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THREE GENERATIONS OF BUCKS Al Buck 1910-1991 Chuck Buck Al Buck BUCK KNIVES - THE COMPANY HISTORY Buck knives are arguably the most famous American-made knives, known and respected worldwide for their high quality, for blades that hold an edge, and for the Lifetime Guarantee that backs them up. Buck Knives is a strong corporate entity, with a manufacturing facility covering 4.5 acres under one roof in El Cajon, California, just east of San Diego. But when the first Buck knife was made in 1902, it was a young Kansas blacksmith apprentice named Hoyt Buck who used his imagination to find a new, better way to temper steel so it would hold an edge much longer. Hoyt made each knife by hand, using worn-out file blades as his raw material. During World War II, he made as many as he could to help America's war effort. After the war, he moved to San Diego, where he and his oldest son, Al, formed H.H. Buck & Son in 1947. Al carried on when Hoyt died in 1949 and led the company through the next critical years in its history. Buck was still making knives from discarded file blades until 1961, when the firm was incorporated. In 1963, Al Buck designed the Model 110 Folding Hunter, and when it was brought to the market in 1964; this lockblade literally revolutionized the knife industry. It propelled the Buck brand name to a position of prominence, establishing a leadership role it has never relinquished. Today, the fast-growing company is headed by the third and fourth generations of this famous knife-making family: Chuck Buck, Chairman of the Board; and his son, CJ Buck, President and CEO. Under their guidance, the company's standard of excellence in quality and craftsmanship remains strong. They continue to emphasize product development as integral to the progress of the company and serving the needs of its customers. Buck knives are designed for all types of users-whether they are hunters or fishermen, hikers or campers, military or law enforcement, knife collectors, workers on the job, or people doing everyday tasks. The company's mission focuses on product quality, product development and commitment to its dealers and customers.

ABOUT AL MAR KNIVES

Since 1979, Al Mar Knives ™ has been committed to making unique designs at quality levels that rival custom, hand-made knives. Today, each knife crafted by Al Mar is hand-finished and hand-sharpened by craftsmen dedicated to creating the very best possible. Each Al Mar knife features flat-ground blades for strength and superior performance - and that’s just one reason to trust the Al Mar name. At Al Mar Knives, A Warrior’s Edge ™ means Factory Perfection ™. 888 Knives R Us is proud to offer this exceptional line of quality knives.

 

 

Les de Asis, founder and owner of Benchmade Knife Company, with his son Jon.

BENCHMADE - THE COMPANY HISTORY
Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. set-up shop in Clackamas, Oregon in 1990 (originally founded in California in 1988). The initial knives primarily consisted of the Bali-Song knives, using a combination of outside vendors and inside processing to build finished products. And like most companies, starting out meant scarce money and big plans, using second hand equipment and limited resources.

Soon, a natural born fortitude and an undying passion to make it right and make it Benchmade, prospered into significant growth. As the product line grew so did the in-house capabilities. Benchmade began to acquire new machines and technologies including the first of several lasers, making Benchmade the first knife manufacturer to have such equipment in-house. Open minds and positive attitudes would lead to several more industry firsts over the course of the next several years.

This was only the beginning of Benchmade's breaking of new ground in the manufactured knife markets by using non-traditional materials and modern manufacturing methods in not only building knives better but, inevitably building better knives. The Designer Series was first introduced in 1991 with several custom designs being manufactured. By tapping into the custom knife makers' knowledge and combining it with Benchmade's manufacturing expertise they were more readily able to offer more contemporary knife designs and innovations to the knife users.

Consecutive years of aggressive growth led to the next logical step in 1996 when Benchmade moved into its own 35,000 sq. ft. facility. A contemporary styled building complete with all of the modern equipment and amenities necessary to manufacture what has become recognized as a higher standard of specialty cutlery.

Today, Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. manufactures knives for a loyal and ever growing following of knife users. As we move into the 21st century we are poised for even more exciting opportunities, innovations and ongoing total world-class quality. Benchmade employs a simple philosophy- "Make it cool, make it solid, make it happen and definitely make it Benchmade."

 

 

