Kevin is the only individual to ever be in Navy’s Tier 1 unit DEVGRU and the Army & JSOC’s Tier 1 unit Army Special Mission Unit that many know as Delta Force. Not to mention also completing Army Special Forces (Green Beret) course and a member of the CIA’s Special Activities Division.
I've owned and handled a lot of knives over the years, but there is still nothing that feels the same way that a Winkler does in my hand. A masterful blend of traditional and modern in a tool that is meant to be used, and used hard. Thank you Dan and Kevin and the rest of the Winkler crew, for all you humbly do for our blade community.
I just wanted to thank you all for the great interview! And congratulations to Daniel & Karen Winkler of your hard earned success! I had the privilege of meeting you both when I was working at Nordic Knives (Solvang, California; before they relocated to Boise, ID) around ‘02, ‘03, ’04 when Dave Harvy had the Solvang Knife Show, I don’t expect you to remember me when you were meeting so many people already, but you both were such kind, good hearted people that my mom and I loved meeting you guys! It was a true honor to meet you both. You are exactly the kind of person I want to be giving money when I buy a knife! Lol! Something about being able to say you genuinely like & respect the man behind the product! And when your mom agrees, come on it’s a winner! The Winkler’s are the best of people and I send them my greetings and best wishes, and thank you for your kindness and dedication to something I love! I want my next knife to be a Winkler! Thanks again everyone, and have a wonderful day!
@@ridgerunnerblades They certainly are! They both are such humble, kind, generous, & certainly talented people! They are two people who I was truly honored to get to meet; and they are the kind of people who make you feel like they are as happy to meet you as you are them! Amazing! I had told Daniel at the first show I attended how his work was amazing to me because it looked like it could have come right of Daniel Boone’s hip. He said, “Thank you so much! That’s exactly what I was going for!” I loved his work from the first time I saw it, but after meeting him that really made me want his work! Thank you for the wonderful interview with him! My best wishes to you all!
I grew up in Blowing Rock NC in the late '80s & '90s...In the summers, Daniel would always have a booth at a monthly arts fair called "Art in the Park." I would dress up like Daniel Boone just to go visit Daniel's booth & my Dad would have to literally pull me away from watching him work & drooling over his knives...I'm almost 40 now & it's amazing all he's done!
That's just awesome. I just discovered winkler knives a few years ago, I'm just an hour from blowing rock or Boone. I was a jeff white knives fan( he doesn't make anymore due to health problems). I absolutely love the story behind winkler.
I've got 2 knives and the stealth axe from winkler and absolutely love the craftsmanship in them. And they are not wall hangers, I use them all the time and one day I will pass them to my son
The Winkler team is the absolute best way better customer service I won’t name drop but I asked another veteran owned company if they could custom make a knife and that it was for a nonprofit event coming up September 16 called brothers keepers, Nashville, Tennessee if anyone wants to attend tickets are for sale it’s at a gala. I was trying to have a special knife made for a friend who was diagnosed with terminal cancer and they basically told me sorry not sorry either buy it off the website or don’t buy it. So I took my business right back to winkler I was trying to have something made with an ivory handle or a rams horn that’s why I originally didn’t ask Winkler because they have done some special things for me in the past. Bottom line these guys are the most professional great quality of the product. I had high expectations, and when I opened that box, I was still shocked by how impressive there craftsmanship is
Excellent interview Tyler. I know some of the Winkler story, but the Holland story is new to me. It’s nice to hear a brother that loyal. The band saw injuries are relatable.
Daniel looked like he was a defendant in a trial at the beginning of the Vid. Not until it got to actual work did his personality come out. You could actually see him Bloom. My Wife's observation. LOL!!!). Typical of many of us Knife Makers. Loaners mostly. Fine work Daniel! KnifeMaker/Medically retired after over 47+ Years in the Craft in association with R.W. Loveless Knives. (Specialty, Subhilt Big Bear and Chute Knife)
I got my 3rd Winkler coming my way, the huntsman and my first 2 now belong to my uncle who lives 100 miles outside Anchorage Alaska. Those two are the SD1 and Blue Ridge Hunter. There's something special about a Winkler and you just feel it when it's in your hands. Every detail down to the sheath is meticulous and perfect.
I just ordered my axe from Winkler. It is May right now and I probably won't get it till October. Can't wait. It is great to hear from Kevin Holland. What a career. I don't know anything about knife making, but it is fascinating to listen to Daniel discuss how his career and products developed.
Taylor-Great interview, and thanks to Mr. Winkler and Mr. Holland for setting for this. I have one Winkler that's my primary outdoor knife (that I got from Ridgerunner!). I had an early Operator with rubber handles that was my favorite of all the Winkler's-it is now in possession of my "God-son-in-law" in harms way with the US Army in the middle east. I always enjoy hearing Mr. Winkler talk about his company and history. He is very frank too about real reasons things happen or don't happen in a real business. No BS. Not necessarily looking forward to kitchen knives (although I'll probably get some) but newer field models.
A outstanding knife maker that makes awesome knives of all types is Kim Breed Custom Knives here in Tennessee. He is a retired Green Beret and awesome man, I think I own more than 6-7 of his blades and they are awesome.
I have a decent lineup of knives. Emersons, ZTs, Arcane design, Spartans, Michrotechs. Just purchased my first Winkler and I'm already obsessed. I think it's going to be super special.
Great interview. My 3 Winklers are my favorite blades! The rubber handles on my Crusher Belt knife are Awesome, and my Ranger bands on my utility crusher with sculpted maple handles is a really great grip.
So I have a question about this battle ax, the geometry of the handle the blade. I’ve noticed in the space of blade smithing everyone seem to take the Winkler axe model and put a small twist on it. Does anyone else notice this? Is that OK and the community?
madumi & aggressor were good practical designs hope those are on the horizon bought & used allot of different premium made knives winkler is the knife & axe brand I only buy from the quality & design are for realistic users of there equipment
