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Bob Horrigan: 20 Knives Honor Delta Force Hero

BLADE Staff
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Bob Horrigan: 20 Knives Honor Delta Force Hero

John Horrigan will auction Serial No. 1 on Veteran’s Day.

On June 17, 2005, while conducting military operations against known terrorists, United States Army Master Sergeant Robert M. “Bob” Horrigan was killed in action in Al Qaim, Iraq. In recognition of the 20th anniversary of Bob’s supreme sacrifice for his country, ABS master smith John Horrigan has made a series of 20 special knives in his twin brother’s honor.

Robert started his military career in 1984 with the 3rd 75th Ranger Battalion under the command of Captain Stanley McCrystal, going on to serve as a Ranger instructor in Mountain Phase in Dahlonega, Georgia. Robert was a light weapons sergeant with the 7th Special Forces Group ODA. His last assignment was with 1st Special Forces Group, detachment Delta. MSG Horrigan served 9½ years with the Counter Terrorist Unit. He had three tours to Afghanistan and was killed on his fifth tour in Iraq.

To say Robert was special would be an understatement. He excelled in everything he did. Pete Blaber, a former Delta commander, wrote about Bob in his book, The Mission, The Men and Me. George Hand wrote about Robert in SOFREP, chronicling his exploits in A Better Man Than I and Walking Among Giants. Robert was the fictional character of Bob Harrington in Brad Thor’s books Blow Back and Take Down. Sean Naylor also wrote about Bob in his book, Not a Good Day to Die.

John Horrigan will auction off Serial No. 1 of a special series of 20 knives this coming Veteran’s Day in memory of the 20th anniversary of his twin brother Bob’s death in action in Al Qaim, Iraq. (Jocelyn Frasier image)
John Horrigan will auction off Serial No. 1 of a special series of 20 knives this coming Veteran’s Day in memory of the 20th anniversary of his twin brother Bob’s death in action in Al Qaim, Iraq. (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Bob was nicknamed the “pack mule.” He would carry the gear of others when they became fatigued. He had a never-quit motto and was there to help his fellow service members through.

President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “… credit in life belongs to the man in the arena whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood. It belongs to the man who strives valiantly, who knows great enthusiasms, great devotions, and spends himself daring greatly in a worthy cause so that he will know the triumph of high achievement; and whose place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

Master Sergeant Robert Horrigan was exactly such a man.

Legacy Design

ABS master smith John Horrigan introduced his brother to knifemaking about five years before Robert was killed in action. The original Bob Horrigan Military Fighter is a model Robert designed, built and made famous.. The legacy design rightly named in his honor is 11.25 inches long with a 6.375-inch blade and a linen Micarta® handle.

Robert competed in the Best Ranger Competition in 1987 and finished in second place. John also was a Ranger in the 3rd 75th. He continues to stay connected by awarding the warriors who place second in the Best Ranger Competition with a Bob Horrigan knife in honor of his brother.

In recognition of the 20th anniversary of Robert’s death, John has made 20 commemorative knives with Robert’s touch mark—a bear paw with Horrigan through it. The knives are numbered 1 through 20. Robert designed the knife for the military elite who continue to carry it with service, pride and a brother’s love.

Robert loved where he worked and when someone asked him which unit he was in, he’d tell them “1st SOFT D.” He was all about secrecy of the unit. He’d let them try to figure it out. (Robert had a dry sense of humor). His nickname in the unit was “Puddy,” Elaine’s boyfriend in Seinfeld.

Robert (left) and John Horrigan enjoy the 2004 BLADE Show.
Robert (left) and John Horrigan enjoy the 2004 BLADE Show.

Serial No. 1 of the Bob Horrigan knife will be auctioned off this coming Veteran’s Day, November 11, with the proceeds going toward a great cause.

For more information on the auction and the entire series of 20th anniversary Bob Horrigan knives, visit John Horrigan Instagram page or visit eliteknives.com.

What Goes Into Making A Good Linerlock Knife?

Mike Haskew
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What Goes Into Making A Good Linerlock Knife?

Go inside linerlocks to judge its operation and workmanship.

For those who truly appreciate the custom knife, particularly the variety of folders, there is beauty in the function as well as the aesthetic qualities of the piece. Nowhere is that functional beauty more evident than in the intricacies, tolerances and precision of a well-made linerlock.

Inspecting the inner workings of the linerlock presents an opportunity to evaluate its operation and determine the degree of expertise that has gone into the finished product. In assessing what goes into the best of linerlock construction, top makers agree that the critical connection between spring and blade is the most obvious indicator of a particular lock’s capabilities. To be sure, there are other aspects to consider in the evaluation of the well-constructed linerlock, and these should never be discounted. But first things first.

Blade-Spring Relationship

“There is more to proper linerlock construction than just the blade-spring relationship,” agreed Ethan Kolar, a custom maker since 2020 with about 65 percent of his work devoted to the linerlock. “There’s a lot of small things that work together to make the knife function as it should, but the blade-spring-lock relationship is the most crucial part of the knife’s functionality as it is critical to a safe and user-friendly knife.”

Ethan Kolar uses an unusual material for the liners of his Persian Style Linerlock—15N20 nickel-alloy steel—and stipples it to boot. “It’s a good, springy material and has good wear resistance allowing the lock to have a longer life before maintenance needs to be done or the lock needs to be extended,” he wrote. Ethan opts for a smaller spring (middle panel, top) on his Persian model. (SharpByCoop image)
Ethan Kolar uses an unusual material for the liners of his Persian Style Linerlock—15N20 nickel-alloy steel—and stipples it to boot. “It’s a good, springy material and has good wear resistance allowing the lock to have a longer life before maintenance needs to be done or the lock needs to be extended,” he wrote. Ethan opts for a smaller spring (middle panel, top) on his Persian model. (SharpByCoop image)

When Maverik Murdock watches his linerlock work, blade and spring functionality is his primary concern as well.

