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Glow Rhino
Published: April 11th, 2025
Founded in 2020, Glow Rhino is a cutting-edge brand dedicated to bringing the benefits of tritium technology to everyday carry (EDC) gear. Based in Detroit, Michigan, the company was founded by CJ Karchon and his cousin Alex Karchon, both of whom have a rich background in automotive manufacturing. Their family business, established in 1999, specialized in automotive stamping. However, their passion for creating high-quality gear with innovative materials led them to explore new ventures, ultimately resulting in the creation of Glow Rhino.
CJ’s father purchased the automotive stamping business in 1999. After the 2008 financial crisis limited their opportunities in finance and law, CJ and Alex decided to delve into the world of manufacturing. Working their way up from operating presses and lasers to handling patents and financials, they developed a passion for creating efficient, high-quality products.
Their transition into tritium products began with the acquisition of Cammenga, the military’s compass manufacturer, in 2009. This acquisition allowed them to gain the necessary licensing from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to use tritium in approved products, something no other U.S. knife company had legally achieved before.
Glow Rhino officially launched in 2020, but the company’s journey into EDC products truly began as a personal hobby. Both CJ and Alex were enthusiasts who wanted their personal gear to be more visible and accessible in low-light conditions. They started creating glow fobs, tritium keychains, and later integrated tritium into knife handles, starting with their first knife model, the Reactor.
- CJ and Alex Karchon acquired Cammenga in 2009
The Reactor knife was designed as a high-end titanium frame lock with an S35VN blade. It featured tritium vials on both sides of the frame, utilizing rectangular vials originally used in military compasses. While their early work established a foothold in the EDC world, Glow Rhino’s efforts were primarily focused on finding reliable OEMs and refining their manufacturing process to bring the concept to market.
Hogue Compound OTF
Glow Rhino continues to push boundaries with innovative designs, from their iconic glow fobs to their upcoming knife models. Their new backspacer tritium vial design provides a 360-degree viewing experience, ensuring visibility from all angles.
Popular products from Glow Rhino include the Reactor knife, glow fobs in various colors, and special-edition collaborations featuring creative themes like Halloween Cerakote finishes and Blurple-anodized titanium.
Maintaining a high standard of quality is essential for Glow Rhino. All components, from tritium vials to knife parts, are thoroughly inspected for imperfections before entering or leaving the building. Visual inspections, dimensional measurements, and sharpness testing are conducted by a team of enthusiasts who treat each product as if it were going into their personal collection.
Additionally, Glow Rhino’s business model emphasizes steady, controlled growth rather than rapid expansion. This philosophy allows the company to remain nimble, responsive to customer feedback, and adaptable to new collaborative opportunities.
CJ and Alex's journey from automotive manufacturing to tritium-infused EDC gear reflects their passion and dedication to building something unique. Through their collaborative efforts with industry leaders and their commitment to quality, Glow Rhino is well on its way to becoming a staple in the everyday carry community. As their product line continues to grow, Glow Rhino aims to provide users with innovative, high-quality tools that blend cutting-edge technology with practical functionality.
What to Buy
The Szilard, named after Hungarian physicist Leo Szilard, features a 3.5-inch MagnaCut blade known for exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. Its tanto profile and black PVD finish provide strength and a tactical look, complemented by lightweight anodized blue aluminum handles for durability and comfort. A robust framelock ensures secure deployment, while the deep-carry stainless steel pocket clip offers discreet carry. Glow Rhino’s signature BAV tritium insert emits a self-powered glow for easy location in low light. Measuring 8.25 inches overall and 4.9 inches closed, the Szilard delivers a sleek, high-performance experience for everyday carry.
The Glow Rhino Reactor is a compact yet powerful everyday carry knife, boasting a 2.9-inch S35VN drop point blade known for excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. Its titanium handles feature a sleek black PVD finish, enhancing durability and style. A reliable framelock ensures secure blade deployment, while the deep carry pocket clip allows for discreet and convenient carry. Equipped with two XL tritium inserts, it provides effortless visibility in low-light conditions. With an overall length of 6.9 inches and a handy pry bar/lanyard attachment, the Reactor combines function, style, and practicality in a compact package.
The Glow Rhino Bohr, named after physicist Niels Bohr, features a 3.75-inch black PVD straight back blade made from tough DC-53 steel, ensuring excellent edge retention and strength. Its blaze orange G-10 handle scales offer superior grip, even in wet conditions, with ergonomic comfort for extended use. Glow Rhino’s signature Tritium insert, embedded in the backspacer, provides constant low-light visibility. Paired with a custom Kydex sheath with a universal clip, the Bohr delivers reliable performance and easy access for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.
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.