A few words from me to you….

Hi, my name is RJ Martin, and I am happy to welcome you to my website.

Since Custom Knife making isn’t a common profession, I’d like to tell you a bit about how came to be a full time knife maker. I made my first custom knife in 1976, as a teenager. Being an avid fisherman, I loved to read the outdoor magazines, and the pictures in a Sports Afield article about Bob Dozier, peaked my interest. Those dropped hunters were beautiful! My father was an artist, and, I had already built fishing rods, lures, flies, and archery equipment, so I decided to build my first knife. It came out pretty well, and, the next was even better. You know the rest-I was hooked. But, it got better from there.

I was so fascinated by steel and its heat treatment that I decided to become an Engineer. I graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY in 1984 with a BS in Materials Engineering. I started life in the professional world as an Airframe Designer with Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, CT.

Over the next 17 years, I was privileged to work on some of the finest helicopter designs in the world. The S-92, shown below, occupied much of my time during the mid-90’s. I served as the Airframe Co-Design Lead for the cockpit, which was designed in Taiwan as part of a joint venture. The Canopy structure is an all-composite design, made largely of Carbon Fiber and Titanium. I received my first patent on this aircraft, for the cockpit window jettison mechanism.

After the S-92, I served in the same capacity on the MH-60S. During this program, high speed machining was introduced as a means to produce components faster and more accurately. I was fortunate to become involved in this effort, and immediately recognized the benefits of CNC technology. I knew I had to have a CNC of my own, and, purchased a machine in 1999. More on this later…

The MH-60S provided me with my greatest design challenge: Designing a cabin floor that incorporated an integral roller system for loading and moving 3000 LB pallets of cargo within the cabin of the aircraft. My experience in making folding knives helped me develop some of the stops and latches that were used. I was fortunate to have Knife making as a second job! Many of the lessons I learned in Knife making helped me solve problems in helicopter design, and vice versa. We actually solved a difficult design issue by using KYDEX, a common knife sheath material, to fabricate some tricky air conditioning ducts!

I served as Chief of Design of the MH-60S for two years, before I retired in 2001 to become a full-time knife maker. I cannot imagine a better combination of careers. I was privileged to work with some of the finest people I have ever met, designing the finest aircraft in the world. Now, I am privileged to apply the skills I acquired to design and build some of the finest knives in the world.

Every time a helicopter flies overhead, I have to look up and see if it’s one of “mine”.

Stay Sharp,

RJ Martin

 

SHOW SCHEDULE-2011

2011 BLADE Show & International Cutlery Fair

June 10-12th 2011
Cobb Galleria Centre
Atlanta, GA
Table 10M


USN GATHERING 2011

Planet Hollywood Hotel
3667 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Reservations: 1-866-317-1829

Show dates and times:
Friday Sept. 2nd 10 am to 6 pm
Saturday Sept. 3rd 10 am to 6 pm


The 34th Annual NYCKS

November 18, 19, 20, 2011
The Westin – Jersey City Newport
479 Washington Blvd.
Jersey City, NJ 07310

 

THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT RJ MARTIN DESIGN, INC.