“The lock fit is probably the first noticeable portion of a well-made linerlock folder, but it is a small part of what makes an overall good knife,” he explained. “The lock fit, or timing, is a good thing to look for as a sign of attention to detail from a folder maker, though there is some personal preference on how the lock fits.”

Murdock has been making custom knives for 15 years and folders for the last five with about 60 percent of his current output in linerlocks.

“Other good signs of a well-made linerlock are good fit and finish with the materials used,” he observed. “The blade should be centered between the liners when closed. This is a sign of proper pivot construction, good bearings or bushings and good alignment of the liner, back spacer and blade. Smooth travel when opening and closing the blade is also good.”

Repercussions Of A Bad Relationship

The Boomslang linerlock folder by K.C. Gray boasts a 4-inch blade of CuMai copper damascus by Baker Forge & Tool, mammoth molar scales, zirconium furniture and hidden hardware. Closed length: 5 inches. Gray’s price for a similar knife: $2,500. (SharpByCoop knife image)
The Boomslang linerlock folder by K.C. Gray boasts a 4-inch blade of CuMai copper damascus by Baker Forge & Tool, mammoth molar scales, zirconium furniture and hidden hardware. Closed length: 5 inches. Gray’s price for a similar knife: $2,500. (SharpByCoop knife image)

In the event the linerlock fails the first critical test and the function is flawed, there are consequences.

“If the lockup engagement isn’t correct, it will do one of two things in my experience,” Maverik began. “If there isn’t enough engagement, it could create an unsafe and unstable lock as there isn’t enough lock contacting the blade, which will run the risk of the blade coming back on the user’s hand. On the other end of the spectrum, too much lock engagement can crowd the user’s thumb or thumbnail, making it difficult to release the lock and decrease its service life as the lock has less area to wear into before it has sloppy lock engagement. The most common types of incorrect lock interfaces, I would say, are the two I’ve listed. However, in my opinion, over-engagement is more common than under-engagement as it is easy to both grind more material than is needed for proper lock engagement and the blade taper angle can be easily canted less than is necessary.”

If the spring extends beyond the optimal position, the condition is commonly described as “overtravel,” and the knife’s function is significantly impaired as time and use progress.

“If the lock bar has overtravel or over engagement, it generally isn’t dangerous to begin with because the angle change on the lock bar isn’t high enough to compromise the compression strength of the lock under normal working conditions,” Murdock explained. “But that does depend on the construction of the knife and materials used. Overtravel generally just means a shortened working life of the lock mechanism where it would need to be replaced sooner than a properly timed lock. The problems with overtravel begin to show up with the reach to the far side of the lock. If the lock bar fully reaches the other side of the lock, there comes a point where it no longer has contact with the blade when open, or has minimal pressure where it can bind.”

Other Linerlock Concerns

Marverik Murdock’s Steadfast has a 3.5-inch blade in a san-mai construction of CPM 154 stainless steel and CPM 3V carbon steel. The scales are Fatcarbon® space coral and the bolsters are feather damascus. Closed length: 4.25 inches. His price for a similar knife: $3,200.
Marverik Murdock’s Steadfast has a 3.5-inch blade in a san-mai construction of CPM 154 stainless steel and CPM 3V carbon steel. The scales are Fatcarbon® space coral and the bolsters are feather damascus. Closed length: 4.25 inches. His price for a similar knife: $3,200.

K.C. Gray has been making custom knives for a decade and collecting them for 30 years. He produces about 100 knives per year and roughly half are linerlocks. His perspective on quality workmanship includes the vital connection between spring and blade as well as other factors.

Interface

“That interface is the prime concern,” Gray observed, “and people usually talk about it in terms of ‘percent of lockup.’ Basically, that is how much the lockbar travels across the lock face toward the opposite liner. Everybody has their own idea of the ideal number. Some like as little as 10 percent lockup. I think most makers would say 40 to 50 percent would be the correct range. Too little lockup and the blade can slip off the lockbar and close. Too much and the lock will stick or even light wear will cause the blade to wiggle. So getting the lockup in the sweet spot in the middle is a sure sign the knife was well constructed.”

Detent

According to K.C., other critical elements should be considered in the overall quality of a particular linerlock.

“Other things to look for would be the strength of the detent holding the blade in the closed position,” he advised. “It should be firm enough that the blade doesn’t fall open when lightly shaken. But it can also be a problem if the detent is too strong. If it’s very strong it can make opening awkward and dangerous. Thumbs can slip onto the cutting edge or the knife can be dropped more easily. Another thing to look for is the centering of the blade between the liners. It should be bang down the middle except in chisel-ground blades.

Clearance

“Something else,” Gray continued, “is whether there is enough clearance between the liners for the thumb to get purchase on the lock to disengage it. If the blade is thick, often no relief is needed. But a thinner blade will usually need some relief cut into the opposite liner. It’s usually a sign that the maker thought the design through thoroughly.”

Other Aspects To Look For In Linerlocks

Viewed straight on two-dimensionally, some folders scream linerlock while others do not. The linerlock folding dagger by Brian Nadeau with dragon engraving by Vitalij Quaranta fits the latter category. (SharpByCoop image)
Viewed straight on two-dimensionally, some folders scream linerlock while others do not. The linerlock folding dagger by Brian Nadeau with dragon engraving by Vitalij Quaranta fits the latter category. (SharpByCoop image)

Of course, there are attributes to the well-made linerlock that are not necessarily visible. The feel in the hand and the ease of simple repetition in opening and closing contribute to the best linerlock experience.

“The blade motion when opening and closing should be smooth and consistent through the whole opening/closing cycle,” Murdock related. “Some makers like more or less drag on the blade, but it should be consistent. If the drag is excessive, it can be a sign of improper pivot sizing or too much lock bar pressure. The blade should have little or no side play when open. If it does the pivot may not be tight enough or the working surfaces may not be in alignment. The blade should be centered when closed and should be tight against the stop pin with a firm enough detent to prevent accidental deployment.”

Kolar also acknowledges the telltale signs of poor construction that are not necessarily readily apparent on sight and warns prospective buyers to consider these red flags.

