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L.T. Wright
Published: September 27th, 2024
L.T. Wright grew up in Brooke County, West Virginia, where his fascination with knives began at a young age. Inspired by his father, an avid outdoorsman and hunter, Wright was captivated by the knives his father used during hunting trips. The allure of these tools was strong, and young Wright would often take his father's hunting knives into the woods, emulating the adventures of Tarzan with his friends. This early exposure to knives ignited a lifelong passion for these versatile tools.
Wright's first knife was a leather-handled hunter, a gift from his parents for his birthday or Christmas. This knife became his trusted companion during hunting trips and outdoor escapades. He vividly recalls thumbing through Outdoor Life and Field & Stream magazines, mesmerized by the ads for iconic knives like the KA-BAR USMC Fighting Knife, a blade he admired and dreamed of owning.
As Wright grew older, his interest in knives deepened. A pivotal moment came when a friend's father, who made knives part-time in his basement, gifted him a custom knife as a graduation present. This experience left a lasting impression on Wright, fueling his desire to create knives of his own.
Life took Wright to northern Virginia, where he and his father started a construction company. However, his passion for knives remained. During a visit to a gun show, Wright met RW Wilson, a knife maker whose work he admired. Wilson invited Wright to learn the craft and thus began Wright's apprenticeship. Under Wilson's mentorship, Wright honed his skills, learning not only the technical aspects of knifemaking but also how to interact with customers and understand their needs.
In 2000, Wright moved back to his hometown and started working at a stair company. However, his passion for knifemaking persisted. He began making knives as a hobby, creating blades for family and friends. As word spread about his craftsmanship, orders started pouring in. Encouraged by the demand and the unwavering support of his wife, Wright decided to pursue knifemaking full-time. This decision marked the beginning of L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives.
- L.T. Wright (pictured above) grew up in Brooke County, West Virginia
- Wright's first knife was a leather handled hunter gifted to him from his parents
- After meeting RW Wilson at a gun show, Wright began crafting knives under Wilsons mentorship
- While working at the stair company Wright began to craft knives for his family and friends
- Encouraged by his wives unwaivering support, Wright began to pursue knifemaking full-time
The early days of L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives were filled with challenges. Wright and his wife often camped in their Jeep or stayed at rest stops to attend shows and sell their knives. Despite the hardships, their dedication paid off. Wright's knives gained a reputation for their quality and functionality, leading to collaborations with prominent figures in the knife and outdoor industries.
- L.T. Wright's knives have been featured on popular TV shows like Alone and Dual Survival
- L.T. designs his knives with a specific person in mind
Quality control is paramount at L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives. Each knife undergoes rigorous checks at every stage of production, from initial shaping to final assembly. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every knife leaving the workshop meets the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Wright's success is not only measured by the knives he creates but also by the community he has built. His team, which has grown to include 12 employees, shares his passion for knifemaking. Wright is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of knife makers, passing on the knowledge and skills he acquired from mentors like RW Wilson.
L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives continues to innovate, with new designs like the Regulator and a refined kitchen knife collection. Wright remains committed to producing high-quality knives that cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Written by Drew Clifton
What to Buy
The L.T. Wright Wild Harvest Les Stroud Field Knife is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of outdoor enthusiasts and survival experts. Designed in collaboration with Les Stroud, this knife bridges the gap between a foraging tool and a machete, offering a versatile solution for various outdoor tasks. Crafted from professional-grade A2 tool steel, this 11.5-inch knife, with a 6-inch sharpened edge, excels in challenging environments. The flat grind and clip point provide exceptional cutting power and precision, perfect for tasks from slicing to detailed work. The brown burlap Micarta handle, offers a comfortable, firm grip, even in wet conditions. Featuring the Wild Harvest logo and Les Stroud's signature, this knife embodies superior craftsmanship and functional design.
The L.T. Wright Bandit PSB-27 features a 3.05" satin finished, PSB-27 spray-formed tool steel drop point blade with a flat grind, ensuring exceptional sharpness and durability. The 4.32” green canvas micarta handle sporting brass pins and a brass lanyard tube, offers a secure grip, providing a comfortable 7.37" overall length. With its full tang construction and weight of 2.56 ounces, this knife is designed for robust performance in any outdoor task. It includes a high-quality brown leather sheath featuring a belt loop for easy carrying. Handcrafted in the USA, the L.T. Wright Bandit PSB-27 is a reliable and sturdy tool for both everyday use and demanding fieldwork.
The L.T. Wright Gen 3 is a robust fixed-blade knife with an 11.75" overall length, featuring a 6.625" spear point blade made from O2 tool steel. Its flat grind enhances versatility for tasks like woodcarving, skinning, and drilling. The blade's spine has a 90-degree angle for striking a ferro rod. The green Micarta handle, measuring 5.125", is crafted for comfort and durability, with thumb scallops and a broomstick style, triple-riveted with brass pins and marine-grade epoxy. Each edge is hand-finished for precision. The knife comes with a JRE Industries leather sheath, complete with a 3/8" diameter leather loop and dangler attachment, offering versatile carry options.
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.