Chris Reeve Knives

Is Chris Reeve still making knives?

Chris Reeve, the pioneering knifemaker who transformed the industry with innovations like the Reeve Integral Lock (also known as the frame lock), has retired from active knifemaking. But his company, Chris Reeve Knives (CRK), still manufactures precision-engineered, heirloom-quality fixed blade and folding knives.

Chris founded CRK in South Africa in 1984 with his wife Anne. In 1989, they moved to Boise, Idaho where all CRK knives are now manufactured.

Chris Reeve Knives currently operates under the leadership of Anne and their son Tim.

Why are Chris Reeve knives so expensive?

Chris Reeve knives are more expensive compared to other knife brands primarily because of:

Tight manufacturing tolerances

Chris Reeve knives are manufactured with extremely precise tolerances that, according to knife pundits, "rival aeronautical engineering specifications for aircraft." This level of precision requires meticulous attention to detail and specialized equipment.

High-quality materials

Chris Reeve knives are crafted from high-quality steel blades like CPM MagnaCut, CPM S45VN, and CPM S35VN, which are celebrated for their sharpness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. Handle materials include titanium and canvas Micarta.

Rigorous quality control

Every Chris Reeve knife that leaves the company's Boise, Idaho facility undergoes stringent quality control processes to meet the brand's exacting standards.

Chris Reeve Knives has been raking in awards year after year for the quality of its knives. Some examples from the Blade Show include:

• Manufacturing Quality Award (15+ years)

• 2018 American Made Knife of the Year for the CRK Impinda

• 2005 Collector Knife of the Year for the Sebenza

Lifetime warranty and sharpening

All Chris Reeve knives are covered by a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing and material defects. The warranty doesn't cover damage as a result of misuse, abuse, alterations, normal wear and tear, neglect, or aggressive blade flicking.

CRK also provides sharpening and repair for the life of the knife (conditions apply).

Reputation and heritage

CRK is widely known in the industry for its high-performance, high-quality knives. And because CRK knives are built to last, they can be passed on from one generation to the next.

What knife do the Green Berets carry?

Members of the United States Army Special Forces—colloquially, the Green Berets—carry the Yarborough knife, also known as the Green Beret knife. This CRK-manufactured field knife was designed by renowned knifemaker Bill Harsley and named after Lt. Gen. William Yarborough, widely recognized as the father of the modern Special Forces.

Yarborough knives are Chris Reeve fixed blade knives made primarily for tactical purposes.

What steel does Chris Reeve use?

Chris Reeve Knives used to use different steels for their folders and fixed bladers, but they now exclusively use CPM MagnaCut on all knives.

What is the Chris Reeve Large Sebenza 31?

The Chris Reeve line of Sebenza knives is one of the most popular in CRK's product catalog. If you've seen the Tom Cruise movie Collateral, you might have noticed the actor carrying a Sebenza in the film. The TV series 24 also featured a Sebenza in one of its episodes.

The Sebenza, which means "work" in Zulu, is a hardworking cutting tool designed for everyday tasks. It's one of the most influential everyday carry (EDC) folding knives the industry has ever seen.

The CRK Sebenza 31 is the latest iteration in this iconic line, and it comes with a CPM MagnaCut steel blade. The Large Sebenza has a blade length of 3.6 inches, while the Small Sebenza has a blade length of 3 inches. Both sizes feature the patented Reeve Integral Lock with a ceramic ball interface.

Are Chris Reeve's knives worth the price?

Given that the market offers a lot of cheaper alternatives, this is a fair question to ask. However, many knife enthusiasts and collectors consider Chris Reeve knives investment-worthy for their heirloom-grade quality, durability, and superior performance. They're designed to last a lifetime—and even many years beyond.

How do I maintain and care for my Chris Reeve knife?

CRK folding and fixed blade knives are made to last but will require maintenance from time to time to keep them in tip-top shape.

Every Chris Reeve knife purchase typically comes with a care kit, so tighten the screws occasionally and clean the inside after extensive use or contact with oily or acidic substances. Additional cleaning tips can be found on the CRK YouTube channel.

Can I customize my Chris Reeve’s knife?

Yes, you can customize Chris Reeve knives but to a certain extent. For example, if you want to add a logo or text engravings on your knife, CRK offers a factory-backed CAD customization service.

You may also replace the handle scales of certain models, and if you want to modify your knife to suit your style—i.e., reshape the blade—note that any modifications you make to the knife may void the warranty.

Chris Reeve Knives also offers knives with exclusive features, such as unique graphics or handle colors. These specially configured knives are exclusive to specific dealers and can only be purchased through them.

Northwest Knives carries several exclusive CRK knives, including:

• Chris Reeve Knives Large Sebenza 31: Features a drop-point CPM MagnaCut steel blade, a titanium handle with armor black Cerakote and natural Micarta inlays, and a removable tip-up pocket clip

• Chris Reeve Knives Small Sebenza 31: Comes with a drop-point CPM MagnaCut steel blade, a titanium handle with armor Cerakote and natural Micarta inlays, and a removable tip-up pocket clip

• Chris Reeve Knives Large Inkosi: Has a drop-point MagnaCut steel blade, a Springfield Grey Cerakote handle, and a removable tip-up pocket clip

You'll find the full list of CRK-Northwest Knives exclusives here.

Where can I buy Chris Reeve knives?

Chris Reeve knives for sale are available at Northwest Knives, such as these Sebenza favorites:

• Small Sebenza 31, Black Canvas Micarta Inlay, CPM-MagnaCut

• Large Sebenza 31, Glass Blasted, Tanto Blade, CPM-MagnaCut

We also offer various types of knives, including automatic knives, from other trusted brands like Benchmade, Hogue, Spyderco, and Kershaw.

Need to connect with our team? Email info@northwestknives.com or call 208-884-8626.