Hawk Knife Designs has been pushing the boundaries of folding knife mechanics for three decades, earning a reputation as one of the most innovative design teams in the industry. What started in the mountains of Idaho City has grown into a legacy of groundbreaking locking mechanisms and precision-built folders that collectors and users alike seek out.
The company began in 1994 when Grant Hawk, a former gold prospector and manufacturer of mining equipment, attended a knife show with his son Gavin. They walked away determined to build a better folder. Grant's background in prospecting and fabrication gave him a unique problem-solving perspective—he once said that designing a knife felt more like discovery than creation. That philosophy drove everything the Hawks produced.
Their first major innovation was the D.O.G. Lock (Deadbolt Over Grabstep), a robust locking mechanism designed to function reliably even with debris around the lock. CRKT licensed the design for production, putting Hawk Knife Designs on the map. From there, the innovations kept coming—the Hawk Lock debuted on the M.U.D.D., which won Most Innovative American Design at BLADE Show 2006, and was later adapted by Zero Tolerance and Buck Knives.
In 2010, the Hawks partnered with Chris Reeve Knives on the Ti-Lock, a collaboration that isolated the locking mechanism on the blade itself rather than the handle. Chris Reeve called Grant and Gavin the most innovative design team in the industry.
The Deadlock OTF became their flagship achievement—the first out-the-front automatic with absolutely zero blade play. While other OTFs rely on spring tension that allows some blade movement, the Deadlock's proprietary mechanism uses a conical stop pin and stop plate system to achieve rock-solid lockup. It changed what collectors expect from an OTF.
Grant Hawk passed away in November 2023 at age 82, having delivered his autobiography to the printer just two days before his passing. Gavin continues to lead Hawk Knife Designs with the same innovative spirit, producing the Deadlock, the Shortcut (a titanium utility knife with the fidget-friendly Link Lock), and the Talon—which marks the return of the Hawk Lock paired with a Toggle Detent for smooth, reliable deployment.
All Hawk knives are made in the USA.
Hawk Knives are tough to keep in stock. They are made in small batches and sell out rather quickly. DLT Trading will continue to receive Hawk designs. Check back often, social media.
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