“There are a few limited signs of improper construction that can’t be seen by the eye,” he commented. “Sloppy blade lockup oftentimes is very difficult to see as it doesn’t take very much for the blade to rock against the lock. How tight the blade pivots is another, as well as whether it has side play in the blade, and this is something that you can usually only feel. A good simple rule for cases such as these from both the maker and the buyer standpoint is to go with your gut on what you feel. A lock should lock up tight with no horizontal side play and no vertical lock play relative to spring size. Smaller springs can compress easier than larger.”

Questions To Ask When Buying A Linerlock

As K.C. Gray observed, the “percent of lockup” refers to how much the spring/lockbar travels across the lock face toward the opposite liner. “I think most makers would say 40 to 50 percent would be the correct range,” he opined. Brian Nadeau appears to achieve that range (far right, middle panel, top) with his dragon-themed linerlock. (SharpByCoop image)
As K.C. Gray observed, the “percent of lockup” refers to how much the spring/lockbar travels across the lock face toward the opposite liner. “I think most makers would say 40 to 50 percent would be the correct range,” he opined. Brian Nadeau appears to achieve that range (far right, middle panel, top) with his dragon-themed linerlock. (SharpByCoop image)

When buyer and seller meet, the evaluation of a prospective linerlock should include more than just a consideration of the knife itself. Buyers should engage the maker in conversation and ask a few questions. A healthy dialogue always enhances the experience and gives the customer confidence in the decision to plunk down hard-earned money.

“Ask about the liner material,” Gray offered. “It’s almost always titanium in custom knives. Ask what angle the lock face has been ground to. Most often seven to nine degrees is used. Ask if the blade runs on bearings or washers. And just ask if the maker can explain the materials used and why he or she likes those materials.”

Murdock agrees. “If you are talking to a maker about his work, he should know the process and materials used and should be confident in what he does. It’s good to ask about the materials and why they’re used. If you can see the work in person and look at these points and the fit and finish, that’s a great place to start.”

The making of a quality linerlock requires attention to detail and presents challenges that go well beyond a simple aesthetic. While eye appeal is always a factor, the proof of the linerlock’s worth is in its operation. Informed buyers can help themselves in taking the time to understand the attributes of linerlock mechanics and the skill that is present in the finished product. Then, the unbeatable combination of beauty and optimal use can be attained.

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Combat Legacy: Modern Military Knives [Field-Tested]

Pat Covert
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Combat Legacy: Modern Military Knives [Field-Tested]

Contemporary armed forces styles are chips off the old block.

While U.S. troops have long had a choice of carrying alternative knives as opposed to military issued ones, nothing prepared them for the explosion of choices that came with the modern tactical boom of the early-to-mid 1990s.

While the newly minted cutters were mostly of the folding knife variety, fixed blades also benefitted from the vast improvements in tactical designs and materials that shook the cutlery industry. That boom continues almost 35 years later as the tactical segment and its many spinoffs are still the largest chunk of the sporting knife market.

Many military knives have been issued over the years as the various branches, both main and special, selected their own. Large fixed blades and bayonets were common and outsourced to manufacturers along the way. Even though they may differ in size and modifications, the four review knives all have roots in military history.

SOG BAR15T Tanto Bayonet

Two SOG bayonet offerings: the BAR15T Tanto and BAR15C Clip Point. The test tanto has a more than serviceable 5 inches of cutting edge.
Two SOG bayonet offerings: the BAR15T Tanto and BAR15C Clip Point. The test tanto has a more than serviceable 5 inches of cutting edge.

Pros

  • Powerful Chopper
  • Strong Tip Design
  • Ergonomic Handle

Cons

  • Heavy And Bulky
  • Not Ideal For Finesse Tasks

BAR15T Tanto Bayonet Specs
Blade Length: 7.1”
Blade Steel: AUS-8 stainless
Handle Length: 5.1”
Handle Material: Black G-10
Overall Length: 12.2”
Sheath: Black Kydex
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $79.95

The SOG BAR15T is a big boy. True to modern tanto form, the blade is clipped from the frontal blade grind to the upper tip. The black-traction-coated blade’s main edge is flat ground and 5.2 inches long, with a quarter-inch grind to enhance penetration along the spine. The 4.8-inch handle includes a straight guard and pommel with hardware for mounting as a bayonet, with a hidden-tang main grip of black G-10 done up in a series of curved grooves on its top surface and angled pyramids along the sides. The BAR15T checks in at 19.2 ounces and is delivered with a MOLLE adaptable drop sheath, which includes black nylon and leather belt fittings.

CAS Iberia/APOC Smatchet

With its wicked 9.7-inch blade, the CAS Iberia/APOC Wallace Smatchet is loaded for bear. British and American forces used the original version of the knife to maximum effect during World War II.
With its wicked 9.7-inch blade, the CAS Iberia/APOC Wallace Smatchet is loaded for bear. British and American forces used the original version of the knife to maximum effect during World War II.

Pros

  • Exceptional Chopping Power
  • Comfortable Handle
  • Battle-Ready Design

Cons

  • Overkill For Light Tasks
  • Difficult To Carry

Smatchet Specs
Blade Length: 9.7”
Blade Material: D2 tool steel
Blade Finish: Titanium coated
Handle Length: 6”
Handle Material: Black G-10
Overall Length: 15.5”
Sheath: Black Kydex belt mount
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $175

Designed by Mike Wallace, the CAS Iberia/APOC Smatchet is by far the largest, and most ususual, of the review bunch. The smatchet is not new and is best known for seeing action in World War II as a close combat fixed blade for British and American special forces. The Wallace Smatchet’s abbreviated, double-ground blade has a matte titanium coating. An ample finger-grooved handle can easily accommodate large and/or gloved mitts and is flared at the base for excellent purchase. Weight is a hefty 1 pound, 10 ounces. The knife is delivered with a MOLLE compatible drop sheath with steel and black nylon fittings.

