Chris Reeve Knives
Chris Reeve Knives (CRK) knives are high quality handicrafts and tools that will inspire you with their thoughtful details when hunting, hiking or other outdoor activities. Chris Reeve, who started making knives as early as 1975, pays particular attention to a simple appearance - reduced to the essentials. And even today the name Chris Reeve stands for uncompromising quality, durability and uncompromising perfection.
From Durban into the world - Chris Reeve Messer
The history of Chris Reeve, the world-famous knife manufacturer, began in a garage. From January 1st, 1984 Chris Reeve decided to work full time on the production of high-quality knives and founded the company in a car garage in Durban, South Africa. He constantly worked on optimizing his knives - even alone for several years. His aim was to optimise the production methods so that he could increase the capacity of the company. An order from American Monor House enabled him to record good growth in the following 12 months.
This is also due to the ambition of Reeve, who always wanted to be the best, no matter what the project. This also applies to the production of knives. This is how the entrepreneur managed to get through tough times. And even if the finances looked bad, the best possible knife was always the goal. So the knives and the company founder had the potential to measure themselves against their competitors. Chris Reeve took part in a competition in New York in November 1986 and was able to hold his own. It was not only a great satisfaction for Chris Reeve that his knives were able to assert themselves against other best tools from around the world, but also a gain for his company. By participating, sales of his knives increased and Chris Reeve made new contacts. Among them was Mike Stewart, who wanted to sell Chris Reeves knives in the USA through his own company Blackjack Knives. Although Stewart almost went bankrupt with his company, he did an excellent job promoting and selling Chris Reeves knives in the USA. Other companies became interested and wanted to import directly - including some companies from England, France, Italy and Hong Kong. At that time Chris Reeve had four employees.
In 1989 Chris Reeve left South Africa and moved to the USA. Working and export conditions in South Africa became increasingly difficult. Sanctions by other countries and political unrest made the decision to relocate to the USA and move the company forward easier. The move to Boise in Idaho was a big undertaking for the small company, but an important step towards the company it is today.
Hard years to success
Until 1991 Chris Reeve took part in many different shows to make his knives known. For him and his wife Anne, who also worked full time for the company for several years, this was very exhausting, but worthwhile. Demand increased at home and abroad. In 1992 Chris Reeve launched the Sebenza on the market. A knife that immediately found many followers. The company received 75 orders from retailers solely on the basis of a magazine article, although none of the customers had previously held the knife in their hands. A few months later, after years of research, Chris Reeve was finally able to base his production on computer-controlled machines and thus significantly improve the quality of the individual components.
Further technical articles, competitions and orders in the course of the following years ensured that Chris Reeve Knives was able to grow steadily. With a relatively small group of employees, the company founder worked on new knives and continued to improve the existing ones. In 2012 the Sebenza celebrated its 25th anniversary. The knife was still the benchmark in the industry. In 2015 Chris Reeve retired from daily business, but continued to be involved in the development and design of the knives. Today, the company has 40 employees who stand for high-quality, functional knives worldwide and continue the success of Chris Reeve Knives.
The classics from CRK
Many people know the brand Chris Reeve Knives especially through the Sebenza, which is probably the best known folding knife in the industry. It is a true classic - especially since Chris Reeve founded the product line far ahead of his competitors. He already manufactured the Sebenza in 1984, other manufacturers only at the end of the 80s. To this day, a large number of different models of the Sebenza have come onto the market.
Although the One-Piece line was discontinued in 2009, this product line is also considered a classic of the brand and industry. The production of the knives from a single piece of steel was unique. Many manufacturers imitated CRK and also manufactured the models known as "Survival Knives". But often not made of one piece like Chris Reeve, but with a screwable hollow handle. Due to this construction, the knives quickly broke between the handle and the blade, which only underlined the quality of Chris Reeve knives. After 25 years the One-Piece was discontinued with a limited edition.
Today the models of the Professional Soldier line, which Chris Reeve manufactures in cooperation with the knife designer Bill Harsey, have a fixed blade. The knives have an 86 mm long blade made of stainless steel. Various cut-outs have been added to the blade so that the knife can also be worn on a band, e.g. around the neck, so that it can be used quickly.
Discover different models for hunting at Titanium-Gunworks.de
Chris Reeve Knives offers around 12 different product lines, all with different models. Depending on the length and width of the blade and handle, the knives can be used for various hunting purposes, but also for all other outdoor activities. If you wish, we will be happy to help you choose a suitable knife and advise you personally.