From 8,000 feet above sea level in Westcliffe, Colorado, Bob Ohlemann crafts knives that bridge custom artistry and accessible performance. After retiring from the U.S. Army in 2008 with twenty years of service, Ohlemann found his second calling in knifemaking, starting his journey in 2013. What began with high-end custom pieces featuring pattern-welded steels, hand engraving, and exotic materials like mammoth ivory and meteorite has evolved into something equally impressive but more accessible.
Rangermade Knife & Tool marks a deliberate shift in Ohlemann's approach. After a decade of creating sole-authorship custom knives and teaching linerlock folder classes, he decided to embrace CNC automation and batch processing. The result is a line of mid-tech knives that maintain the hand-fitted precision and quality of custom work while reaching a broader audience. As a contributing author to Jason Fry's "Next Level Knifemaking," Ohlemann brings proven expertise and an uncompromising standard to every piece.
The Mid-Tech Philosophy
Ohlemann's definition of mid-tech is specific: the strategic combination of automation and traditional handwork. Every Rangermade knife features CNC-machined components designed in-house using Autodesk Fusion and produced on his Haas MiniMill. The soul of each knife comes from extensive handwork that Ohlemann performs himself. Blade bevels are hand-ground using techniques refined over years of custom work. Locks and detents are hand-fitted. Each component is hand-matched, deburred, and finished with meticulous attention to detail.
This approach allows Rangermade to produce 10-15 knives per month, with plans to scale to 25 as the operation grows. The only processes outsourced are waterjet cutting of rough blade blanks and specialized heat treating, ensuring every critical aspect of fit and finish remains under Ohlemann's direct control.
From Proving Ground to Production
The FRAGO fixed blade served as Ohlemann's proving ground, demonstrating his ability to deliver production-level quality with custom-grade performance. This EDC fixed blade established Rangermade's reputation for knives that punch above their price. With that foundation proven, Ohlemann developed the OBJ series, framelocks that showcase his fascination with mechanical precision and technical artistry.
The OBJ designation is military terminology for "Objective," and these folders represent clear objectives in Rangermade's evolution. The OBJ-1 aimed to create an accessible mid-tech folder with personality and hand-fitted quality. The OBJ-2 pushed further, incorporating more complex machining while maintaining that essential hand-fitted character. Both models feature titanium framelock construction, premium S35VN blade steel, and the action and fit that typically comes from knives at higher price points.
Why DLT Trading Carries Rangermade
We carry Rangermade Knife & Tool because these knives represent a unique value proposition in today's market. They occupy that sweet spot where accessible pricing meets genuine quality and attention to detail. For knife enthusiasts who appreciate hand-fitted locks, precision machining, and thoughtful design from years of custom work, Rangermade delivers.
Whether you're looking for the FRAGO's EDC performance with its heat-treated 80CrV2 blade, or the mechanical sophistication of the OBJ-1 and OBJ-2 framelocks, Rangermade offers knives made by someone who understands both the art and engineering of fine cutlery. Every knife that leaves Westcliffe carries Ohlemann's personal standard of excellence.
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