BOKER USA - THE COMPANY A giant chestnut tree, shading the small Boeker tool factory in Remscheid in the 17th century, is the oldest traceable symbol connected with the Boeker name. Apparently, Boeker tools were very successful, since they were among the leading products in Germany and neighboring countries 100 years later. Due to the increasing demand in a restless political era, Hermann and Robert Boeker decided in 1829 to begin with the production of sabers. As early as September 1830, the accounting records indicate a weekly production of 2,000 items, made by 64 smiths, 47 grinders and a large number of unskilled laborers. In view of the constantly increasing variety of tools and cutting instruments and the good opportunities for worldwide sales, the family realized that the individual steps in the manufacturing process had to be spread out for optimal realization of its interests. As a result, Hermann Boeker emigrated and founded H. Boeker & Co. in New York. Young Robert developed his enterprise in Canada, founding a branch in Mexico later in 1865. This branch is still a market leader in its country under the name of Casa Boeker. Heinrich crossed the nearby Wupper river and went to Solingen, where the German industry of cutting tools was growing by leaps and bounds at that time. In 1869, he founded Heinr. Boeker & Co. with Hermann Heuser, a well-known specialist in the field of cutting tools. The Boeker family in Remscheid and their overseas cousins had a lot of interest in and a great demand for shaving blades, scissors and pocket knives from Heinrich's new enterprise. They had to identify their products for the overseas markets in a simple way, since many customers and consumers had problems with the German name Boeker ? not considering the fact that illiteracy was widely spread. In Heinrich's opinion, the chestnut tree near the Remscheid facility represented an ideal, easy-to-remember symbol. This brand symbol was owned by the Remscheid company, together with a second logo, the arrow. One of the few valuable documents that survived the total destruction of WWII is an ad by Boeker, Remscheid, from the year 1874, showing both logos. The relationship between the two Boeker companies had always been extremely friendly. Therefore, Heinrich was allowed to take the tree symbol across the river with him ? without any big fight or cost. Since then, not a single Boeker article has left the Solingen factory without being identified by the tree symbol. After more than 100 years of existence the old chestnut tree was the victim of lightening. In 1925 a talented artist carved a copy of the majestic tree on a piece of the trunk. This original piece of art decorates the boss' office in the Boeker plant. As early as 1900, the majority of articles produced by Boeker were distributed in the US market. H. Boker & Co. in New York concentrated primarily on cutting tools from Solingen. Soon pocket knives became more important than scissors, shaving blades and eating utensils. The demand increased even more rapidly than Solingen was able to supply, so that the Americans in New York began their own production of pocket knives. A little later, pliers were included as well. Since the tree symbol had become well known by then and the various branches of the international Boeker family enjoyed an excellent relationship among each other, it was not difficult to receive permission from the Solingen relatives to use the tree symbol also for the American products. Since that time, two different lines of Boeker knives have been on the American market with the same brand symbol, sometimes even with the same article numbers, but one line was made in the USA and the other in Solingen. Only the declaration of marketability clarified that one line was from Boker USA and the other from H. Boker Improved Cutlery Solingen. The relationship was interrupted during WWII. The Solingen factory burned down completely. None of the equipment, tools, catalog materials or samples was spared. Those few originals from the past we have today survived the war in private homes and were made available to the company. The firm lost one of its most valuable assets: the registration of the tree symbol for the American market was confiscated pursuant to American law. John Boker Jr. acquired it in New York, in order to secure it for the distribution of the American and German products. Soon after the war, the destroyed factory was rebuilt. Those loyal skilled workers who had survived the war, returned and helped with the reconstruction of the building as well as the production, gradually regaining the previous high standard of quality. The American cousins renewed their business contact with Solingen and started to place orders. Within a few years Boker, New York, had again become the principal customer. Models like the 7588 and 7474 and the most expensive item, the sports knife "Flagship Model 182" could not cross the ocean fast enough to reach Böker friends all over the country. In the early 60s, Boker USA was sold and eventually acquired by the well-known scissors manufacturer Wiss & Sons. Wiss retained the manufacture of Boeker knives and sold them together with Solingen products. Of course, this meant that the Boeker scissors ceased to be competitors of the Wiss line in the American market. In the early 70s, Wiss sold to Cooper Industries, a multinational company. This new change in America proved to be advantageous for Boker. A very close business, as well as personal relationship developed with this industrial giant. Due to its strength on the market, Cooper was able to restore the original magnitude of the Boeker name. Thanks to the very lively business activities with Cooper for eight years, the Solingen facility could streamline its production and develop new, modern products. Without exaggeration, Boker manufactures the largest assortment of high-quality knives for sportsmen and collectors with an unsurpassed variety of materials for blades and handles. Today, Boeker knives range from 320-layer Damascus steel to very modern ceramics, with handles ranging from high-quality mother-of-pearl to Thuya root wood and state-of-the-art synthetics... In 1983 Cooper discontinued its own knife production. Models still in demand are being manufactured in Solingen today. As a result of friendly negotiations, Cooper restored the American trademark rights three years later, providing Solingen with the opportunity to become self-reliant in the huge American market. Thus, in 1986, Boker USA, Inc. was created in Denver, Colorado. Chuck Hoffman, the man who was involved with the company then, is still active as CEO today, working with a young, energetic team. The great importance of Boeker in the South American markets (Argentina and Chile) and in Mexico is due to the efficient men of the Boeker family, who were active for us in these countries in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today's trademark includes the terms TREEBRAND and ARBOLITO. Since the Argentinian market in particular is subject to extreme economic and political fluctuations, the good name ARBOLITO was in danger of being forgotten. In 1983, Boeker Arbolito S. A. was founded jointly with the Salzmann family primarily to manufacture household and work knives in Argentina. Thanks to the constant modernization and expansion of product lines the company in Buenos Aires is able to compete worldwide with selected products today.

