Daniel Winker, Master Bladesmith

Winkler Knives II

New in 2009 is Winkler Knives II- An Alternate Approach to An Established Tradition. This collection is the result of processes I developed over the past few years in order to provide edged tools to Teams within United States Army Special Operations and US Naval Special Warfare.Winkler Knives II consists of stock removal pieces custom made in my shop. Each design is born of warriors' experience.

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Sayoc/Winkler R n D Hawks	WK II Belt Knife	WK II Combat Axe
WK II Field Knife	WK II Hunters Axe	WK II Rescue/Breaching Axe
WK II Tactical Dagger

I realized early in my journey as a blademsith that I could do no better than to look to the tools that served the pioneers of this land for guidance and inspiration. Our Country’s early settlers faced harsh environments, personal combat and daily chores- their edged tools meant sustenance and survival.

In 2007 I began providing equipment to two of our Nation’s most elite Military Special Operations Teams. I have worked directly with Team Members, developing items specifically for their use. From the start it was obvious that the precision inherent to the tools of an era past- basic utility that I had studied for more than twenty years- translated flawlessly to the needs of modern day warriors.

I currently provide Team specific breaching/combat axes to four different United States Special Operations Forces, with additional projects pending. The proven performance of the axes in the field prompted the requisition of a standard issue belt knife within Naval Special Warfare, as well as the production of similar weapons for Allied Forces. These military projects mandated faster and less expensive production without compromising quality.

The production process has been thorughly tested and proven in the field. Each piece is custom made in my shop utilizing stock removal and heat treating procedures I developed specifically for military projects. The steels used are all made in the USA and are proven performers. Handle material choices are the same as those specified by various SOF Teams. Sheaths and carriers are designs resulting from extensive field testing by and feedback from active duty Team Members. These are not “kit” products! Only water jet cutting services based on my own drawings and specs are outsourced. In place of the DWinkler touchmark used to identify my forged work, all stock removal pieces coming from my shop bear the mark Winkler Knives II.