naturally gravitated toward knife making. Inspired by simple YouTube tutorials using old hand files, what began as a casual experiment quickly became a deep and rewarding craft. Over time, James has embraced every aspect of knifemaking, drawing inspiration from his favorite makers and design styles while continuously refining his skills. Today, he blends his technical expertise with a distinct personal design aesthetic, making each knife a unique expression of his craft.