In 2013, Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical, designer of elite, military, tactical tomahawks, approached CRKT with the news that he had been working with a few combat veterans that had returned from war with varying degrees of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

To help work through their challenges, they had been designing and forging steel into custom tools. Drawing from their experience earned in combat situations, they have been creating tools they wished they had available to them in the battlefield. CRKT saw it as a way to give back to the community, and in 2016 is announcing the launch of the Forged By War program.

The program includes mission-ready tools designed by veterans, with 10 percent of CRKT’s net profits of the program donated to the veterans’ charity of choice. CRKT calls them “Mission ready tools that are … Forged By War.” The first three tools include the new Clever Girl, designed by Austin McGlaun of Columbus, Georgia. This fixed blade tactical knife features a black powder coated, upswept blade with a tough, injection molded, glass-reinforced nylon handle that sits comfortably in a sheath that’s MOLLE-compatible for multiple carry options. It aligns with Austin’s philosophy that in a fight you want something you can grab quickly, use if necessary, and then go home to your family. Austin’s charity is The Green Beret Foundation.

The Sangrador—which means “bleeder” in Latin—features a 5.5-inch, dual-edged SK5 steel dagger-style blade with a black powder coat finish, non-slip G-10 handle and MOLLE-compatible sheath. Its designer, Darrin Sirois of Fayetteville, North Carolina, has seen his fair share of combat as a Special Ops soldier, but his best feedback still comes from teammates. Darrin’s charity is Purple Heart Homes.

The Birler tactical pack axe won’t go AWOL on you when you need to break down doors, bust floors or take down trees to rescue a fallen soldier. Designed by Elmer Roush of Brasstown, North Carolina, a blacksmith and Vietnam vet, the blade is forged from 1055 carbon steel and features a hickory handle. It cuts down pack weight and anything in its way.  Elmer’s charity is The Green Beret Foundation.