The KA-BAR Dust II

The KA-BAR Dust II tackled synthetic rappelling rope and stiff waxed cotton lariat rope. The full-ground D2 tool steel blade was no worse for wear and ready for more.
The KA-BAR Dust II tackled synthetic rappelling rope and stiff waxed cotton lariat rope. The full-ground D2 tool steel blade was no worse for wear and ready for more.

Pros

  • Compact And Lightweight
  • Good Edge Retention
  • Versatile Utility

Cons

  • Light-Duty Only
  • Basic Construction

Dust II Specs
Blade Length: 5.2”
Blade Material: D2 tool steel
Handle Length: 4.79”
Handle Material: Green glass-filled nylon
Overall Length: 9.58”
Sheath: Black, molded hard plastic
Country of origin: Taiwan
MSRP: $138.49

The KA-BAR Dust II, a down-sized version of its larger brother the Dust I, is better configured for light utility. It has a very staid, flat-ground, gently clipped, black-coated blade. The hidden-tang handle hasn’t a sumptous curve to its name and is arrow straight with wraparound grooving on three quarters of its surface. The handle has a hint of a guard top and bottom, the epitomy of understated good taste. It comes with a black, MOLLE-adaptable, hard-plastic belt sheath.

Montana Knife Co. Model V24

The Montana Knife Co. V24 stiletto turned out to be a little carnivore during testing. After doing stab tests on a chub of summer sausage proved a walk in the park, the author turned the slim 4-inch CPM MagnaCut blade to taking off slices of the meat. Note the clean edge work on the sausage casings.
The Montana Knife Co. V24 stiletto turned out to be a little carnivore during testing. After doing stab tests on a chub of summer sausage proved a walk in the park, the author turned the slim 4-inch CPM MagnaCut blade to taking off slices of the meat. Note the clean edge work on the sausage casings.

Pros

  • Exceptional Penetration
  • Smooth Slicing
  • Near-Custom Quality

Cons

  • Purpose-Built Design
  • Less Robust For Batoning Or Chopping

V24 Specs
Blade Length: 4.25”
Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Blade Finish: Black Cerakote®
Handle Length: 5”
Handle Material: OD green G-10
Overall Length: 9.25”
Sheath: Black Kydex w/UltiClip
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $475

Complete with thumbprint ricasso, the Montana Knife Co. Model V24 is a tribute to the V-42 stiletto used during World War II by the First Special Service Force, father of today’s U.S. Special Forces. This exqusite send-up was designed by MKC President/CEO Josh Smith, who, when he was all of 11 years old, began studying bladesmithing under ABS master smith Rick Dunkerley. The dagger-style blade is double ground and the hourglass handle boasts horizontal machined striations and guard art. The steel is gimped along the sides of the guard and curved base. The knife weighs 4.47 ounces and carries in a black belt sheath with an UltiClip 3.3 mounted on the front.

Testing Modern Military Knives

The review knives are very diverse and the two largest, the Smatchet and BAR15T, are definitely in the same playing field. I took their blades to task with a large, mature cantaloupe. The heavy Smatchet—all 26 ounces—had no probem hacking and slicing, and the fat handle made it easy to guide the big blade with no twisting or wobbling. On the battlefield this would be a formidable knife—as if its appearance alone weren’t enough to send the enemy heading for the hills.

The BAR15T is a load at just over a foot long with well over a pound of heft, and while not an easy tote it overshadows the EDC factor with sheer power. The beauty of the knife lies in its almost half-foot-long cutting edge and all that weight behind it. Tantos as a rule give up cutting edge to accommodate the wicked, pointy tip, and the shorter the blade the less edge there is for work.

It’s a black synthetic sheath party with the review knives. All are Kydex except the hard molded plastic of the KA-BAR.
It’s a black synthetic sheath party with the review knives. All are Kydex except the hard molded plastic of the KA-BAR.

I tested the knife by cleaving the cantaloupe in large chunks and taking off 1-inch strips in push cuts, pull cuts and vertical slices. The blade length proved a real benefit when making cuts evenly and the weight added to making strokes effortless, not to mention plenty of handle for gripping and guiding the knife. If you want a tad smoother cutting edge, I suggest checking out the SOG BAR15C Clip Point without the tanto’s notched tip.

The KA-BAR Dust II is sized for light duty around the camp or trail where a large fixed blade would tend to drag you down. Not to demean it, but this would be an ideal first fixed blade for a youngster to learn the ropes with—it’s a serious knife without being too bulky and is comfortable in the hand.

The BAR15T is well suited for heavier chores as well as lighter cantaloupe assignments. The ample handle helps as well.
The BAR15T is well suited for heavier chores as well as lighter cantaloupe assignments. The ample handle helps as well.

I used it to cut two types of rope that can be tougher on a blade than standard fare—3/8-inch synthetic rappelling rope and 1/4-inch stiff, twisted and waxed lariat cable—both of which can dull an edge pronto. I started with the rappelling rope, quickly taking off approximate inch lengths and then switching to the tough lariat cable. After slicing a couple of feet of each rope, the cuts were clean and the blade steel was ready for more.

The MKC V24 is about as tactical as a knife gets and about as close to being a custom as a factory model can be. In fact, I’ve owned customs that weren’t as well made. I started by stabbing the blade into a fat, 2-inch chub of summer sausage to check for penetration. The exercise was way too easy. Since stilettos primarily do two things—stab and slice—I did a slicing exercise on the sausage. Taking off roughly quarter-inch slices, the blade performed effortlessly, needing only a modicum of pressure to cleave off several clean lengths. The handle offered plenty of length and a level of comfort even a surgeon would love.

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Dream Marine Team: Allen Elishewitz/Les George Collabs

Dexter Ewing
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Dream Marine Team: Allen Elishewitz/Les George Collabs

Allen Elishewitz/Les George knife collaborations are four point oh.

If you are into custom tactical knives, chances are very good that you have heard of knifemaking United States Marine Corps veterans Les George and Allen Elishewitz.

The two are at or near the top of the list for anyone wanting a high-quality custom tactical. Both possess an excellent knowledge of tactical design and the ability to execute same gained through their years of making knives—Les has 33 years of experience and Allen has 37. Their talent levels are extremely elevated.

