I have a confession. I love knives. The entire lower section of my massive, oak gun cabinet is filled with my collection of antique knives, which are lovingly laid out on soft velvet and backlit for emphasis. When someone visits my home for the first time I don’t show them my collection of numbered, limited edition wildlife prints. I don’t point out the various animals and fish that adorn my walls. I don’t show them my plaques for outdoor writing and photography. I bring them over to my knife collection and watch with pride as if I was a new daddy showing off my child at the maternity ward window.
I think all outdoor enthusiasts have a fascination with knives. They are tools of necessity – whether you hunt, fish, trap or camp. I have had several different brands of knives strapped to my side and nestled in my pocket in a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment. But, for the past four years, only one brand of knife has been used by this grizzled outdoor veteran in the woods and fields, or on the water – Lakota!
Lakota Knives – the Best in the Business
There are three components that make a knife rise above the competition. They are as follows:
- Workmanship; meaning materials used and how it is put together, the grade of the blade’s metal and how it retains its edge, the type and quality of the handle, its dependability and endurance under adverse conditions, and its balance and how it seemingly becomes an extension of one’s hand.
- Looks; meaning universal “eye-appeal”. A knife must be as attractive as it is useful. It must be streamlined and neat.
- Usefulness; meaning you do not want to have to sharpen your knife every time you use it. You do not want the locking mechanism to fail and the blade closing on your hand when you are immersed in the carcass of a big deer. A quality knife must also be a “multi-purpose” knife.
Lakota knives, all 50-plus models, fit all of these criteria. I recently interviewed the vice-president of Lakota Knives to find out what makes his innovative company rise so far above its competition. Brian Gray is an avid outdoorsman and is an important component in the design and testing of these knives. Here is the interview.
WTO: Give me your background with Lakota and your position with company.
Gray: I have basically served as vice president and dealer liaison since we purchased Lakota. I had owned a Lakota Phoenix for many years so I knew in advance what kind of product it was. When Louis Collier told me of his interest in purchasing Lakota I knew I would have to be on board. In the three years we have had Lakota I have traveled to many outdoor shows displaying our knives. One thing that always amazed me was when someone would come by our booth. Even if they did not purchase a Lakota, they always marveled at it beauty and workmanship.
WTO: What is the history of LAKOTA knives and how did you get involved and why?
Gray: Lakota was founded in the 1970’s by a gentleman who could never satisfactorally purchase a knife that suited his needs. So, it is my understanding that he started building them himself, out of necessity first, then for the many others that were intrigued by their unique designs. Because of my hunting background and the given quality of this knife I felt that I could bring something new and different to an older existing company.
WTO: What goes into the making of a quality knife?
Gray: A quality knife should be functional, attractive, have great workmanship and be built to withstand a lifetime of use. Lakota knives are made of only the finest materials. The attention to fit and finish is second only to some of the more well known custom knife makers. We feel the Lakota brand offers people a chance to own a custom knife at a manufactured price.
WTO: How difficult is it as a high quality knife company to compete against lesser grade knives at a cheaper price?
Gray: We try not to compete with anyone, just constantly trying to improve against ourselves. We offer unique designs that are patented, like our “stand up “design. Obviously we always want a larger share of the market but we refuse to sacrifice quality just to sell a cheaper product. I can honestly say that I don’t know of anyone that has a Lakota knife that says it was too expensive. Our customers have come to expect more from us that just a cheap price. Even the hesitant buyer will agree that after they use their Lakota in the field it was well worth the cost {Prices range from $28.00 to $150.00}. Realistically, it is not the price but the “value” of what you are getting that is important.
WTO: Why does LAKOTA offer so many models?
Gray: We offer over 50 models. We do this to try and offer a knife for ever occasion. Hunting, fishing, camping, law enforcement, military, dress, office, gift and even collectibles are all our target markets. A knife is a tool and there is nothing worse than trying to do a job and not having the right tool to complete the task. We even offer engraving on blades and handles for special occasions, fund raising banquets and corporations.
WTO: Which is your personal favorite?
Gray: My personal favorite is the Finwing, which has a short compact design with enough heft to handle any big game cleaning chore, yet is small enough to wear on your side when you are on the go. The shorter blade is just right for dressing game and the belly of the blade is perfect for skinning. When not hunting I carry the #911 Legend. This is a new “liner lock” design that we came out with last year and I will tell you that any time you see me out of camouflage I will have the Legend clipped to my pocket.
WTO: Which model is the top seller?
Gray: The hottest thing going right now is our Legacy series knives. These are small pocket folders that are hand inlaid in natural and precious stones. On this series we use mother of pearl, Jade, Leopard Jasper, Coral, Azurite, Turquoise and they are bound with sterling silver. These knives are so popular that we always have a difficult time keeping enough in stock.
WTO: Tell me about LAKOTA'S guarantee.
Gray: Lakota Knives are warranted for life to the original retail purchaser against defects in material and workmanship. All that is required is sending in your warranty activation card that is included in the box of each knife. Everyone must realize that all knives can be broken just like anything else. If they are abused or neglected they will not last as those that are handled with care and respect. If taken care of properly and used for the right purposes your Lakota will give you a lifetime of continuous service.
WTO: How can readers find out more or purchase LAKOTA knives?
Gray: They can reach us at Lakota Knife U.S.A - P.O. Drawer 1270 - Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 – or they can call us at Phone 800-807-1169. They can also visit our website at www.lakotaknife.com .