Winkler Knives

Award‑winning knives inspired by early America
The history of early America has intrigued Daniel Winkler since he was a boy growing up in the western North Carolina mountains. This fascination inspired him to make his first knife in 1975 as part of an effort to authentically outfit himself with the equipment of an 18th-century woodsman.

Since then, his passion for history and knife-making has only grown. Daniel became a full-time bladesmith in 1988, drawing inspiration from frontier America—a time when the tools a person carried meant the difference between sustenance and survival.

Daniel strives to innovate while maintaining a recognizable style. Winkler Knives’ goal is to create tools of uncompromising quality that will last a lifetime and serve as heirlooms for future generations.

In recent years, Daniel has had the honor of working with Special Forces teams in the U.S. Military and Allied Forces from around the world. These knives, however, are not hand-forged but are created through the stock removal process.

Winkler Knives is an award-winning company that continues to be recognized for their outstanding work.

2009 – MOST INNOVATIVE DESIGN – Blade Show, Atlanta, GA – Rescue Axe
This tool was originally designed for a rescue extraction team and is now used by military, law enforcement, and first responders throughout this Country and abroad.

2002 – Best of the West – Best Knifemaker – Presented by TRUE WEST Magazine.

1998 – BLADE Magazine – Best Utility Hunter – This knife won the “Best Utility Hunter” at the 1998 Blade Show and was subsequently awarded BLADE Magazine’s 1998 BLADE Handmade Award.

Additionally, Daniel is proud to be a Voting Member of The Knifemakers Guild, as well as having achieved the status of Master Bladesmith in the American Bladesmith Society.

At Olde Towne Cutlery, we offer a wide range of knives for sale to suit every preference. In addition to Winkler Knives, you can browse our full selection of fixed-blade knives here.