Their time in service to their country walking the walk and talking the talk has helped each to fully understand the strengths and weaknesses of tactical knives. They have collaborated with factory brands such as Kershaw and Zero Tolerance (George), Benchmade, CRKT and Hogue Knives (Elishewitz), and Fox Knives and Pro-Tech (both of them). They also have collaborated with each other on some special custom knives.

One of the more recent collaborative efforts between Allen Elishewitz and Les George is the Cerberus, a flipper folder in CPM 154 stainless blade steel and a titanium frame with insert. Closed length: 5 inches.
One of the more recent collaborative efforts between Allen Elishewitz and Les George is the Cerberus, a flipper folder in CPM 154 stainless blade steel and a titanium frame with insert. Closed length: 5 inches.

Perhaps most importantly, they are really good friends and inspire each other in many ways.

“I knew Allen by reputation and from the internet knife forums,” Les said. “When I moved to Texas, we were not far away [from each other].” It was about 15 years ago that Les first reached out and paid Allen a visit. 

“He contacted me after he got out of the USMC. He happened to be in Texas and wanted to swing by my shop,” Allen recalled. “I guess we hit it off OK,” Les undersold the moment with his trademark brand of sarcasm. 

In that initial meeting the two not only bonded over their service to their country but also their love of knifemaking, common grounds to forge a solid friendship. Each is outgoing and has a great sense of humor, not to mention an outstanding feel for knife design and ergonomics.

An excellent example of a collaboration between U.S. Marine veterans/knifemakers Allen Elishewitz and Les George is two iterations of the EGA (Elishewitz/George Association) Dagger, their spin on the iconic Fairbairn-Sykes dagger. The blade comes in a choice of CTS XHP stainless steel ($875 MSRP) and Chad Nichols stainless damascus ($1,200).
An excellent example of a collaboration between U.S. Marine veterans/knifemakers Allen Elishewitz and Les George is two iterations of the EGA (Elishewitz/George Association) Dagger, their spin on the iconic Fairbairn-Sykes dagger. The blade comes in a choice of CTS XHP stainless steel ($875 MSRP) and Chad Nichols stainless damascus ($1,200).

Allen’s first Military Occupational Specialty, or MOS, was designated O861 for Fire Support Marine, and his second was designated O321 for Reconnaissance Marine. In O861, he called in naval artillery and air support on targets, while in O321 he honed his recon skills in scouting and patrolling, small boat operations, long range communications and reconnaissance.

George’s path was slightly different. 

“I started out as a heavy equipment mechanic, then volunteered for embassy guard duty,” he said. 

Following embassy duty, he became an EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) technician*. 

“You know, making the bad bombs stop,” he quipped. 

USMC Sergeant Allen Elishewitz takes a lunch break outside a Marine facility in the early ’90s.
USMC Sergeant Allen Elishewitz takes a lunch break outside a Marine facility in the early ’90s.

The discipline and fortitude each gained in his respective duties set the stage for them to become solo entrepreneurs as knife designers and knifemakers. It also had a major influence on their approach to tactical knife design.

Their knifemaking styles are highly complementary.

“There are a lot of overlapping skill sets,” George observed.

For instance, Les has CNC experience while Allen has more manual machine know-how. 

“Les uses CAD and CNC, I am strictly handmade,” Elishewitz reiterated.

USMC Staff Sergeant Les George holds an artillery shell aloft somewhere in Iraq in the early 2000s.
USMC Staff Sergeant Les George holds an artillery shell aloft somewhere in Iraq in the early 2000s.

“We can take a design and I can help scale it up and make more knives, while Allen can add the final touch,” Les noted. 

“I see Les’s knives as very practical and utilitarian,” Allen said. “I have the same approach but with a little more emphasis on artistic flair.” 

Both makers craft excellent cutting tools that are highly utilitarian. You can see the imagination and style in each of Elishewitz’s pieces. Meanwhile, form follows function with George’s work, where the beauty lies in how he builds his designs.

Long-Distance Teamwork

As with any business relationship, especially long-distance ones, it takes work to maintain along with the help of technology. Les lives in Blue Springs, Mississippi, and Allen in New Braunfels, Texas. 

Allen Elishewitz has made and designed award-winning tactical and other hi-tech folding knives since 1988.
Allen Elishewitz has made and designed award-winning tactical and other hi-tech folding knives since 1988.

“We send designs back and forth through emails and texts,” Elishewitz explained. “Les has 3D printing capabilities for quick prototyping that has been a game changer.”

Making use of technology almost makes it feel like you are working with someone in the same space even though there is a significant physical distance. Despite the distance, these two always find ways to make things work and to collaborate on beautiful edged pieces.
  
Behind every good man is an even better woman, and it was never truer than with Allen and Les. Both are happily married and their wives wholeheartedly support their husbands’ endeavors in the knife industry.

“Bianca is interested and supportive but not usually super involved,” Les stated of his better half. His passion is knifemaking, hers is abuzz with a passion for beekeeping. 

“Lots and lots of bees!” George affirmed. 

Les George is heavily influenced by classic military fixed blade designs and modern tactical folders and fixed blades.
Les George is heavily influenced by classic military fixed blade designs and modern tactical folders and fixed blades.

Meanwhile, Valerie Elishewitz not only is very supportive of her husband’s career, she plays an active role in it. 

“Valerie is a crucial part of my business,” Allen stressed. “She takes care of all the administrative tasks which would eat up a lot of my time if I had to do it.”

Valerie sometimes answers emails, private messages, posts on Allen’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, helps pack and ship knife orders, and even helps her husband staff his table at knife shows. If you have bought a knife from Elishewitz at a knife show, chances are you met Valerie.

Upcoming ventures hold promise. 

“Allen is doing several designs with my production company, Defiant7,” George observed. 

“I’m really excited about the way those projects are shaping up.” Added Elishewitz, “We are going to do more of the Fairbairn-Sykes custom daggers. We made them a few years back and they were very popular.”

