Midweek Maker Military-Style: Allan Reid

Erin Healy
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Midweek Maker Military-Style: Allan Reid
The ARctc Knives kwaiken-design knife has a 4.5-inch combination-ground blade made out of O1 tool steel. It's 9 inches overall. The handle features an epoxy-sealed red paracord base under a black Japanese lace wrap. Maker's list price: $180 with Kydex sheath and belt attachment.
Allan Reid is the talent behind ARctc Knives.
Allan Reid of Allan Reid Cut Throat Custom Knives is a part-time knifemaker who is a nurse by trade. He served in the U.S. Army. as a combat medic, obtaining the rank of sergeant.

Allan Reid of ARctc Knives, which stands for Allan Reid of Cut Throat Custom Knives, is a part-time maker who currently works as a nurse. He served for six years as a U.S. Army combat medic, achieving the rank of sergeant. In 2005-2006 he deployed on Operation Iraqi Freedom. Most recently, he earned his registered nursing credentials.

Allan Reid of ARctc Knives served in the U.S. Army as a combat medic.
Allan Reid of ARctc Knives parlayed his combat medic training into a nursing career. He has completed his schooling and is awaiting his state board certification.

Allan has been fascinated with blades and martial arts since childhood. “I was exposed to several custom knives while on deployment, which spurred my interest in knifemaking,” he noted. He learned about stock-removal methods by reading and asking questions on knife forums. He is now learning to forge blades under the mentorship of close friends James Helm and Tobin Nieto.

Allan is the father of four with another on the way. He and his family live in San Antonio, Texas.

  • Best-selling knife patterns: tactical, utility and bushcraft; Alpha-1, Nessmuk and Mini-muk models
  • Favorite blade steels: high-carbon and tool for edge retention; 1084 for ease of heat-treat and durability. “I also utilize 5160 spring steel for my larger blades, and often incorporate O1 and 1095.”
  • Blade grinds: full flat or saber
  • How he tests his knives: If Allan knows the intended use, those mediums will be cut, however, almost all of his blades are tested on 2-by-4s.
  • Favorite handle materials: G10 and Micarta for toughness, durability, color selection and low maintenance
  • Price range: $145-$400
  • Knife shows he attends: Texas shows, BLADE Show 2018
  • Forums he participates in: BladeForums.com when time allows
The Alpha-1 is just one of many knife designs offered by ARctc Knives.
As a former soldier, knifemaker Allan Reid of ARctc Knives is a fan of easy-to-maintain and cost-effective handle materials.

The Alpha-1 above has a 5-inch blade made out of 1084 steel with a full flat grind and acid stonewashed finish. The scales are Camo Micarta fitted with Black Micarta pins. Overall length is 9 ¼ inches. Maker’s list price: $165.

Allan Reid tried out a kwaiken design on his latest edged creation.
The ARctc Knives kwaiken-design knife has a 4.5-inch combination-ground blade made out of O1 tool steel. It’s 9 inches overall. The handle features an epoxy-sealed red paracord base under a black Japanese lace wrap. Maker’s list price: $180 with Kydex sheath and belt attachment.

Contact Allan Reid at [email protected], on Facebook at Allan Reid and on Instagram @arctc_knives.

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