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Brian Brown Knives
Published: May 23rd, 2025
Brian Brown grew up in Brandon, Mississippi, in a household that valued craftsmanship. His father maintained a woodworking shop, and Brian spent much of his childhood there, learning how to shape and manipulate raw materials into functional forms. Although he developed a solid foundation in hands-on work through these early experiences, woodworking itself never became his passion. It would take years before he found the medium that fully captured his attention and creative drive.
That moment came in 2015 when he stumbled upon a YouTube video showing how to make a fixed blade knife using only basic hand tools. Something about the simplicity and purposefulness of the project resonated with him, and he decided to give it a try. Working mostly in the evenings after his day job and once his daughters were asleep, Brian began building his first knife. It took nearly two months to complete, a timeline that speaks less to his pace than to his persistence and determination to get it right. That initial blade marked a turning point. Knife making became more than just a curiosity or a weekend diversion. It was the start of a journey that would eventually become his full-time profession.
- Brian Brown Knives was founded by Brian Brown (pictured above)
- Brian began making knives after stumbling across a YouTube video
In the early stages, Brian worked out of his garage, using modest equipment and refining his methods through trial and error. His social media presence, especially on Instagram, started to attract attention. Enthusiasts and collectors took notice of the quality and creativity in his builds.
Encouraged by this growing interest, he began making more knives, experimenting with different steels, handle materials, and blade shapes. In 2018, after building a strong online following and developing a waiting list for custom work, Brian decided to pursue knife making as a full-time business.
He started with fixed blades, often designed with practical outdoor use in mind, but soon realized that folding knives gave him greater opportunity to explore mechanical complexity and design language. Folding knives allowed him to integrate function with style in a more personal and intricate way. These knives began to form the core of his business and reputation.
Brian’s design philosophy emphasizes symmetry, balance, and usability. He often draws inspiration from aerospace forms and sleek modern lines. This is most evident in one of his flagship models, the Yeager.
Brian Brown Knives Yeager-M
In addition to his in-house work, Brian has developed a reputation for partnering with established knife manufacturers to produce collaborative designs that preserve his aesthetic vision while allowing for greater volume. Companies such as Reate, WE Knife, and Civivi have helped bring Brian’s designs to larger markets. These production collaborations are built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to quality.
The Civivi Synergy and WE Knife Mini Buster are both examples of successful partnerships that maintain Brian’s hallmark design principles while offering more accessible pricing. Despite stepping into production markets, he continues to offer custom knives through limited drops and lotteries. These handmade pieces reflect his most intricate work and often include details that are not feasible in mass production, such as hand-ground blades, custom pivots, and complex handle milling.
Brian Brown Knives Raptor V2
Today, Brian Brown Knives continues to grow as a recognized brand in both the custom and production knife worlds. Every knife that leaves his shop is a reflection of his journey, combining foundational craftsmanship with an unrelenting pursuit of precision and innovation. What began in a garage with basic tools has evolved into a thriving business rooted in discipline, creativity, and a personal commitment to making the best knife possible for every customer who holds one.
What to Buy
The Brian Brown Finch is a compact, high-performance folder built through a special collaboration with Reate Knives. It features a 2.75" Bohler M390 stainless steel reverse Wharncliffe tanto blade with a hand-rubbed satin finish for exceptional edge retention and style. The front flipper mechanism offers smooth, fidget-friendly deployment, while the natural Micarta handles provide a secure, comfortable grip. A reliable linerlock, bead-blasted hardware, and a tip-up titanium pocket clip round out the design. Closed, the knife measures 4" and weighs just 2.6oz. It comes with a collectible Brian Brown Knives sticker and a premium zippered nylon case.
The Brian Brown Raptor V2 Arctic Storm is a premium folding knife designed by Brian Brown in collaboration with Reate Knives and Smoky Mountain Knife Works. It features a 3.5" Bohler M390 stainless steel harpoon blade with a durable black PVD-coated finish. This manual framelock deploys via ambidextrous thumb studs and boasts an Arctic Storm Fat Carbon front handle paired with a tumbled titanium rear handle. Additional premium touches include a titanium backspacer, hardware, and tip-up pocket clip. Measuring 4.25" closed and weighing 3.6oz, the Raptor V2 blends performance, exclusivity, and cutting-edge materials in one exceptional EDC package.
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.