Old-School, new cool! Curtiss BMF

Published: 1 week ago

BMF


The Curtiss Custom Knives BMF, or "Battle Master Flipper," is a heavy-duty folding knife with a sporadic production history. Made by veteran and sole craftsman David Curtiss, its history is marked by limited runs, making it a sought-after piece in the custom knife community.

Origins and initial run (2013)
The BMF has existed as a design for at least a decade, with an early run dating to 2013. It was discussed in a video from that year as an impressive, high-end custom piece. This initial production was limited, and David Curtiss continued to focus on a variety of other models for several years.

Features and reputation
Throughout its history, the BMF has been defined by its oversized, robust build and high-quality materials.
Build: The knife is known as an "absolute beast" due to its large size, thick blade, and durable construction. It is often described as feeling solid and substantial in hand.
Materials: Modern versions feature high-performance steel like CPM MagnaCut, along with titanium handles and hardware.

Technology: It utilizes Curtiss's patented "SPOT pivot system" for smooth, fast, and solid deployment.
Ergonomics: Despite its size, the BMF is praised for its comfortable ergonomics, providing a secure grip.
Resurgence and recent limited releases (2023)
After a long hiatus, David Curtiss surprised the knife community with the announcement of a new BMF run in 2023.

In March 2023, he announced a "limited run" exclusively through USA Made Blade.

In April 2023, a YouTube review highlighted the new BMF run, detailing the updated features, material choices, and minor tweaks from the original design. For example, the latest knives smoothed out some of the more aggressive initial flipper edges and jimping.
This batch featured more design variations than originally planned, with different handle finishes and blade styles.

Collectibility
Because the BMF is produced in very limited batches and has extended periods of unavailability, it is considered a rare and desirable item. David Curtiss's hands-on, custom approach to knife-making—from CAD design to final sharpening—adds to the value and collectibility of the BMF and all his other custom knives.