  • 2010 – DRT (Dead Right There): RJ wins Best Tactical Folder at the 2010 BLADE SHOW for the fourth year in a row!
  • 2010 – New knife variation added to the Q-36 page. Head on over and check out the Q-36 Stag
  • 2010 – New knife added to the Framelock Flipper Folder page. Head on over and check out the OVERKILL
  • 2010 – Just updated the Shop Tour page. Hop on over and see the shop!
  • 2010 – We just added some new knives to the Kershaw section.
  • 2009 – Notice some changes to the front page? The new setup will dynamically showcase our award winning knives. See the “(?)”? You will see this pop-up around the site. Hover over it and you will see site tips. Let us know what you think!
  • 2009 – DEVASTATOR with Carbon Fiber scales: RJ wins Best Tactical Folder at the 2009 BLADE SHOW for the third year in a row!
  • 2008 – RAMPAGE BTF: RJ wins Best Tactical Folder at the 2008 BLADE SHOW
  • 2008 – New Webmaster: This site has switched to a new webmaster. RJMartinKnives.com will now be designed by Sean Feeney. For problems and issues with this website Contact Sean Feeney.
  • 2007 – Q36: Q36 won Best Tactical Folder at the 2007 Blade Show.
  • 2007 – BOKER: BOKER will be producing their interpretation of my RAMPAGE fixed blade.
  • 2006 – KERSHAW GROOVE: KERSHAW produces my first folder collaboration. Called GROOVE (See it Here), it is a very fast flipper with a 3 1/2″ blade, and is the first production knife ever to feature a striated blade.
  • 2005 – SPYDERCO KUMO: Spyderco produces my first fixed blade collaboration. Called the KUMO, it is the factory version of my Manta Ray.
  • 12/28/04 – Blade Magazine: The Rampage Folder is featured on the cover of the March, 2005 Edition of Blade Magazine. Check it out!!!
 

Dress Havoc

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Look Sharp, Be Sharp!

The Dress Havoc provides the same features as the HAVOC, bit with an upscale look and feel. Blade is fully hollow ground, with a crisp satin finish.

Blade Steel: CPMS30V, Rc59
Blade Length: 3.5″
Blade Thickness: .130
Overall Length: 7.9″
Handle Length: 4.4″
Blade Finish: Satin
Handle Material: .125 thick Titanium frames w/CNC textured C/F overlays

 

Rampage BTF

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The Rampage BTF won the award for Best Tactical Folder at the 2008 Blade Show in Atlanta. A knife enthusiasts competition put on by Blade Magazine.

Blade Steel: CPMS30V, Rc59
Blade Length: 4″
Blade Thickness: . 200″
Overall Length: 9″
Handle Length: 5″
Blade Finish: Hand Rubbed Satin Finish
Handle Material:Titanium Frames and bolsters, CNC textured and epoxy powdercoated. CNC textured and contoured Green Canvas Micarta scales

 

Avenger (Recurve)

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If you’re looking for a BIG, STRONG Framelock this knife is for you!

The Avenger design incorporates all the features my customers expect in a heavy duty tactical folder:

-2 deep finger grooves provide positive indexing in both forward and reverse grips.
-Deep traction grooves on blade spine anchor the thumb, but don’t hang up on your pocket during deployment.
-CNC Textured scales for maximum grip-ability.
-Ambidextrous textured Titanium thumb stud for slip-free blade opening.
-The .090 thick Titanium frame is rigidized by 4 precision Ti standoffs and a massive 3/16 DIA. Hardened Stainless stop pin.
-Deep carry Titanium Pocket clip available in plain or bead blast finish.
-Blade to handle length ratio: 85%

Blade Steel: CPMS30V, Rc59
Blade Length: 4 1/4″
Overall Length: 9 1/2″
Handle Length: 5 1/4″
Blade Steel: CPM S30V Stainless Satin Finish
Blade Thickness: .175
Handle Material: Bead Blast Titanium w/ CNC textured G-10 overlays
Weight: 5.4 ounces / 152 grams

The Avenger is available with the following options:
-Recurve or Spear Point blade with false top edge
-Plain or bead blasted clip
-Green/Black G-10, Silver G10, Blue Twill G10, Carbon Fiber or Tan Canvas Micarta Scales

 

Avenger (Spearpoint)

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If you’re looking for a BIG, STRONG Framelock this knife is for you!

