North Mountain Blade 2532-TI
Published: 3 days ago
Chris Reeve Knives
https://chrisreeve.com
The company was founded in 1984 in South Africa by Chris Reeve, a tool and die maker who applied his precision engineering skills to create innovative and high-quality knives, most notably the iconic Sebenza folding knife. The company later relocated to Boise, Idaho, where it continues to operate and set industry standards for premium knives.
Origins in South Africa
Early Days and Inspiration: Chris Reeve's knifemaking journey began in 1975 when, facing compulsory military service, he decided to make his own reliable knife. His initial wooden-handled knife cracked in a dry climate, prompting him to conceptualize a more durable, all-steel knife.
Founding: He founded Chris Reeve Knives as a sole proprietorship in January 1984, initially operating out of a single garage in Durban, South Africa.
One Piece Knife Concept: His early focus was on the "One Piece" range of fixed-blade, hollow-handled knives, machined from a single billet of steel for maximum strength.
Integral Lock Innovation: In 1987, he developed the "Integral Lock" mechanism for folding knives (now widely known as the frame lock), a groundbreaking design that enhances safety and stability by using a slotted part of the handle frame to lock the blade.
Relocation to the United States: In March 1989, seeking better business opportunities and access to advanced manufacturing technology, Chris and his wife Anne immigrated to the United States and settled in Boise, Idaho.
Company Growth: In July 1993, the proprietorship became Reeve Incorporated, doing business as Chris Reeve Knives. The company's reputation for quality and tight tolerances grew, and it moved into larger facilities to meet rising demand.
Key Innovations and Legacy
The Sebenza: The flagship Sebenza ("work" in Zulu) folding knife debuted in 1991, incorporating the Reeve Integral Lock and setting the benchmark for high-end production folding knives.
Steel Development: CRK has collaborated with Crucible Industries on several occasions to develop advanced blade steels specifically for cutlery, including CPM S30V (2003) and CPM S35VN (2009), which became industry standards.
Leadership Transition: Chris Reeve retired from day-to-day operations in 2014 and was inducted into the Blade Magazine Hall of Fame in 2015. The company is now wholly owned and operated by his wife Anne and their son Tim, maintaining its reputation for uncompromising quality and craftsmanship.
Awards: The company has won numerous awards, including multiple "Manufacturing Quality Award" from Blade Magazine.
https://chrisreeve.com
The company was founded in 1984 in South Africa by Chris Reeve, a tool and die maker who applied his precision engineering skills to create innovative and high-quality knives, most notably the iconic Sebenza folding knife. The company later relocated to Boise, Idaho, where it continues to operate and set industry standards for premium knives.
Origins in South Africa
Early Days and Inspiration: Chris Reeve's knifemaking journey began in 1975 when, facing compulsory military service, he decided to make his own reliable knife. His initial wooden-handled knife cracked in a dry climate, prompting him to conceptualize a more durable, all-steel knife.
Founding: He founded Chris Reeve Knives as a sole proprietorship in January 1984, initially operating out of a single garage in Durban, South Africa.
One Piece Knife Concept: His early focus was on the "One Piece" range of fixed-blade, hollow-handled knives, machined from a single billet of steel for maximum strength.
Integral Lock Innovation: In 1987, he developed the "Integral Lock" mechanism for folding knives (now widely known as the frame lock), a groundbreaking design that enhances safety and stability by using a slotted part of the handle frame to lock the blade.
Relocation to the United States: In March 1989, seeking better business opportunities and access to advanced manufacturing technology, Chris and his wife Anne immigrated to the United States and settled in Boise, Idaho.
Company Growth: In July 1993, the proprietorship became Reeve Incorporated, doing business as Chris Reeve Knives. The company's reputation for quality and tight tolerances grew, and it moved into larger facilities to meet rising demand.
Key Innovations and Legacy
The Sebenza: The flagship Sebenza ("work" in Zulu) folding knife debuted in 1991, incorporating the Reeve Integral Lock and setting the benchmark for high-end production folding knives.
Steel Development: CRK has collaborated with Crucible Industries on several occasions to develop advanced blade steels specifically for cutlery, including CPM S30V (2003) and CPM S35VN (2009), which became industry standards.
Leadership Transition: Chris Reeve retired from day-to-day operations in 2014 and was inducted into the Blade Magazine Hall of Fame in 2015. The company is now wholly owned and operated by his wife Anne and their son Tim, maintaining its reputation for uncompromising quality and craftsmanship.
Awards: The company has won numerous awards, including multiple "Manufacturing Quality Award" from Blade Magazine.