 

CHRIS REEVE KNIVES
What sets Chris Reeve Knives apart from most others is dedication to quality, performance and value for money. These knives are working tools of supreme strength and durability. They have been tested extensively and are the result of unique design, top quality steel, sophisticated machining, hand craftsmanship and good old-fashioned hard work! Chris Reeve Knives is a very small company manned by a group of hard workers who strive to produce the very best knives which will work exceptionally at an affordable price.
Chris was trained and worked for 13 years as a Tool and Die Maker and, although his interest in knives has taken him into a somewhat different career, the knowledge gained from his training has proven invaluable in producing knives which are recognized world-wide as the best in their field. He has been making knives since 1975, and as a full time maker since 1984. Born and raised in Durban, South Africa, Chris moved to the United States in 1989 where he has been able to access the multitude of information and technology available in this country. Much of this technology is now being seen in the methods he is using to produce both his fixed blades and folding knives.
Over the past fifteen years, his business has grown into a small company that employs skilled assistants. Chris' time is now spent managing the business - which involves product design, research and development and overseeing production - rather than physically making knives. His dedication to innovation, quality and integrity remains as firm today as it ever has been.
All of the knives shown in this web site are a combination of modern computer controlled technology and good, old fashioned hard work. Some of the initial stages of handles and blades are prepared on large and expensive machinery. The one piece work is done for us by an excellent machine shop and all of the work for the folders is done in-house. All blades are ground by hand and all polishing is done with that special ingredient "elbow grease"! Heat treatment is done in house under Chris' very critical scrutiny and blades are random tested on the hardness tester seen with Chris in the photo above. Folders are assembled with total dedication so that the fit of pivot pins and bearings is within the most exacting standards.

The awards listed below were given to Chris Reeve as a custom knifemaker:
South African National Knife Collectors Association:
Best Fixed Blade Collection - 1983
South African National Knife Collectors Association:
Best Collection Displayed - 1984
Durban Easter Custom Cutlery Exhibition:
Best Fixed Blade - April, 1987
Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa:
Best Folding Knife - November, 1987
Shotgun News Gun and Knife Show, Reno, NV:
Best Combat Knife - July, 1988
Arizona Knife Collectors Association:
Best Custom Folder - December 1989
Beretta Award for Outstanding Achievement in Handcrafted Cutlery:
October, 1990
Knife-Aholics Unanimous Award:
Knife Maker Extraordinaire - July 1992
Most Innovative Folding Knife:
Presented by A.G. Russell at the Knifemakers Guild Show - July 1993

 

 

COLD STEEL - THE COMPANY
 Lynn C. Thompson is the president and founder of Cold Steel, Inc. A highly respected mixed martial artist and exceptionally proficient knife fighter, he is also the chief instructor of the Cold Steel knife fighting program.
  As well as an extremely wide range of weapons and training products, Cold Steel also produces instructional DVDs featuring such top names as Ron Balicki, Anthony DeLongis and of course, Lynn himself.
 No stranger to controvery, Lynn is is proud of the reputation his company has cultivated for producing the most effective edged weapons in the world!
Cold Steel is continually working on new products.

 

 

 

COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE AND TOOL - THE COMPANY
  The company that started out as "the under $40 knife company" now offers a full and varied line of knives that fills a 64 page catalog.
  CRKT is probably best known for its K.I.S.S. series, the original two-piece money clip knives designed by Ed Halligan, and its M16 series, designed by Kit Carson. “These knives were pivotal to our success,” says founder Paul Gillespie. “We recognized them as successful custom designs which deserved to be put into production to reach a wider audience. CRKT's collaborations with custom knifemakers have been good for us, good for the knifemakers, and especially good for consumers.”
  CRKT is dedicated to making practical, purpose-driven knives that are high in quality, innovative in design, and tops in value. All thei hot new knives and accessories are on display at our store. If you are looking for a particular model that you do not see on our website, please don't hesitate to contact us. Many products are available now, and others are shipping soon. Columbia River offers a growing line of folders which open instantly when the thumb stud is nudged open approximately 30 degrees, these are assisted opening knives. The OutBurst mechanism can be quickly removed and replaced as desired. CRKT offers a full line of professional models for police, fire, emergency services, and military use We think you will find that the CRKT line fits any lifestyle, application, and most importantly, any budget

 

 

 

 

FOX CUTLERY - THE COMPANY
  In 1977 Oreste Frati after a long experience, before in the production and then in the commercial area, established FOX Coltellerie.
  The name of the company (the initials of the owner) immediately seems to be the right one. The company becomes immediately appreciated for the brilliant ideas and for the research of new materials and application of new technologies.
  FOX grows quickly, however Mr. Frati still controls and programs the productions of the company personally. His wife, Valnea and the specialized cooperators are helping him achieving these successful results.
  The professional tradition combined with the constant desire of technological innovation built up the name of FOX Coltellerie as one of the leading companies on the national and international markets.

