Dan Winkler knives

[Rifleman1776]

Found this site on a link from a news story. Apparently his knives are the preferred carry by SEALs and Special Ops guys. Another site showed scores by Winkler for sale making me wonder just how customized or hand made they could be. Still, they are nice looking and unique. http://winklerknives.com/

 

[Treestalker]

As a hobby blacksmith in southeast Texas since age 13, I can tell you I have forged up to ten blades a day. Not bowies or complicated knives like daggers, but blades like Mr. Winkler had displayed in your post, except no damascus. Leonard Williamson, the 'smith I learned under, could forge up to 30 Indian knives a day, the handles full tang, long and rounded, very comfortable. Leonard's wife was an Alabama- Coushatta Indian, and I have no doubt he picked up the style from them. Oleta was a Beloved Woman, and 20-30 Indians,(family and friends) would come to Leonard's for a feast and get together about twice a year. It was a happy day for the apprentice if they showed up while I was there! That Leonard had 5 beautiful Daughters didn't hurt, either. Tree.

 

[Ken Cormier]

I have a friend who has a belt and patch knife made probably 15 yrs ago by Mr Winkler. They are way nice but have bought guns for less than what he paid. But you get what you pay for.

 

[Luke MacGillie]

I dont own a Winkler knife, but I wish I did. But I wouldnt use it for anything living history, as his knives are modern art if you will, not historical reproductions.

And yes, Winkler knives are perhaps my generations version of the Randall knife, although there are other makers who also have a great following among certain parts of the community.

 

[LaBonte]

It's the Winkler II knives, which are custom designed semi-production stock removal blades, that are favored by Special operators and other soldiers. All of these knives/hawks have been designed in collaboration with various Spec ops soldiers, with lots of combat experience.

His "period" pieces are still custom hand built one at a time hand with forged blades. As Luke noted they are in the collector's level pricing/market often with sheaths by well known maker Karen Shook.

 

[Nifeman]

Having met Dan a few times, I can tell you that he's a heck of a guy, very personable. His forged knives are top shelf and his Damascus is awesome. Having said that, I have two of his early patch knives that I wouldn't trade for love or money. I'll post them if I can find them... Bud

 

[Nifeman]

 

[Rifleman1776]

File knife. Looks good. I would be proud to wear it. But, it looks no better than what a lot of the great craftsmen we have here, and see elsewhere, make regularly.
For the record, I ain't one of them. :redface:

 

[Nifeman]

Ford Scout or Hummer :hmm: ..Same difference, at the price I got em for couldn't pass it up...

 

[Sculatti]

Having met Dan a few times, I can tell you that he's a heck of a guy, very personable. His forged knives are top shelf and his Damascus is awesome. Having said that, I have two of his early patch knives that I wouldn't trade for love or money. I'll post them if I can find them... Bud

Do you still have your Winkler patch knives?