Chris Reeve Knives; Winkler Knives; Hinderer Knives; Spartan Blades ; Zero Tolerance Knives; RMJ Tactical; William Henry Knives; Benchmade … Ernest Emerson first gained notoriety as one of the most highly respected and sought-after hand-to-hand combat instructors. One of the most prolific knife makers to ever grace this Earth, Ken Onion holds the distinction of being the youngest inductee into the Blade Magazine Hall of Fame. Working with brands like Zero Tolerance, Spartan Knives, and Pro-Tech, Les George has an impressive variety to his catalog of knives. Working primarily out of a small shop in Denmark, Jens Anso is a knife maker and industrial designer behind a number of impressive everyday carry tools. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. With a distinctive style that leans toward curved-handled pocket folders made with high quality corrosion-resistant stainless steels, titanium, and modern laminates, Dmitry Sinkevich’s blades stand out as both refreshing and unique without being too bizarre or impractical to carry every day. Custom knifemaker brings their own set of special characteristics and expert categories to the table. In fact, that very series was named one of the “Top 10 Factory Tactical Folders of the Decade” by Blade magazine. And with designs like Spyderco’s Paramilitary, Grasshopper, Delica, and Ladybug and a number of knife design patents, it’s no wonder he is so hugely respected in the industry. We would be remiss in our duty if we did not include Michael Walker on this list, as one of his creations helped shape the knife and everyday carry world as we know it. Mr. Walker is responsible for the creation, refinement, and popularization of the Linerlock – which he trademarked in 1990. Custom Right Hand Cross Draw Leather Knife – Best custom hunting knives; 1.5 5. Whichever way you slice it, Ken Onion has earned his place amongst the best of the best. Though he credits much of his style and inspiration to Bob Loveless and the Randall family, Tom Mayo’s knives very much stand on their own. While he has a number of excellent options under his own brand, he is also responsible for collaborating with Kershaw knives on several designs, including the much lauded Cryo series. And, one of the added benefits of picking up an Emerson knife, is that they’re all made in the USA. Handmade by Daniel M. Certo. Which design is best? Knowing that the likes of Sal Glesser worked alongside Mr. Southard to produce a knife under his own brand should speak monuments to the quality of Brad’s designs and workmanship and absolutely ranks him amongst the upper echelon of knife designers. And while he isn’t presently taking custom orders, you can still get your hands on his collaborations from their respective retailers. Now working out of Boise, Idaho, Chris Reeve was inducted into the Cutlery Hall of Fame in 2015 – a well-deserved honor. Working out of Repton, Alabama, Mr. Pardue’s lineup is truly one of the greatest. And each and every one of them are worth carrying. 1 Best custom knife makers from famouse knife makers in America. But it isn’t just his contractual work that makes Mr. Osborne a contender, as he also makes beautiful high-end custom knives built with the inclusion of rare and precious materials. And that’s really only the tip of the iceberg for this prolific craftsman, as his work continues to improve from project to project. Though the craft of knife making dates back centuries – even before recorded time – there is still a stigma associating these items with violence. Knife King Baby Blue Custom Damascus – Best custom folding knife makers; 1.3 3. All rights reserved, Leading Edge: 18 Best EDC Knife Designers. HiConsumption is reader-supported. In fact, in 2002, he won both “Best Amateur Knife” award and “Best Folding Blade” award at the Knife Expo in Southern California. While you’d be hard-pressed to get your hands on any of his knives, as the ones already out there are so highly coveted and he’s not presently taking new orders, count yourself as extremely lucky if you do. Upgrading the durability, functionality, and/or appearance of the digital timepiece. And, like many of his elite peers, much of his inspiration comes from his real world experience. ©2020 Hiconsumption LLC. Savvy knife collectors will thrill to the folding knives that run the gamut from high-end showpieces to ruggedly functional field knives. And while you may be familiar with his work with both Kershaw – for whom he designed the exceptional Leek pocket folder – or Columbia River Knife & Tool – for whom he designed a proprietary “tool-less field-strippable” pocket folder amongst a slew of other worthwhile designs – you may not know that he also has a line of sharpeners and award-winning kitchen knives. Custom Tactical knives made from the toughest steels coupled with specialized heat treatment and grind creates a knife with durability far beyond your expectations. In fact, that very series was named one of the “Top 10 Factory Tactical Folders of the Decade” by Blade magazine.