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Form and function are the key ingredients to any knife design, and we take both very seriously. That is the reason Benchmade believes working with custom designers creates the most innovative and functional designs in the industry. These skilled artisans and craftsmen pour their passions into their work and agonize over every detail. By collaborating with a selection of world-class custom designers, we’re able to tap into the newest locking mechanisms, modern materials, and custom blending and finishing techniques. The results are quality designs that are built for performance, reliability and dependability.
SHANE SIBERT- Since 1994, Shane Sibert’s goal has been to design and create unique knives that will invoke pride of ownership, while at the same time perform tasks and challenges with exceptional ease. A life-long avid backpacker, Sibert draws inspiration from hiking throughout the Pacific Northwest’s vast wilderness. He’s an occasional practitioner of martial arts, and enjoys S.C.U.B.A. diving in Oregon’s chilly waters.
EDDIE KILLIAN- Born with a love of knives, Eddie has carried a knife in his pocket since the second grade, and started to make his own knives in his garage in 2003. A volunteer Search and Rescue Team Leader, Eddie is also a Certified Technical Rigging Instructor specializing in Technical/Tactical Rope Rescue Rigging for Search and Rescue teams, Fire Agencies, Law Enforcement and Military personnel. He is the founder of Durango, CO based K5 Tactical. He works as an industrial two-way radio system designer and consultant, as well as Military and Law Enforcement equipment designer. Eddie has worked with countless local, state and federal agencies including the California Highway Patrol, U.S. Secret Service, Department of Justice, and the Department of the Treasury.
SEIICHI NAKAMURA- Engineering was his
life’s work until he retired to focus his efforts on a passion for custom knife
work. He specializes in small Japanese style folders, gentlemen’s carry and jewelry
knives. His eye for artistry and mechanical engineering make him a perfect fit for
the innovative Benchmade team.
MEL PARDUE- The senior
team member, Mel has been grinding sparks, making knives and creating a following
for 20-plus years. His style has a class and simplicity all its own. The Pardue
collaborations offer great utility to the everyday knife user while at the same
time presenting an upscale distinction. Less is definitely more with Mel’s designs.
MCHENRY & WILLIAMS-
It runs in the family… Bill and stepson Jason spend their days making exquisite
pieces of “art with an edge on it.” Their dedication and talents compliment one
another very well, and have led to several noteworthy innovations in the knife making
world. Benchmade was fortunate to be involved with one such innovation, the AXIS
mechanism. The rest is history in the making.
WARREN OSBORNE- Being raised
in the farming and ranching industry taught Warren early on what great utility a
quality knife can offer. How a knife feels in the hand over extended use, blade
design/edge configurations, and the types of materials used are all mandatory considerations
of an Osborne design.
 MIKE SNODY- Exploding into the knife
making world, Mike has successfully created a name for himself in a short amount
of time by wrapping solid function in the guise of contemporary design. His design
influence is derived from his own personal experiences. And his "sensitive"
side certainly hasn’t held him back either.
BOB LUM- With over 30 years of knife
designing expertise, an artistic drive both in his craftsmanship of knives and his
love for photography; provided Benchmade unique design styles infused with his creativity,
thus yielding the highest quality knife possible. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest
gave him an opportunity to develop an appreciation for the importance of a fine
knife, which comes through in his elegant and utilitarian designs. Thanks, Bob.
STEVE FECAS- A well spoken
Southern gentleman, Steve Fecas calls South Carolina /images/home. The mystique
of custom knives and what they have to offer caught his eye in the mid-1970's and
he has been creating some of his own special mystique ever since. All of which favor
a stylish, swept-back profile all their own.
STEIRER EISEN- There's
more to living in Austria than picturesque vistas. For Armin Stuetz it has been
making his fascination with knives become a livelihood over the years. He founded
Steirer Eisen which is his own knife manufacturing company located in Styria, Austria.
There, he and his staff of artisans and fine craftsmen work their passions into
knife designs direct from the heart. Armin says he is only satisfied when his customers
are satisfied. Hmm…sounds familiar.
MATTHEW LERCH- Codeveloper of the Nitrous™
Assist mechanism, Matthew has his finger on the pulse of industry leading innovations
and will continue to be a valuable contributor to Benchmade’s genuine passion for
that next, better design.
KEN STEIGERWALT- In 1978 at the age
of 15, Ken found himself at the kitchen table with some file and a vise. Three years
later he decided that knife making was going to be his full time career. Since then,
Ken has dedicated himself to wowing the industry with his innovative style and describes
his work as a passion and a journey to build a better knife than the last.
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