The History of Chris Reeve Knives: From South Africa to the U.S.
Jan 20th 2026
A Humble Beginning in South Africa
The history of Chris Reeve Knives begins in Durban, South Africa, in the 1970s. Chris Reeve, a tool and die maker, found himself without the means to buy a knife during his army service. Instead of going without, he crafted his first blade from steel taken from a tool room. That resourceful start set the stage for one of the most respected names in the knife industry.
By 1984, Chris and his partner Anne officially launched Chris Reeve Knives out of their one-car garage. Chris focused on design and knife making, while Anne managed the business, finances, and customer communication.
Taking the Leap: Moving to the United States
Why the Move Was Necessary
The biggest turning point in the history of Chris Reeve Knives came in 1989. South Africa’s apartheid policies made business increasingly difficult, and most of their customers and resources were in the U.S.. Boise, Idaho became their new home, thanks to a supportive customer connection.
A Risky but Courageous Decision
Anne remembers the move as both frightening and exhilarating: “We knew in our hearts it was the right thing to do. We said to each other, there is no coming back. We will succeed”. This determination fueled the next chapter of their growth.
Overcoming Early Struggles
The early years in Idaho were not easy. Promising business relationships collapsed within weeks of arriving, forcing Chris and Anne to start over. They responded by hitting the road, attending 12 knife shows in their first year to showcase their products and build brand recognition.
This persistence laid the foundation for future success. Every show meant new connections, more loyal customers, and growing visibility in the competitive knife market.
A Defining Moment: The Yarborough Contract
The true breakthrough in the history of Chris Reeve Knives came in 2002. CRK was awarded the contract to produce the Yarborough knife for graduating U.S. Army Green Berets. This achievement transformed the company from a boutique operation into a recognized manufacturer trusted by military professionals.
Industry-Shaping Innovations
The Reeve Integral Lock™
One of CRK’s most important contributions to the knife industry was the invention of the Reeve Integral Lock™, commonly known as the frame lock. This design set new standards for folding knife durability and reliability.
Advancing Knife Steel
Chris Reeve Knives also partnered with metallurgists and Niagara Specialty Metals to pioneer steels like S30V and later adopt MagnaCut. These materials redefined expectations for edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Today, when you hold a Chris Reeve knife, you’re not just carrying a tool, you’re carrying a piece of history. Each blade represents decades of perseverance, innovation, and dedication to quality.
The history of Chris Reeve Knives is proof that courage and craftsmanship can turn a small garage workshop into a global leader. It remains one of the most inspiring success stories in the knife industry.
Looking to learn more about Chris Reeve Knives or knife steel? Check out some of our related blogs here:
Knife Steel Education with Larrin Thomas
High-Performance Powder Metallurgy Knife Steel for Precision Blades
Why CPM® MagnaCut Steel is the Future of Knives
For more information, check out our other blogs.
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Interested in additional information on knife steel or CPM® MagnaCut stainless steels? Click here!