 

 

GERBER KNIVES - THE COMPANY   Savvy. Ingenuity. Moxie. Craftsmanship. Attention to detail. These are just a few of the company traits that contributed to Gerber's emergence as a world leader in outdoor gear. But then there's the issue of toughness. And frankly, nothing could be tougher than living down the first career of founder Joseph Gerber as...that's right...an advertising man. You could call it the "Boy Named Sue" syndrome. And live it down Gerber has.   Joseph Gerber started Portland, Oregon's Gerber Advertising back in 1910. One Christmas, he hired a local knifemaker to craft 25 sets of kitchen cutlery as client gifts. The knives were so popular, Mr. Gerber ultimately left his agency to launch Gerber Legendary Blades in 1939.    It makes sense, really. An idea man gets the idea of a lifetime and turns it into a major outdoor brand. One that commands respect among knifelovers and knifemakers alike. And now that high regard is spreading in new directions, in the form of many outstanding products. Such as tools, personal L.E.D. lighting, and backpack hydration.    With a history like Gerber's - -and products like these, it's no wonder they're completely unafraid of the future.

 

 

KA-BAR THE COMPANY
- Soon after its introduction in the mid-1920's, the KA-BAR trademark became widely known and respected. There have been many versions of how the KA-BAR name came to be, but all evidence points to a letter received from a fur trapper. This particular fur trapper's testimonial turned out to be the most significant ever received by the company.

He wrote, in very rough English, that his gun had jammed and that he had therefore relied on his knife to kill a wounded bear that was attacking him. In thanking the company for their quality product the trapper described using his knife to kill the bear. All that was legible of his scrawled writing was "k a bar". The company was so honored by this testimonial that they adopted this phrase and used it as their trademark, KA-BAR.

On December 9, 1942, after the start of World War II, KA-BAR submitted a fighting knife to the United States Marine Corps in hopes that it would become general issue to that branch of the military. Working in conjunction with the Marine Quartermaster Department a design was devised and soon production was under way on a new and improved fighting / utility knife for the Marines. As the war escalated, the demand for these knives was so great that the KA-BAR factory alone could not keep up. The government assigned several knife companies to create similar knives as supplemental pieces for those serving the War. KA-BAR’s wartime production totaled more than 1 million. The KA-BAR knives became so well recognized for their quality and so abundant in number that “Kabar” became the name by which many referred to this knife pattern, regardless of whether the knife was manufactured at the KA-BAR facility.

Today, the original USMC Fighting / Utility Knife remains the first choice for many Marines who choose to carry it as their personal option knife during service. It is also a favorite of adventurers, survivalists, outdoor sportsmen and, of course, knife collectors who know that this knife – this “American Legend” – deserves a place in their collection.

Making a quality KA-BAR product requires the talent of experienced craftspeople performing dozens of processes with precision and skill. Each knife undergoes specific manufacturing processes to ensure corrosion resistance, strength, edge holding ability, and an out-of-the-box razor sharp cutting edge

 

 

KANETSUNE The Kitasho Company Limited Seki City "The City of Blades" Japan KANETSUNE - THE COMPANY HISTORY   Established in 1948 in Seki City, the Kitasho Company Limited continues to provide amazing knives forged throughout a history of 800 years that are strong, beautiful and exceedingly sharp!   Seki City, "The City of Blades," is the 800-year old blade capital of the Orient. The greatest number of Japanese Sword craftsmen in all of Japan are located in Seki-City, actively working on passing down the inimitable craft and tradition of Japanese Sword-making from generation to generation, and intent on introducing these excellent products from Japan to the world.   Kanetsune Seki, one of the master craftsmen in Japan, continues this 800-year-old history of Japanese sword-making. "Seki-den is the secret method of Japanese swordmaking which has been passed from generation to generation to todays standard of their craft. Mr. Kanetsu Seki preserves his highly reputable name in Japan by keeping true to the tradition of blending the perfect balance of delicate feel, aura of dignity, stately presence and absolute sharpness and gives birth to the sharpest and most beautiful of Japanese fixed blade knives on the market today.

 

Laguiole ,

  Laguiole is a small village from south of France. It was a fortified town in the middle ages. No longer fortified today, the village is still genuine with its old houses and its church. Laguiole is known worldwide in the cutlery industry. Laguiole knives and Laguiole brand were created over the last century. The term "Laguiole" is not a reference to a specific company. Instead, it describes a style of knife that draws it's name from the small town of Laguiole, France where they have been made for hundreds of years.
  There are a number of companies that produce top quality knives with this namesake. But be careful because the name "Laguiole" was never patented and many companies use the term without making knives that are up to the standard of the real thing. There are even several knife companies outside of France using the name!
  