He also hints that he submitted designs to Les for what Elishewitz calls the BK, or Bangkok Special, a compact fixed blade for concealed carry for the Defiant7 line. He also submitted a blade design to accompany the handle of George’s M320 model for Defiant7. 

Last but not least, Allen said, “Later this year I am going to send Les a crossbar-lock SOG bowie that is going to be killer!”

Allen and Les designed the Ek Integral Folder for Ketuo, winner of Best Imported Knife in the factory knife judging competition at the 2024 BLADE Show Texas. The knife is based on the Model 2 Ek Commando fixed blade. (SharpByCoop image)
Allen and Les designed the Ek Integral Folder for Ketuo, winner of Best Imported Knife in the factory knife judging competition at the 2024 BLADE Show Texas. The knife is based on the Model 2 Ek Commando fixed blade. (SharpByCoop image)

All this in addition to keeping up with orders for their custom knives, too. Not too shabby for a couple of Marine veterans, right?

*Les George won the BLADE Magazine 2023 Publisher’s Award for his humanitarian effort in making 300 mine probes for shipment to Ukraine to help remove the thousands of deadly explosive devices buried throughout the war-torn country.

For more on the collaborative knives of Allen Elishewitz and Les George, visit elishewitzknives.com, georgeknives.com or defiant7.com

Read More:

PVK: The Uncut Story – From Vegas Strip to New England Homecoming

Elwood Shelton
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PVK: The Uncut Story – From Vegas Strip to New England Homecoming
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Jeremiah Burbank shares PVK’s trek around the knife world and a return to where it all started.

From a New England gentleman’s gift shop to a legendary—if not notorious—knife outlet on the Las Vegas Strip and online edge tool maven, PVK and PVK.com has carved a unique path in the knife world. We caught up with Jeremiah Burbank, the man behind the radical retail brand, and got a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s growth, cross-country moves and PVK starting a new chapter in its story. Buckle up as he surveys the ever-changing knife landscape, shares online sales insights and his enduring passion for knives.

BLADE: Give PVK’s origin story—how did the store come together and how did it end up in Vegas?

Jeremiah: My brother, Joshua, started with a storefront in 1994 in Amherst, Mass., with Pioneer Valley Knife & Tool. It focused on gentleman’s gifts—Maglites, Leatherman, a real eclectic mix. Over that first year, he shifted to pocketknives because he sold a ton of them. He eventually dropped “Tool” from the name and exclusively focused on knives.

By 1999, he had two storefronts in Amherst, and by 2000, he moved completely online with PVK. I came on in 2001 and joined the team, helping Josh with videos of knives, doing over-the-shoulder videos while Josh talked about the knives.

A lot changed in 2013, when some friends of ours went to the USN Gathering in Las Vegas and said we had to check it out. My brother went the next year and said that it was the future of knife sales. By the next year, we had a store by McCarran International Airport, and by 2017, we moved to the Strip—Las Vegas Boulevard—and became PVKVegas. We got to sell knives to the world.

All good things come to an end. Josh passed away unexpectedly in 2021, and shortly after, our landlord informed us they were tearing down our building for the Formula One race. Now PVK is back in New Hampshire—Hudson—and we just opened our showroom last year.

There’s never been a pause with the store.

BLADE: PVK started as a gentleman’s store but ended up a knife retailer—were you and your brother knife guys to begin with?

Jeremiah: Josh was a knife guy through and through—our mother would definitely tell you he had a knife on him throughout his life and took it where he probably shouldn’t have. Josh was into balisongs and read The Advanced Balisong Manual by Jeff Imada. And PVK carried knives we all know today—Benchmade, ProTech, Microtech (we were their second or third dealer)—way before it was cool.

I was always into knives, too. There was some age difference between Josh and me, so one of my earliest memories was hanging out at the store when I wasn’t in school. Also, I think I might have brought a Master of Defense Lady Hawk to school once—I was really into that knife.

BLADE: For those who never had the chance to visit, tell us about the Vegas store—how was it set up?

Jeremiah: Excellent question because it was notorious on the Strip.

Honestly, the frontage was very small—we had 10 cases, maybe 4 1/2 feet long each… call it a 60-square-foot showroom. We had a red carpet, so it really fit into Vegas. We replaced it each month; it got so dirty. Above the cases, we had TVs showing all kinds of knife videos.

As for what we had to sell, we sold everything from $5 knives to $5,000 knives—we couldn’t just cater to knife people. And we had a 10-watt laser to engrave a knife on the spot if someone wanted to put their name or their spouse’s name on the knife.

There was a center section to the store—the VIP room—you accessed from behind the register. We actually had to move the register to get back there. It was differently lit, had a beautiful coffee table and Eames lounge chairs and ottomans. It was a very private and nice experience.

Back there, everything in the cases were customs, short-run knives and one-offs. There was an exclusivity to it. If a guy showed up in a robe and slippers but had a Rolex on his wrist or he said the right things, we’d invite him back to the VIP room. It was a thing of legend.

In the very back was inventory; it was pretty tight because we had 25 safes.

Out front of the store, I’d hang out with the guys and flip knives to get people in the store. You’d see the world in tourists walk by.

BLADE: Vegas is crazy. I imagine you had everybody from celebrities to guys who hit big at roulette come through your doors. What’s your most memorable stories from your time there?

Jeremiah: First and foremost, since I get asked about this a lot, my favorite thing about selling knives is the people—it doesn’t matter if it’s a celebrity or Joe Schmo. Either way, I love to talk about knives.

But we had a number of well-known people who came to our store. Aerosmith had a residency in Las Vegas, and they’d come in. And Post Malone came in unexpectedly with his security detail, hung out in the VIP room and bought a bunch of knives. Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, a whole range of people.

The thing is celebrities are like anyone else when they came into PVKVegas—they’re just a bunch of kids in a knife store. Steven Tyler devolved when he came in, wanting to see each knife and just having a great time.

We were Post’s first stop in the knife world—he’s big into them now. When he came in, you know what the first knife he headed for? The Swiss Champ—the Swiss Army Knife with some 70 functions. He said, “Ah man, you’ve got this?” and had us box it up.

