During my first year with the 101^st I spent seven of those months where a new Infantry Lieutenant should be, in the field. While learning my new "trade," I was afforded the opportunity to field test numerous knives. I quickly learned what worked and what was "hype." For the record, I never had to cut a free hanging 1" rope, chop a 2 X 4 in half or a lot of the other supposed "tests of a good blade".

However, I did use a knife for everything from cutting a splinter out of my hand, opening up ammo crates, cutting open 55-gallon drums of diesel fuel, making shelters, digging fox holes. Basically, using and sometimes abusing a piece of equipment as only an Infantryman can. This is why I chose to use custom knives, they held up much better overall than the factory knives. This is not to say that all custom knives are great and all factory knives are sub-standard, however.

I spent 5 ½" years with the 101st. I traveled all over the world, operating in some of the harshest environments on the planet. Of course I always carried several knives to field test. This allowed me the opportunity to test different steels, handle materials, etc. In addition to our constant field time in and around Ft. Campbell, I was fortunate to attend Jungle School in Panama and Northern Warfare School in Alaska. The knives I carried definitely got a good work out. While stationed in South Korea, my knives and I were tested again. As I was selected to attend SERE (Survival Escape Resistance and Evasion) training with personnel from the 1^st Special Forces Group.

In addition to my military training and experiences, I have practiced different martial arts for over 10 years. The major arts are Karate, Kendo, Hapkido and Arnis. As a compliment to the usual "empty hands" techniques, I received substantial training with the traditional weapons of these arts. While in college, I went through training to become a certified Emergency Rescue Technician and Vertical Rigging and Rescue Technician. This training used a wide selection of tools; one of the main tools used was a knife. I was selected to receive the aforementioned training after I became a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician – Ambulance. Additionally, I am a PADI certified open water scuba diver with the majority of my experience in the Caribbean.

All of the above led me to become a "Connoisseur" of using knives. It was at that point I felt I had a sufficient background to become a custom knife dealer. In 1987 I began Robertson’s Custom Cutlery. My business has grown, as has my expertise in different styles of knives. In addition to attending shows in 1989, I won my first display award. Over the next 5 years my custom knife displays were awarded over 40 awards in 13 different states. I stopped displaying as I was now being asked to judge the knives entered in the competitions. To date I have been asked to be a judge at over 30 shows in 10 different states. Judging is one of my favorite activities at a knife show. Judging provides you with the opportunity to compare the work of several makers at once. Also, the majority of the people I judge with have been around custom knives for many more years than I, this experience has provided me with an invaluable education. This education has made me a very "discriminating" buyer.

After receiving this education I decided to try my hand at designing. As you can imagine my early designs were not my best. However, I kept at it and the designs improved considerably. To date, my designs have won 12 awards, including 5 "Best of Show" awards. These knives were all large fighters and sub-hilt fighters. In 1996 I tried my hand at designing folders, the majority of my body of work in this area can be seen in the LDC Knives. I designed or modified 17 of the 20 knives in the first two series of knives. Additionally, I am the co-designer of the Krait (by Darrel Ralph) and the tactical folder currently being made by R.J. Martin.

Upon leaving the Army and receiving my Masters in Business Administration in May of 1995. I started selling custom knives full time. I feel I bring some "unique" qualifications to being a custom knife dealer. This experience and having bought and sold more custom knives than I can remember, enables my clients to get the knife that they need at the best price available.

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions you have. I look forward to doing business with you in the near future.

Best Regards,

Les Roberston