 

MCUSTA KNIVES - THE COMPANY
  Seki, Japan has been the center of Japanese cutlery production since the middle of the 13th century. It was a natural choice because of it's rich resources of iron sand and charcoal and its proximity to water - all important elements in the crafting of fine cutlery.
  The techniques and skills of the ancient swordsmiths have been passed down for centuries and continue to develop and progress with modern technology. Seki city remains the vibrant hub of Japanese cutlery manufacture.
  MCUSTA knives are made in Seki city, Japan and are the pinnacle of this synthesis between traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern cutting edge technology.
  The MCUSTA design team uses the 3D.CAM system to design new models and create prototypes. Each knife design is then meticulously inspected and then field tested. At this point the finest materials are chosen for durability, function and beauty.
  MCUSTA does not use the conventional method of die stamping their blade like most mass produced knives. Components are laser cut and C&C machined to assure the best possible precision fit. This is an important step in the production of a superior blade. Each knife is then hand assembled and hand finished and inspected by MCUSTA's team of craftsmen.
  MCUSTA knives are among the finest production knives made anywhere in the world!

 

ONTARIO KNFE - THE COMPANY
  The Ontario Knife Company was founded in Naples, New York in 1889. Naples is located in upstate New York, in Ontario County, southeast of Rochester. Ontario Knife is named after Ontario County.
  Ontario Knife is located in Franklinville, New York, about one hour south of Buffalo. All products are made at, and shipped from, the Franklinville factory.
  In addition to sporting/outdoor knives, Ontario makes a number of other product lines including Old Hickory Kitchen Cutlery, Industrial and Agricultural Products, and Sci-Med Scientific Tools and Instruments.
  Ontario's sister company, Queen Cutlery, is a well known maker of finely crafted pocketknives. Also, Ontario Knife is a major supplier of private label blades and knives

 

 

PUMA GERMAN MADE KNIVES, THE COMPANY

- Founded in 1769, the first rule of PUMA was and still is today, first class quality which is reflected in their hunting, sporting and outdoor knives. In a city whose name is not unreasonably registered trade mark for quality knives and scissors: Solingen.
  It has always been part of the PUMA philosophy to manufacture products worthy of the magic name and the high demand of this city. For more than 230 years PUMA impresses with extra ordinary quality and workmanship.
  Puma has achieved this through a combination of traditional craftsmanship and the use of high tech machinery and know how.
  They utilize their technology in a way that increases the quality of their products and satisfies their costumers, but they also show customers the traditional method of Solingen knife production in the third century.
  Handwork is one aspect of production overseen by Puma's technical staff, but more and more Puma is using the CNC machinery for parts of their products and this high precision helps them to be more efficient and competitive on price.
  However, you will find a lot of Puma products manufactured the old traditional way, especially hunting and commemorative knives.
  PUMA places the importance of perfect workmanship, combined with the experience and ideas of their technical staff even higher than that of high tech machinery. This is why, after full production, each knife is checked and its quality controlled by Puma's staff personally.
  PUMA is one of the leading companies in production of hunting, sporting, outdoor and fishing knives.
  The PUMA brand name is recognized world-wide for high quality and knife "know how".

 

 