Celebrities are cool, but it’s cooler seeing them geek out on knives. We’re all collectors.

BLADE: You guys were legendary in Vegas, beyond the knife community—was it tough to say goodbye?

Jeremiah: It was heartbreaking, and it was a hard time for me as a person, knife dealer and brother. I had high stree through it all, especially having to break ties with people around the Vegas community who were close with me—with PVK. Honestly, it really didn’t hit me until USN ‘22. Everyone from USN had something to say about the shop. Being back was a strange ripple in reality. Did that all really happen [with the shop in Vegas]? Or did I just dream it?

Closing the shop on the Strip was a flashback for me—in reverse—of when we came out West. Then it was packing up a Penske truck and driving across the country, and I was doing the same but heading for New Hampshire. Life can be very strange, very cyclical.

BLADE: PVK is now back where it started or close to it, does it feel like coming home?

Jeremiah: I love being back. I’m from New England, and the region has always been near to my heart. I love the cold weather and the passing seasons. Plus, my family is an hour away. Plus,  I’m offering something not offered anywhere else around here. I’ll also say, it’s great to sell to people face to face again.

BLADE: New Hampshire is a good place to set up shop, compared with some of the other New England states. 

Jeremiah: It is the “Live Free or Die” state. New Hampshire was the first state to repeal its ban on switchblades back in 2010, and now we’re seeing it nationwide.

BLADE: You mentioned selling face to face again; that just came about recently. What’s your new shop like in Hudson?

Jeremiah: It’s very different than Vegas, but in a good way. There is no pressure, very calm atmosphere and no VIP room… yet. We’re a 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday operation, which is very different than Vegas, where we were open to 2 a.m.

We opened on Black Friday last year, and it was great to see the excitement it generated. We had folks drive up from Massachusetts when we opened our doors. 

Part of what I did when I moved back was contact Nick Chuprin of NCC Knives, who was based in Brooklyn, N.Y., and offered him space. He moved his operation up here, and he has an entire machining cell in the back of the house.

It’s not a standard store; it’s multifaceted. It’s like a knife clubhouse. What other store can you come and get your knife sharpened by a custom knifemaker? And if you want to make, maintain or modify a knife, you bet your daisies I can get it done.

BLADE: Even with the new storefront, online knife sales remain PVK’s lifeblood. But it’s always been that way, correct?

Jeremiah: My brother was an early tech adopter; he had PVKnife.com online in 1997. Even before that, he was on list servers—Wreck.Knife—talking to people about knives. At first, online sales were a trickle, then in three or four years from going online, it became overwhelming. Josh went from having our parents help us ship to outgrowing their house.

He was clever. He used print media—we still do today with BLADE Magazine—to get the word out. And he mailed fliers letting customers know they could order online and have a knife delivered right to their door.

BLADE: Going from the 1990s, when there were a handful of online knife dealers, to today, when there seems to be a new store going online each week, how much more competitive is it now?

Jeremiah: I’ve been doing this a while and will say all competition is good competition. I am good with the free market; it makes us better.

The knife market has seen incredible growth and so have we. Around 2009 is when PVK saw the online market take off, and from then to 2015, our business doubled. By 2018, it tripled, and in 2019, it quadrupled. Then the pandemic hit, and everybody cared about knives.

The bad part about this is it brought a lot of part-time guys into the market who didn’t take it seriously. For better or worse, there aren’t a ton of regulations in the knife world, so there are some who take advantage of the community. That’s not good for anyone.

One of the things I always tell buyers is to make sure whoever they deal with online has a phone number on the website. If they don’t, don’t buy from them. We’ve always accepted all calls from customers and engaged with them.

BLADE: It seems, from your brother’s days on list servers and videos to your work on social media and your Bladeology podcast, PVK has also found it important to engage and build a community online. What motivates your focus on engaging with and building an online community?

Jeremiah: We’re in a disconnected world, and this is a way to make a connection with people. That’s why I find the online community so crucial. With the podcast, it’s friends talking about knives—me, Nick and Chuck Gedraitis—answering knife questions.

I also love recording history, especially with the knives we bring through the shop. You take the Marfione Dragon Slayer 1, it’s gone, it’s in someone’s collection, never to be seen again. So, I find it important to record knives so someday when someone wants to see them, there’s a video or a picture of the knife.

Same goes for the podcast but with the people in the industry. I had Mike Crenshaw of Knife Rights on six months ago, and he passed recently. But a little piece of him gets to live on.

BLADE: Let’s wrap up with something lighter. You have the choice of some pretty cherry knives to carry or fidget with. Do you have a go-to EDC choice?

Jeremy: That might be my biggest problem—my EDC tray overfloweth. But there are two knives that I go to usually. My first is a Microtech Scarab Executive. I was a huge early carrier of the Executive; there’s just something about it. The second, an exclusive Pro-Tech 3V Malibu. Love that button lock, and Dave Wattenberg makes it in an exclusive 3V. I’ve laughed with him about it before; he has been making autos for 25 years, and his best seller is a flipper. But those are my EDCs for real.

BLADE: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us.

Jeremiah: Thank you.

Read Up On Knife Buying:

Fighter Jet Micarta and Brotherhood: The Surprise Slipjoint For A War Pilot

Steve Shackleford
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Fighter Jet Micarta and Brotherhood: The Surprise Slipjoint For A War Pilot

Rusty Preston gets an unforgettable slipjoint from good friends.

As a founding member of the South Texas Slipjoint Cartel, Rusty Preston made lots of traditional pocketknives over the years, but never did he have one made for him like the trapper recently built by fellow Cartel member Phil Jacob and Ben Champagne.

It all started when a friend sent Ben some green Micarta® bearing some unusual part and serial numbers. They traced it back to a Vietnam-era F4 Phantom fighter jet. The Micarta was part of a chafing block used on F4s as a support to keep hydraulic-activated metal rods used throughout the plane from rubbing or chafing against each other. Ben and Phil knew Rusty was an Air Force pilot during the Vietnam War and when they learned he flew an F4, they decided to use the Micarta in making a surprise knife for him.

