In 1975, as part of an effort to authentically outfit himself with the equipment of an 18th century woodsman, Daniel Winkler made his first knife. Fueled by this experience and his intrigue for early American history, Daniel worked diligently for the following decade to become a full-time bladesmith. More than twenty years later, he continues to pull inspiration from frontier America - a time when the equipment a person carried meant sustenance and survival - and successfully builds tools of uncompromising quality that preserve the heritage of utilitarian art. 

Winkler Knives is a limited production company that custom manufactures a diverse line of high performance edged tools. It was established in response to requests from within the SOF Community for specialized breaching tools and has become widely acclaimed for its no frills approach to tactical and rescue operations. Winkler Knives’ products boast attributes such as tapered or skeletonized tangs, no-glare finishes and multi-option carry systems. Each tool is made from specialty steel best suited to the intended use of the equipment. Our unique processes, executed by craftsmen under the direct supervision of Master Bladesmith Daniel Winkler, result in handmade knives and axes without custom made prices.

Winkler Knives has had the honor of providing Team specific knives and axes to some of America’s most elite fighting forces since 2004. The Company’s history of producing custom-made cutlery, as well its origin in working with Special Operations, began long before that.