2025 R1 Invitational

Having started out by making fixed blades, Brian Efros now specializes in frame lock folders. His knives are often understated in configuration, but their quality is such that it elevates them to pocket jewelry status. He’s well known for his smooth contouring, which facilitates incredible ergonomics. Efros has collaborated with several production companies, including Boker and Alliance Designs. 

The recipient of many accolades, Chris Reeve Knives are considered to be the benchmark of high-end production knives. Their namesake is credited with the creation of the popular frame-lock. His knives are famous for their “bank vault” lock-up and hydraulic action. Though undeniably handsome in their simplicity, they’re more than tough enough to take a beating.

Hawk Knives began in the Idaho Mountains, where Grant Hawk crafted fixed-blade knives in a small gold mining town. When customers began favoring folding knives, Grant shifted his focus, eventually creating the D.O.G. Lock folder, which was licensed to CRKT. This milestone marked the start of a father-and-son journey into designing innovative knives and mechanisms for the industry

Having started making knives out of an old Finnish piggery, founders Tapio and Viljami are quickly making a name for themselves. Their superb knives (the Model T and Veli) are already lauded for their flawless action and incredible machining. Hog House knives are sure to satisfy every desire you might have for an everyday carry, though they’re beautiful enough to be anyone’s grail.

A SoCal knife-maker, Foster was mentored by such legends as Tom Mayo, Lee Williams, and Ray Laconico. His most recognizable model is his Narwhal, which is available in several different sizes

Kirby Lambert is a renowned maker out of Canada. The popularity of his customs has spawned a number of collaborations with high-end production brands, most notably Reate. As he is a close friend of Chad Nichols, he often uses Damascus for his blades.

Highly sought after for their perfect machining and addictive actions, Bill Koenig’s knives have taken the community by storm in recent years. His Arius model is all but universally renowned, standing as the flagship model for the brand. Bridging the gap between a slicer and a tank, Koenig knives are more than worthy of a spot in your rotation.

Famous for his clean lines, Ray Laconico is one of the biggest names in the industry. He’s collaborated with the likes of Kizer and Alliance Design, and he’s also the partial owner of Monterey Bay Knives.

A maker out of Hawaii, Tom Mayo was mentored by Glen Hornby. His knives are some of the smoothest and most elegant customs on the market. As well as his hallmark opening hole, he’s known for the holes milled into his handles. Mayo uses high-speed steels like Talonite and 6K Stellite, which are non-ferrous and corrosion-proof. 

A father/son duo, Bill and Eric Tuch place an emphasis on form without ever compromising on function. Whether manual or automatic, their knives showcase clean lines alongside fine materials and finishes, resulting in the most useful pocket jewelry imaginable.

Best known for his tactical flippers, Walter Randolph makes some of the most sought-after knives around. His blades are iconic, instantly identifiable, and most often feature Persian or modified tanto profiles. In recent years, he’s collaborated with Alliance Designs, releasing a production version of his Deimos model.