The knife had to be a slipjoint, of course, and the two decided on a one-blade trapper pattern. Phil made the blade and springs and Ben made the handle. For a shield they figured a silhouette of an F4 would be appropriate. They got a photograph of an F4 to use as a guide and made the shield of 416 stainless steel to inlay into the Micarta. However, the shield was an inch-and-a-half long.

“It was so long it wouldn’t fit from the center pin to the pivot pin,” Phil said.

Rusty Preston
Rusty Preston

The solution? The knife would have to be a shadow pattern, which has no bolsters and provides a bigger canvas for a shield. Phil added some Roman knot filework—which Rusty taught him how to do—to the backspring, and the result is a really cool pocketknife.

Once the trapper was done, they had to settle on a place where they could all meet, including many members of the Cartel, and Rusty would be there, too. BLADE Show Texas would be the place and Rusty was about to get a surprise for the ages.

Parting Gift

Rusty and his wife Sally had visited with BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Bill Ruple and the rest of the Cartel members during the show at the Fort Worth Convention Center and were preparing to leave on show Saturday.

“We were just saying our goodbyes and somebody hollered at me—Bill, I think—‘Hey Rusty, come over here,’ and I realized he was at the end of the aisle and he had a group of guys there,” Rusty recalled “Everybody there was a friend of mine, and I thought, ‘Oh, what’s gonna happen here?,’ and sure enough Sally and I walked up—Sally knew about it but I had not a clue—and they started in on me.”

It was all Rusty could do to keep from breaking down—which is about what he did.

“I’ve had this birth defect I’ve had all my life,” he said. “I can squall like a baby at an ice-skating contest at something like that, so it was pretty hard on me but in a good way—you know how that is. So they told me they wanted to present me with something and I saw what it was and I couldn’t believe it. It came as a total, absolute surprise to me. I was dumfounded at what they had done, and why they saw fit to honor me in that fashion is a marvel to me.

“It was just an honor to look around and see the approval on every one of those guys’ faces for what was happening.”

Rusty called the work on the knife “stunning.”

Ben Champagne (left) and Phil Jacob (right) present Rusty Preston (center) with his special surprise knife at BLADE Show Texas 2025 (page 56).
Ben Champagne (left) and Phil Jacob (right) present Rusty Preston (center) with his special surprise knife at BLADE Show Texas 2025 (page 56).

“It’s got both Ben and Phil’s names on the blade and it’s just absolutely outstanding detail work on the inlay and the silhouette of the F4,” he observed. “That took a lot of effort. I don’t know how they managed to get ahold of all that but they did. It’s beautiful, it’s perfect.”

But what about that Micarta? How in the heck was Ben able to obtain material meant for an F4 Phantom jet fighter? Some things are just better left unsaid.

“The fact that the handle material is what it is and where it came from, how in the world Ben ever got ahold of F4 parts I don’t know. And I’m scared to ask him,” Rusty grinned, “because he’d probably tell me.”

Read About Custom Knives:

First Look: Work Sharp RMX–Folder/Auto

Elwood Shelton
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First Look: Work Sharp RMX–Folder/Auto

With its first foray into knifemaking, Work Sharp cooks up a doozie–a knife that’s both a folder and an automatic.

Work Sharp has five decades of experience keeping the knife world as sharp as ever. At that time, the tool and knife sharpening implements company had never dipped its toe into knifemaking—until now.

At the 2025 BLADE Show, the Ashland, Ore., company will debut its first foray into edged tools with the introduction of the RMX EDC-style knife. And while the pocket partner might seem like just another folder at first blush, the knife’s internals make it an innovative addition to nearly anyone’s collection. Work Sharp isn’t lying when it says the RMX is “Your knife. Your Way.”

Manual Or Auto

The groundbreaking aspect of the RMX (Replaceable Mechanism Exchange) is that the knife is both an auto and a manual action. And no, it’s not just manual by muscling open an auto or flicking open a manual.

As its name suggests, the RMX utilizes what Work Sharp claims is the first-ever interchangeable pivot cartridge. Essentially, the knife comes with two pivots—one ball bearing (manual) and one spring-loaded (auto). Simply switch one out for the other via a 2mm hex head.

RMX pivot removal

Furthermore, internally, the tension is adjustable thus, the deployment of the blade in both manual and auto configurations is tunable. It’s a slick system, not only because of the implications of having two knives in one, but also legally.

Theoretically, the RMX should make shipping the sometimes automatic knife all the simpler, while also giving users more control over exactly what they’re carrying. Not to mention, it’s a plain and simple concept.

As for deployment, a push-button near the pivot kicks the blade out as an auto and acts as the release as well.

RMX Blades

The Work Sharp RMX comes in two blade styles and three sizes. The one I’ve seen making the most headlines is the full-sized 3.2-inch Reverse Tanto profile—a wicked-looking blade with an ultra-thin edge and excellent slicing properties. The company is also offering a drop-point profile in two sizes, 3.2 inches and a compact 2.4-inch option. Both come with a saber grind.

As for blade material, Work Sharp utilized Crucible Industries’ CPM 3V steel. This is a solid choice, given the metal is known for its toughness, high wear resistance and ability to hold a very fine edge.

RMX Handle

RMX knife for EDC

Interestingly, especially for a knife with auto guts, the RMX is feather light, thanks mainly to its handle. Work Sharp opted for magnesium, keeping the knife between 2.24 ounces and 2.7 ounces, depending on its configuration. Additionally, the material imparts a good deal of stiffness to the knives and, with a gray Cerakote treatment, proves plenty durable, not to mention eye-catching.

Complete Package

Even for the sheer novelty, the Work Sharp RMX is an intriguing system made even more so due to an affordable price.  The RMX compact has an MSRP of $130 and the full-sized version an MSRP of $140, making the line competitive in both the folder and auto markets—very competitive. Overall, the offering makes one wonder why it took Work Sharp so long to take a stab at knife manufacturing.

More Pocketknife Info:

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