Remington Arms Company Madison, NC ~ USA   REMINGTON KNIVES, THE HISTORY  The Remington Corporation and the knives that they built have had one of the most influential affect on the U.S. cutlery industry. From the time America was settled, to the end of WWI, American knife companies struggled to compete with Britain and German imports, but events that occurred during and after the First World War led to a great change in this phenomenon. Unprecedented opportunities arose, and Remington stepped up to seize the moment. In the process, they created some of today's most prized collectables. In an ironic twist, the next World War played the greatest role in ending the company’s domination of the industry.   Preceding WWI, the U.S. knife manufacturers were having some lukewarm success in competing with imported knives. Most of the competition came from Britain and Germany. Knives made in Sheffield England were dominating the quality end of the business because of their tradition of quality. On the low end, Germany was the front runner with their inexpensive knife making methods. The events of WWI completely rearranged these circumstances. Many of the best Sheffield cutlers were sent by Britain to fight in the same Regiment. This turned out to be disastrous to the British knife industry because that particular Regiment was nearly wiped out in a single bloody battle. This event severely crippled the British knife industry, and it was never able to recover. Germany’s cutlery business was also damaged from the war. Like Britain , they lost many of their great cutlers, but that was not their largest problem. Naturally there was a strong anti-German sentiment following the war and most Americans chose to shun imports from the country. These events were tragic to Britain and Germany, but created a great demand for American made knives.   The Remington arms company was aware of the demand, and was more than ready to capitalize on the situation. As one of the leading arms producers, the company had been extremely profitable during the war. When the war ended, they had idle facilities that were no longer relied on to fill the high demand for war products. In addition, they had more than enough capital from their profits that they could build new state of the art facilities to mass produce high quality knives. Remington was under way by 1920 with a wide variety of pocketknives. They had a system that allowed for never before seen variations. The company would use a single handle form and make numerous versions. They used a single handle pattern and produced it with a single blade, two blades, or three blades. In addition, each pattern variation was produced with numerous handle materials. They even developed their own handle material called pyremite which was a plastic that was dyed different colors to offer even more variety. The Company claimed to have over 700 different patterns, and at their height was producing 10,000 knives per day. Soon, the great depression hit and the company sold out to the Dupont Company. Dupont did not change anything about the knives, but eventually discontinued the cutlery business in 1940 due to the undertaking of several U.S. government defense projects. The facilities that were being used for knife making were needed to supply the government with weapons of war. The company sold its equipment to the Pal Company who assembled the remaining parts, constructed a few military knives, and later scrapped the equipment in 1950.   Despite Remington's departure from the cutlery business, several newer Remington knives are in circulation. Reproductions of older patterns have been manufactured by other companies on contract. Many of them are extremely collectable and are quite valuable. There are a large number of the older knives around as well, but they are usually well worn. Some of the more popular patterns (The bullet knives in particular) are among the most valuable collectable knives in existence.

 

 

SOG Factory in Lynnwood, Washington USA

SOG KNIVES - THE COMPANY HISTORY SOG originally stood for Studies and Observation Group, an elite joint services military group designed for covert operations in the Vietnam War. Sanctioned to develop and purchase their own equipment, SOG created a knife for use in one of the harshest environments in the world. It is in the spirit of this elite group that SOG Specialty Knives was founded.
  Totally committed to creating the world's finest specialized knives and tools, SOG became the first knife manufacturer to expand its line to include a broad scope of fixed blades, folding knives and multipurpose tools. Each product is created by Founder and Chief Engineer, Spencer Frazer. His patented inventions and unique, futuristic style have earned SOG many awards and Frazer the recognition as an industry innovator and premier designer.
  Today, SOG products are distributed around the world and renowned for their uncompromising style and performance.

SOG KNIVES - MACV HISTORY
SOG Specialty Knives and Tools, Inc. was named in honor of the Vietnam War's only covert special warfare unit-The Studies and Observation Group. Its existence was once denied by the US Government and it wasn't until long after the war that the SOG Story could even be told.
  The following is an excerpt from US ELITE FORCES-VIETNAM by Leroy Thompson that further describes the nature of this specialized group and its secret missions.
  Separate from "conventional," unconventional operations of the 5th Special Forces Group were the clandestine operations of Military Assistance Command Vietnam/Studies and Observations Group (MACV/SOG). The Studies and Observation Group (SOG) was a cover name to disguise SOG's real function, and the name "Special Operations Group," as it was sometimes called, described its real mission more accurately.
  Activated in January of 1964, SOG was a joint services unit composed of members from all four branches of the armed forces, including Navy SEALs, Marine Recons, Air Force Special Operations pilots of the 90th Special Operations Wing, but predominantly Army Special Forces.
  MACV/SOG's missions included: cross border operations into Cambodia, Laos and North Vietnam to carry out intelligence gathering or raiding missions on the enemy's 'home ground'; gathering intelligence about POWs and carrying out rescue missions when possible; rescuing downed aircrews in enemy territory ("Bright Light" missions); training, inserting, and controlling agents in North Vietnam to gather intelligence or form resistance groups; carrying out 'black' Psy Ops such as operating fake broadcasting stations inside North Vietnam; kidnapping or assassinating key enemy personnel; retrieving sensitive document so equipment lost in enemy territory or in enemy hands; and inserting rigged mortar rounds or other booby-trapped ordnance in enemy arms caches (OPERATION ELDEST SON).

SOG KNIVES - THE COMPANY PHILOSOPHY
Some manufacturers simply produce knives--At SOG, they create style through craftsmanship. Their purpose is to combine advanced technology, imaginative designs and high-quality construction to create products of the highest caliber-products that enhance your life--This is the philosophy you share with SOG each time you choose a SOG product.

