White River Knives

About White River Knives

White River Knife & Tool—also known as White River Knives—is a small family company based in Fremont, Michigan. Their passion? Crafting high-quality, American-made knives.

Inspired by the White River that runs through the family property in the Manistee National Forest, it was founded by John and Susan Cammenga, along with their sons, John Jr. and Matt. The Cammenga family brings decades of manufacturing experience, ensuring each knife is built to the highest standards of fit, finish, and functionality.

Specializing in knives for hunting, fishing, survival, and everyday use, White River Knives is committed to precision craftsmanship. Every knife is hand-finished, with blades meticulously ground and honed, using only USA-sourced materials (except for rare, exotic materials). The team collaborates with industry experts, such as master bladesmith Jerry Fisk and retired Army Ranger Justin Gingrich, to create innovative designs tailored to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.

White River Knives offers a lifetime guarantee on all its products. If you’re not 100% satisfied, they promise to repair or replace your knife, no questions asked. Known for award-winning knives like the Firecraft and Scout series, White River Knives has earned accolades from publications like Field & Stream, and their products are trusted by adventurers, hunters, and survivalists across the country.

When you’re heading out on your next adventure, you can rely on the quality and dependability of a White River knife.

What types of knives does White River offer?

White River Knives offers a range of high-quality knives tailored to various uses, including outdoor and hunting, first responder, and chef knives. Here are some specific examples:

Outdoor and hunting knives

• White River Ursus 45: Popularly known as that one knife that can handle all your survival and bushcraft needs, the White River Ursus 45 features a durable CPM-S35VN steel blade and full-tang construction. For insight into its cutting power, durability, and comfort, you can read reviews here and here to understand why it's a top choice for extended outdoor use.

• White River Small Game Knife: This compact knife, part of their BAKR-BILT line developed by expert knifemaker Owen Baker Jr., is ideal for small game hunting. The lightweight design of the White River Small Game and its sharp S35VN steel blade make it perfect for skinning and field dressing, while the leather sheath allows for easy carry.

First responder knives

• White River Firecraft (FC5): This knife is built for rugged survival scenarios and trusted by first responders and outdoor professionals in emergency situations. The White River Firecraft (FC5) features a 5-inch clip point blade in CPM-S35VN, a thick blade spine for extra strength, and a fire-starting notch.

• White River Firecraft (FC3.5) Pro: Another great option for survival scenarios, the FC3.5 Pro has a shorter 3.5-inch S35VN blade, making it easy to maneuver in close-quarters work. With its shock-resistant handle and corrosion-resistant steel, it’s ideal for various tough conditions that first responders are likely to face.

Chef knives

• White River Camp Cleaver: Designed for camp cooking but versatile enough for kitchen use, the White River Camp Cleaver is perfect for chopping and slicing. Made from high-quality stainless steel, it’s as functional as it is stylish and has received consistently high ratings from customers and outdoor enthusiasts for its balance and precision.

• White River Fillet Knife: A flexible, slender blade ideal for filleting fish or preparing delicate cuts, this S35VN fillet knife is a go-to for anglers and cooks alike, with consistently impressive results in both outdoor and indoor settings.

Who owns White River Knives?

White River Knives is owned and operated by the Cammenga family. As a family-owned company based in the United States, it's committed to crafting high-quality, American-made knives with durable materials and precision craftsmanship.

The Cammenga family’s dedication to excellence and functionality has established White River Knives as a trusted name among outdoor and survival enthusiasts.

What company makes the best knives?

When it comes to choosing the best knife, preferences can be highly subjective and depend on individual needs and intended use.

That said, many knife enthusiasts and professionals regard White River Knives as a top contender for quality and durability. Known for models like the White River M1, Ursus Cub, and Camp Cleaver, White River knives are highly rated for both outdoor and survival applications, earning praise for their craftsmanship and reliable performance.

What is a river knife for?

A river knife, such as the White River Firecraft or Ursus models, is designed to meet the demands of both water sports and wilderness survival. These knives are essential tools in emergency situations, capable of cutting ropes, slicing through tough materials, and handling various tasks critical for outdoor survival.

Made from stainless, lightweight materials, river knives are easy to carry and access, ensuring users are prepared for challenging scenarios in both water and rugged environments.

What makes the White River Fillet knife unique?

The White River Fillet Knife is crafted in the USA using high-quality steels like 440C and S35VN, which offer excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance—essential for working in wet environments. It features a choice of durable handle materials, including cork, Micarta, and richlite, each designed to provide a comfortable, secure grip for precision filleting.

This combination of top-grade materials and American craftsmanship ensures a reliable, high-performance tool that’s a favorite among anglers.

What is the White River Camp Cleaver used for?

The White River Camp Cleaver is a versatile tool for camping and outdoor activities. Its robust design allows it to handle heavy-duty tasks like chopping wood, preparing food, and other camp-related duties, making it a valuable tool for campers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Are White River Knives suitable for small game hunting?

Yes, White River Knives offers models like the White River Small Game Knife and M1 Caper, designed specifically for tasks like skinning and processing small game. These knives feature compact, ergonomic designs for precision handling.

What is the White River Firecraft series?

The White River Firecraft series is a collection of knives crafted for survival situations. These knives are designed to assist with tasks like fire-starting, thanks to built-in features like ferro rod notches, making them a reliable choice for wilderness adventures.

What’s the difference between the White River M1 and White River M1 Pro?

The White River M1 Pro is an upgraded version of the M1, featuring enhanced materials like MagnaCut steel for better edge retention and durability. Both models are compact, versatile knives ideal for everyday carry or outdoor use, but the M1 Pro is designed for users seeking even higher performance.

Is there a special White River knife for small game?

Yes, the White River Small Game Knife is specifically crafted for small game hunting. Its compact size and sharp blade make it ideal for precise tasks involved in skinning and field dressing.

What materials are used in White River knives?

White River knives are made of high-quality steel, such as S35VN and MagnaCut, known for their excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and durability. Handles are crafted from materials like G-10 and Micarta for a secure, comfortable grip.

What is the White River Ursus Cub?

The White River Ursus Cub is a compact, fixed-blade knife ideal for outdoor and survival use. It combines a rugged build with an easy-to-carry design, making it popular among adventurers and campers.

Where can I buy White River knives?

White River knives are available at Northwest Knives, a trusted premium knife distributor of various types of knives, including sporting knives, EDC knives, and kitchen cutlery. For knife models that are currently unavailable, leave your email address, and we'll notify you as soon as they're back in stock.

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