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Half Face Blades
Published: May 7th, 2025
Half Face Blades was founded in 2015 by retired Navy SEAL Andrew Arrabito with a clear mission: to create knives built for hard use in the real world. What began as a personal project quickly grew into a respected name among military personnel, outdoorsmen, and knife enthusiasts.
Andrew Arrabito grew up in Angwin, a small town tucked away in Northern California’s Napa Valley. Surrounded by wilderness, he developed a deep love for the outdoors early, influenced by his older brothers’ fascination with Native American culture and primitive survival skills. Knives, bows, and handmade tools were a part of everyday life, laying the groundwork for a future career he couldn't yet imagine. In 2002, Arrabito enlisted in the U.S. Navy to pursue his lifelong dream of joining the SEAL Teams. After enduring the grueling Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, he earned his place among the elite and was assigned to SEAL Team 5 by 2004. Over the next decade, he deployed to Iraq in 2005, Southeast Asia from 2007 to 2008, and Afghanistan between 2009 and 2010.
Throughout his military career, Arrabito was no stranger to danger and injury. A significant turning point came when he crushed his left hand during a shipboarding operation, an injury serious enough to eventually force his medical retirement from active duty. Faced with transitioning to civilian life, Arrabito leaned into his lifelong passion for knives. He began crafting blades for personal use and for fellow teammates, applying the real-world knowledge he had gained in the field. Initially working out of his backyard, he poured his experiences into every design. He bought enough steel to make 51 knives, and when he started posting his work on social media, the response was immediate and overwhelming. Orders flooded in before he could even finish his first batch, confirming that he was onto something special.
- Half Face Blades was founded in 2015 by retired Navy SEAL Andrew Arrabito (pictured above)
- In 2002, Arrabito enlisted in the U.S. Navy
- Andrew was assigned to SEAL Team 5 in 2004
- Andrew was forced to retire from the Navy after his left hand was crushed while on an operation
Recognizing the potential, Andrew Arrabito officially founded Half Face Blades in 2015. The name was inspired by his experiences on the SEAL Teams. Before missions, he would often paint half his face with war paint and wear a Mohawk, blending psychological warfare with warrior tradition. The "half face" concept symbolizes the duality he lived, half wild, half composed, a theme that continues to define the brand’s identity.
Setting up shop in San Diego, California, Arrabito quickly grew Half Face Blades into a brand that stood apart. His focus was clear: make knives that are built for hard use but carry an undeniable elegance. Every blade is handmade in the USA, crafted from premium materials like CPM steels, G-10, Micarta, and select natural materials. The company’s early knives, such as the Crow Jr. and the Gulo, became instant favorites for their balance of size, strength, and versatility. The Warbird Hatchet, known for its aggressive lines and penetrating power, showcased the breadth of Arrabito’s design expertise beyond knives.
- Half Face Blades actively supports organizations like Warriors Choice Foundation (pictured above)
- Andrew has also founded the War Paw Wines brand, and We KBD apparel brand
What to Buy
The Half Face Blades SHPOS (Sub Human Piece of Shit) Gen 3 is a compact powerhouse built for serious use. It features a 3" CPM-S45VN stainless steel modified tanto blade with a tough black PVD finish, offering excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The monolithic frame construction ensures extreme durability, while the button lock and flipper deployment provide solid, confident operation. A textured ergonomic handle, finger ring pommel, and reversible aluminum pocket clip round out its tactical design. Custom inserts eliminate exposed holes. Blacked-out, aggressive, and proudly made in the USA, this knife is ready for anything.
The Crow Scout from Half Face Blades blends tactical performance with artisan craftsmanship. This handcrafted fixed blade features a 5" CPM-MagnaCut clip point blade with a rugged stonewashed finish, offering exceptional edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. A subtle recurve enhances slicing and skinning ability, while the split handle design—dyed buckeye burl, black canvas Micarta, and spalted curly mango wood—provides a natural, secure grip. Mosaic pins and a rear aluminum lanyard pin add refined functionality. The Crow Scout comes with a premium hand-stitched leather sheath for comfortable scout-style carry. Built for the field and proudly made in the USA.
The Hunter Skinner by Half Face Blades is a compact, purpose-built fixed blade crafted for hunters and outdoorsmen. It features a 4.25" CPM-S35VN skinner-style blade with a stonewashed finish, delivering excellent edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Its curved belly and fine point make it perfect for skinning and detailed slicing. The full-tang handle combines natural ram’s horn, coyote brown G10, and a high-visibility orange liner for a secure, textured grip. Copper pins add strength and rugged style. Weighing just 5.25 ounces, it includes a black Kydex sheath for dependable field carry. Proudly made in the USA.
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.