RHK - Behind the Scenes

A limited finish knife is a unique variation that differs from our standard production finish or configuration. These knives are...

Every year, our demand continues to grow at a much higher pace than what we can produce. This overwhelming interest in our products is both humbling and motivating. With such high demand...

Rick Hinderer Knives (RHK) stands out as a leader in the knife industry, blending rugged functionality with artistic craftsmanship. Built for hard use, these knives are designed to handle the toughest conditions, drawing on founder Rick Hinderer’s real-world experience as a farrier and firefighter. RHK knives are also highly customizable, allowing users to "Make It Your Own" by swapping out hardware, scales, and other components. With every knife proudly made in the USA and major components machined in-house at The Ranch, RHK ensures unmatched quality and precision. Whether you’re a first responder, outdoor enthusiast, or collector, Rick Hinderer Knives offer a reliable tool that reflects both form and function—crafted to deliver durability, utility, and a touch of personal expression.

This complete guide to Rick Hinderer Knives showcases our full lineup of our current high-performance folders—proudly made in the USA from premium materials. From the legendary XM-18 series to modern designs like Project X and Firetac, each knife is built for everyday carry (EDC), tactical use, or collecting. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the Herd, discover the perfect Hinderer knife for your pocket and lifestyle.

The first episode of Slicing Through History traces the evolution of modern folding knives—from early friction folders to slip joints, lockbacks, liner locks, and frame locks. Rick Hinderer shares how each innovation shaped his journey as a maker, from experimenting with slip joints and lockbacks in the ’80s to pioneering overbuilt titanium frame locks that define Hinderer Knives today. This history isn’t just about the knives—it’s the foundation of Rick’s design philosophy, where tradition, innovation, and craftsmanship meet to create tools built to perform and made to last.

At Rick Hinderer Knives, we’ve always believed your knife should be more than just a tool—it should be a reflection of you. That’s why we offer a wide selection of hardware options that let you tailor your RHK knife to fit your style...

Discover the beauty and strength of stabilized wood knife handles. At Rick Hinderer Knives, our wood scales blend tradition, unique grain patterns, and durability for a handle that lasts.

The Hinderer Lockbar Stabilizer isn’t just a small disc—it’s a safeguard that keeps frame lock knives reliable under real-world conditions. By preventing lockbar overtravel and reinforcing the lock itself, Rick Hinderer’s innovation solved a critical weakness in folding knives and set a new standard across the industry.

At our shop, we handcraft knives in small batches, typically featuring 2 or 3 distinct models at a time. Each batch undergoes several weeks of dedicated production before we move on to the next set. With a vast array of models, grinds, and configurations...

Discover the history and purpose of the Sheepsfoot blade. Rick Hinderer shares how he modified this classic grind for modern hunting, EDC, and hard use.

The Spanto grind is the flagship blade design of Rick Hinderer Knives—born from Rick’s real-world experience as a firefighter and EMT. It combines the slicing power of a spear point with the reinforced tip strength of a tanto, making it ideal for both everyday use and extreme conditions. First introduced on the XM-18 in 2004, the Spanto has become a trusted staple for collectors, professionals, and EDC users alike. It’s more than a blade—it’s a legacy of innovation, durability, and purpose-driven design.

Before the term tactical pen even existed, Rick Hinderer was building one. In the early 2000s, his passion for precision and self-reliance led to the creation of the world’s first tactical pen — the Modular Kubaton. From that breakthrough came the Extreme Duty and Investigator Pens, each built for performance, protection, and everyday use. Now, Rick Hinderer Knives continues the story with the release of a longer Investigator Pen — an American-made evolution of the original, designed for those who demand strength, control, and purpose in every tool they carry.