Spencer Frazer   SOG Company Founder and Chief Designer

SOG KNIVES - THE COMPANY FOUNDER Now more than 20 years in the making, SOG Specialty Knives & Tools, Inc. has become known for its innovations and ingenuity in the cutlery industry, thanks in large part to its founder and chief designer, Spencer Frazer. Whereas most companies collaborate with custom knife makers to help envision products, Spencer is the sole creative force that keeps SOG ahead of the game.
  Born in 1955, Spencer was a creative kid with a great curiosity for how things worked. As he got older he gained an affinity for knives and axes while in the Boy Scouts; but it wasn't until much later that this interest would be channeled into actually creating knives and tools.
  After graduating from UCLA as a math and science major, Spencer started his own company in the professional audio industry, designing a whole new style of speaker systems. "I learned to work with many different materials as I built models and prototypes." Spencer went on to work in the aerospace defense industry in the Top Secret Black Projects Division as an R&D tool/die and model maker. "I saw things there that I still can't talk about." At about the same time, Spencer became involved with the modern art movement, learning about scale and color while meeting with top artists. He went on to work in product development of toys and consumer products.
  All of these experiences came together when Spencer saw his first Vietnam SOG Bowie. "The knife was magical in how it felt and looked. You could see the history as well as the functional aspects of the knife." This spawned the start of SOG Specialty Knives & Tools, Inc. to reproduce the mystical knife. "We started the company by having to sell a one-knife line at the very high end of $200 retail."
  SOG is a true innovator in the cutlery industry, having won many industry awards. It was one of the first companies to be synonymous with a high-tech modern image. "SOG was the first company to produce a sculptural faceted folding knife with the Tomcat. We were the second company to produce a folding multi-tool with the Paratool. We are the only company: to use compound leverage in our multi-tools (the only way to miniaturize power), have adjustable lock-on clips on our folders (AutoClip), employ one of the strongest locks in the industry (Arc-Lock), use exotic BG-42 steel cost effectively in production knives, and had the first automatic opening multi-tool in the world (SwitchPlier). We're now producing a whole new line of Assisted Opening Knives (Flash series, Blink, Twitch and SOG Trident)." These are just a few of the landmarks that Spencer has achieved for SOG.
   "I look at our products and design them to be functional and comfortable to use, as well as aesthetically pleasing. If I don't like them or wouldn't use them, they don't make it into production. We don't settle for ordinary. We never did, and we never will."
  Today, SOG is distributed and sold throughout the world. Law enforcement, military, and industrial customers, as well as outdoors enthusiasts, have come to rely on SOG products under the most adverse conditions. SOG and Spencer are definitely creators of extraordinary tools and blades.

  

 

 

Smith & Wesson Factory Springfield, MA Circa 1920

SMITH & WESSON HISTORY OF THE COMPANY - Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson came from old New England families. Horace learned the firearms trade while working at the National Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts. Daniel’s experience came from apprenticing with his brother Edwin Wesson, the leading maker of target rifles and pistols in the 1840s.
  The two men formed their first partnership in 1852 in Norwich, Connecticut, with the aim of marketing a lever action repeating pistol that could use a fully self-contained cartridge. This first pistol venture was not a financial success, and by 1854 the company was having financial difficulties.
  Faced with their financial difficulties, they were forced to sell their company to a shirt manufacturer by the name of Oliver Winchester. In 1866, using the original lever action design created by Smith & Wesson, Winchester’s company emerged as the famous Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
 In 1856 Smith & Wesson formed their second partnership to produce a small revolver designed to fire the Rimfire cartridge they patented in August of 1854. This revolver was the first successful fully self-contained cartridge revolver available in the world. Smith & Wesson secured patents for the revolver to prevent other manufacturers from producing a cartridge revolver - giving the young company a very lucrative business.
  The partners realized that when their patents expired they would need a new design to maintain their market superiority. The new design was completed in 1869 and the company began marketing it in 1870. The Model 3 American, as it became known in the United States, was the first large caliber cartridge revolver and established Smith & Wesson as a world leader in handgun manufacturing. The two most important customers for the new revolver were the United States Cavalry, which purchased 1,000 units for use on the Western Frontier, and the Russian Imperial Government.
  At the age of 65, Horace Smith retired from the company and sold his share of the business to D. B. Wesson, making him the sole owner of the firm. In the late 1800’s the company introduced its line of hammerless revolvers. These are still represented in today’s handgun line.
  Smith & Wesson next introduced what is probably the most famous revolver in the world, the .38 Military & Police or, as it is called today, the Model 10. This revolver has been in continual production since that year and has been used by virtually every police agency and military force around the world.
  Smith & Wesson’s contribution to the history of handgun and cartridge development continued through the 20th Century. The first Magnum revolver, the .357 Magnum, was introduced by the company in 1935. In 1955 the first American made double action auto-loading pistol, the Model 39, was introduced.
  The Model 29 chambered in .44 magnum - the handgun made famous by Clint Eastwood in the movie "Dirty Harry" - was unveiled in 1956. In 1965 S&W began producing the Model 60 - the world’s first stainless steel revolver - launching the era of stainless steel firearms.
  The accomplishments of Smith & Wesson are so numerous that it is impossible to understand the history of modern handguns without first understanding the history of Smith & Wesson. Smith & Wesson was an industry leader in 1852 when it was first founded and continues to lead the world today with innovations into the 21st century.