The Avenger design incorporates all the features my customers expect in a heavy duty tactical folder:

-2 deep finger grooves provide positive indexing in both forward and reverse grips.
-Deep traction grooves on blade spine anchor the thumb, but don’t hang up on your pocket during deployment.
-CNC Textured scales for maximum grip-ability.
-Ambidextrous textured Titanium thumb stud for slip-free blade opening.
-The .090 thick Titanium frame is rigidized by 4 precision Ti standoffs and a massive 3/16 DIA. Hardened Stainless stop pin.
-Deep carry Titanium Pocket clip available in plain or bead blast finish.
-Blade to handle length ratio: 81%

Blade Steel: CPMS30V, Rc59
Blade Length: 4 1/4″
Overall Length: 9 1/2″
Handle Length: 5 1/4″
Blade Steel: CPM S30V Stainless Satin Finish
Blade Thickness: .175
Handle Material: Bead Blast Titanium w/ CNC textured G-10 overlays
Weight: 5.4 ounces / 152 grams

The Avenger is available with the following options:
-Recurve or Spear Point blade with false top edge
-Plain or bead blasted clip
-Green/Black G-10, Silver G10, Blue Twill G10, Carbon Fiber or Tan Canvas Micarta Scales

 

Trooper

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The Trooper is an Avenger with a striated blade and larger, thicker scales for those who prefer a more traditional handle.

The Trooper design incorporates all the features my customers expect in a heavy duty tactical folder:

  • 2 deep finger grooves provide positive indexing in both forward and reverse grips.
  • Deep traction grooves on blade spine anchor the thumb, but don’t hang up on your pocket during deployment.
  • CNC Textured scales for maximum grip-ability.
  • Ambidextrous textured Titanium thumb stud for slip-free blade opening.
  • The .090 thick Titanium frame is rigidized by 4 precision Ti standoffs and a massive 3/16 DIA. Hardened Stainless stop pin.
  • Deep carry Titanium Pocket clip available in plain or bead blast finish.
  • Blade to handle length ratio: 85%

Blade Steel: CPMS30V, Rc59
Blade Length: 4 1/4″
Overall Length: 9 1/2″
Handle Length: 5 1/4″
Blade Steel: CPM S30V Stainless Satin Finish with CNC Striations
Blade Thickness: .175
Handle Material: Bead Blast Titanium w/ CNC textured G-10 overlays
Weight: 5.4 ounces / 152 grams

The Trooper is available with the following options:

  • A non-striated blade
  • Plain or bead blasted clip
  • Green/Black G-10 Scales
 

Contender

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A midsize tactical folder for everyday carry-Shown beneath the Avenger for size comparison.

The Contender is a “big” knife in a smaller package:
-2 deep finger grooves provide positive indexing in both forward and reverse grips.
-Deep traction grooves on blade spine anchor the thumb, but don’t hang up on your pocket during deployment.
-CNC Textured scales for maximum grip-ability.
-Ambidextrous Stainless thumb studs with rubber inserts for slip-free blade opening.
-The .070 thick Titanium frame is rigidized by 3 precision Ti standoffs and a 1/8 DIA. Hardened Stainless stop pin.
-Deep carry Titanium Pocket clip available in plain or bead blast finish.
-Blade to handle length ratio: 81%

The Contender is available with the following options:
-Plain or bead blasted clip
-Green/Black G-10, Silver G10, Blue Twill G10, or Carbon Fiber Scales

Blade Steel: CPMS30V, Rc59
Blade Length: 3 1/2 ”
Overall Length: 7 1/2″
Handle Length: 4 1/8 ”
Blade Steel: CPM S30V Stainless Satin Finish with CNC Striations
Blade Thickness: .130
Handle Material: Bead Blast Titanium w/ CNC textured overlays
Weight: 3.1 ounces / 86 grams

 

4″ Rampage

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The name says it all.Due to the overwhelming popularity of the RAMPAGE, I have decided to offer the same features in a sub-4″ blade that is legal to carry in most places. I have maintained the same full sized, ergonomic handle profile, but I have enhanced the grip with the addition of CNC fluted scales. The 4″ RAMPAGE also features rear thumb notches that enhance the reverse grip.

Blade Steel: CPMS30V, Rc59
Blade Length: 3.9″
Blade Thickness: .180
Overall Length: 8.8″
Handle Length: 4.9″
Weight (Knife only): TBD
Weight (Including sheath): TBD