Dirk Pinkerton

I began seriously making knives in 2005. That was when I purchased my first serious grinder. Prior to that, my interest in making knives grew from a lifelong interest in knives. My father always carried a knife and felt it was an essential tool. While he could appreciate the work and craftsmanship that went into a beautiful knife, he always believed them to be a tool, first. I believe that is where I learned my design principles for knives. Most of my work is toward straight forward, functional knives designed toward a task.
My professional career was 18 years in the private security field for a large corporation. In that time I was able to train and work closely with several protection details, law enforcement, S.W.A.T., fire and life rescue, various military units and the Secret Service. Through this experience I began to understand how knives were looked upon as tools and weapons. This greatly influenced how I would design knives.
During this time, I began collecting knives and became friends with Darrel Ralph. He was my mentor and he essentially opened the door to my knife making career. I used to bug him to make the knife that I designed. Finally, he told me he made his designs and that if I wanted a particular design, I should make it. So, I did.
My knives are in use with US Military and Law Enforcement and around the world with many countries' military and law enforcement along with civilians who just need a good knife for utility or self defense.