 

SPYDERCO - THE COMPANY
Since starting Spyderco we've been told our knives are different, peculiar, even out there. All true. Thinking beyond established knife industry barriers allowed us to introduce new and radical innovations to the knife culture including: One-hand opening, serrations on a folder and a clip to attach a knife to a pocket. We didn't go into business to rake in a mountain of dough we're here for more selfish reasons- indulging our passion for creating knives. Spyderco is definitely out of the norm in the knife industry in our dedication to researching and developing fresh, improved and better performing materials all with function and reliability being key. Someone once said to Sal Glesser, Spyderco's owner, "You must design in the dark because your knives look so strange." True again. Our recognizable appearance is a result of designing ergonomic functional tools rather than applying lipstick and nylons to a pocketknife. We may look curious, homely, whatever, but we'll never be called unusable or undependable. Making knives that consistently deliver reliable high-performance requires an ongoing commitment to testing. In our million-dollar testing facility we examine edge retention with a CATRA machine, look for rust development with Q-FOG, check the force needed to open and close a knife. We also repeatedly test for stress, wear, optimal heat-treating and actively search for higher quality, performance enhancing steels and materials. As a customer you probably don't think about this, or much care, but it allows us to put forth a promise. When you purchase a Spyderco you are buying a high-quality reliable cutting tool designed and manufactured for peak performance and ergonomic comfort. Those Who Know Carry Spyderco.

 

 

TOOL LOGIC, THE COMPANY - Tool Logic offers a wide range of compact multi-function tools and flashlights. These unique designs are all precision engineered and extremely tough for their size. Plus each component is crafted to be genuinely useful when needed. In every case it has been Tool Logic's goal to pack their component tools with as much utility and value as possible. That's why they say they are "Built for Life."

Thank you for your interest in Tool Logic, we hope you find these items useful. They make excellent gifts and stocking stuffers so add one to your shopping cart for the holidays or any time year!

 

ABOUT TOPs KNIVES

"One Life...One Knife"® That's TOP's motto, simply because in the real world of tactical extremes, we are issued only one life. And since your life may realistically depend on your knife, you owe it to yourself to get the very best.

More than 100 years of Special Ops "Know How". Unlike some companies that import knives and attach "Special OPS" style names to their products, TOPS took exactly the opposite approach. They enlisted the support of 11 Operators with backgrounds in the Military, Law Enforcement, Outdoor Professions, and the Martial Arts, with service around the world who used their combined knowledge, experience and operational know-how at the "sharp end" to design the ultimate knives suitable for virtually any tactical purpose.

Tested to the extremes in the mean streets of LA; the plains of Africa; and the jungles of Peru; TOPS KNIVES are the result of the unique cooperative effort. Our Team is comprised of individuals from: SEAL Team 3, Command Master Chief; Columbus- Officer Street Survival Instructor; Special Forces A-Team; Rhodesian SAS, Selous Scouts; Phoenix S.W.A.T. Team; Marine Force Recon; Atlanta-Marshall SWAT; Special OPS Groups; Tacoma- Street Defense Instructor; Airborne Rangers; Martial Arts Instructors.
Add to the array the skills of one knife maker, a former teacher of physics and chemistry who applied his scientific and technical know-how to perfecting the metallurgy, balance and cutting angles. Also an Outdoor Educator, who designs and field tests new products.

TOPs Knives have been requested and deployed in many parts of the world. Numerous individuals who are active Field Operators are using TOPs knives and have been reporting top performance and reliability from their TOPs Knives.

 

Recherche avancée, ingéniosité, souplesse, savoir-faire, souci du détail, voilà quelques-uns des caractères prépondérants qui ont forgé l'image de leader mondial de l'équipement outdoor. Joseph Gerber fonda sa première société en 1910 à Portland, sous le nom de Oregon's Gerber Advertising. Une année, à l'occasion de Noël, il commanda à un coutelier local, la fabrication de 25 jeux de couteaux de cuisine comme cadeau d'entreprise. Les couteaux remportèrent un tel succès que M. Gerber finit par se séparer de son agence de communication pour créer Gerber Legendary Blades en 1939. Recherche avancée, ingéniosité, souplesse, savoir-faire, souci du détail, voilà quelques-uns des caractères prépondérants qui ont forgé l'image de leader mondial de l'équipement outdoor. Une marque qui inspire le respect aussi bien parmi les amateurs de couteaux que parmi les couteliers. Aujourd'hui Gerber propose également de nombreux produits innovants, outils, lampes torches à LED et sac à dos hydratation.

 

 

 

 

 

Droits d'auteur ©Arthurius  2006 Tous droits réservés. 16-Sep-2011