Chris came here from South Africa and brought his cutlery skills with him. The hollow handle knives are made of single pieces of steel, except for the end caps. I first saw the Pacific (on the left) at the 2007 Blade Show and tried to buy it. The one they had was a prototype and was not for sale. I ordered and bought two on the spot. The one pictured and my other one, which I gave to a friend were produced June 29, 2007. Chris makes six in a lot at a time and I believe mine is from the first lot based on the production date. The knife, which is a Bill Harsey design, won Best Collaboration of the show that year.

Pacific: S30V, 55-57 rc, Harsey design
Green Beret Signed Version: S30V, 55-57rc, 2004, Harsey design
Mk VI: A2, 55-57rc, 2008

Shadow III: A2, 55-57rc, 2008
5.5" Aviator: A2, 55-57rc, 2003

Caps on hollow handle knives: D65S aluminum

Attached Images

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Nice collection.

I remember seeing the hollow-handled Chris Reeves knives at knife shows and always thought that was the way to make one. I had one of those cheapie hollow-handle "survival" knives when I was younger (and dumber), and the blade came off. I think the tang was, at most, 1/2" long.

Always loved his knives, particularly the Sebenza folding models.

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John

I'm rather partial to his Insingo folders.

The best part about being a member of this forum is when members post things that I didn't know I needed. A CR Hollow handle is now on that list. I just looked them up, and I read that he's not making them anymore, setting them even further out of my price range unfortunately.

As far as I'm concerned Chris is a metallurgic genius. I'm a big fan of his powdered steels.

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Ban this man,
'89

I have only this one. A Yarborough from the first run.

Would love to have one of those, too, though I'd have to buy the Green Beret model as opposed to earning the Yarborough.

I forgot to mention that the hollow handle knives were no longer made and that the Yarborough was presented to the SF course grads (for those that did not know). The knives that were started in S. Africa and finished here are valuable. You may see the leather marked S. Africa on those. He made a very limited number of knives for an Army Aviation unit in Alaska (also Bill's design) but He would not sell one to me.

Al Mars next.

I had to get JFKSWC authorization to buy mine from the SF museum. I graduated from the Q course long before the knife was issued.

Nice knives you have there. I have two Aviators, one with sawback, one without. One of the sheaths had a "pocket" sewn on for a small sharpening stone, or fire starter.

I recently went down the Sebenza rabbit hole. Ended up with 3, one of which is an Insingo, but really need to sell of at least one of them.

I was bummed that a missed a Beret, one this forum I think. I REALLY want one, but REALLY don't need it! I have others that fill that need and rarely use those anymore anyway.

CR makes GREAT knives! His attention to detail and super quality is top drawer. Enjoy them!!

Those are some fine looking knives.

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KM
S&WCA 3110 S&WHF 625

The only trouble (if you will) with these super high end knives is most owner's seldom if ever use them. To me, if I spend the money for the best - I like to use them as intended and not make them museum pieces. Not to infer that no one uses them, but from my friends who have Chris Reeve Sabenza's, Randall's, etc that is the truth of the matter, more times than not.

There's a lot off truth to that. I think age plays a role. My Aviator was brand new and I strapped it to my vest for kayaking, etc. I carry it out each time and truth is, it still looks new, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it. I carry my Sebenzas and cut when needed.

It can be hard, but there's no sense in saving that fancy pen, so someone can fill out your death certificate with it. Use it. it will gain both character and sentimental value for those you leave behind.

That Shadow III is perfect. Really like that one.

It's true that many of my knives don't get used, but I do like to have them. Most of them will go to my son when I roll the dice for the last time and **** out. I'm about to post some Al Mar's, one of which stays in my truck. I carry my old (90's) Cold Steel Trail Master when hunting or fishing.

I keep a large Sebenza 21 and a Umnumzaan in my EDC rotation and use them just like any other make or model. The quality is superb!

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BCCI Life Member #2068