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Lucas Burnley
Published: October 30th, 2024
Lucas Burnley, born on July 14, 1982, is an American knife designer whose journey into knifemaking is as much about craftsmanship as it is about personal expression. Burnley’s early experiences growing up in a family with a love for adventure, particularly outdoor activities with his father, fueled his passion for knives and survival tools. This background, coupled with his love of action movies, shaped his perspective on the functionality and aesthetic of knives.
Burnley’s path to knifemaking began with an unconventional step. At 16, he enrolled in a government welding program, where he developed foundational skills in metalwork. He further honed these skills while working in a machine shop that specialized in titanium body jewelry. This experience exposed him to high-level manufacturing techniques, which he later applied to his knife designs.
In 2003, Burnley officially became a full-time knife designer and founded Burnley Knives. His designs blend clean, modern lines with tactical functionality, a style he refers to as “post-tactical.” Influenced by both neo-Japanese aesthetics and traditional knife forms, Burnley is known for his minimalist yet functional designs that resonate with a wide audience. He believes that utility should never come at the expense of beauty.
Burnley’s first significant design, the Kwaiken, was inspired by the traditional Japanese tanto dagger. It became a hallmark of his work, with its slim profile and sharp lines. The Kwaiken series has been widely successful, particularly through his collaboration with Böker, a German knife manufacturer that helped bring Burnley’s designs to a broader audience. The Kwaiken's appeal lies in its versatility as both a tactical tool and a stylish everyday carry knife.
- Lucas Burnley was born on July 14th, 1982
- Burnley enrolled in a government welding program at 16 years old
- In 2003, Lucas founded Burnley Knives
- Lucas' first major design was the Boker Kwaiken
Another of Burnley’s standout designs is the CRKT Squid, a compact folding knife that exemplifies his philosophy of merging simplicity with high functionality. Released through his collaboration with CRKT (Columbia River Knife and Tool), the Squid became an iconic model in the everyday carry (EDC) community. Its compact design, affordability, and reliability made it a popular choice among knife enthusiasts.
- In 2013, Lucas and his wife Maddie founded BRNLY
- Burnley continues to collaborate with major manufacturers, such as Boker, CRKT, and MKM
Beyond his personal work, Burnley continues to collaborate with major manufacturers such as Böker, CRKT, and MKM (Maniago Knife Makers), ensuring that his designs reach a wider audience while retaining the core elements of craftsmanship and quality. His philosophy of embracing both failure and experimentation allows him to innovate continually, ensuring that his designs remain fresh and relevant in the knife world.
Lucas Burnley’s career reflects a balance of tradition, modernity, and community. His contributions to the world of knife-making have left a lasting mark, particularly in the realm of EDC knives, where his designs are not just tools, but expressions of independence, craftsmanship, and personal style. As Burnley continues to evolve his craft, his influence on the knife industry is bound to expand, with each new design showcasing his unique blend of form, function, and artistry.
Written by Drew Clifton
What to Buy
The CRKT Ibis combines precision and style with its 3.09" 14C28N stainless steel blade, finished in a durable stonewash. The manual folder operates smoothly thanks to its IKBS ball-bearing pivot, featuring both a blade flipper and ambidextrous thumb studs for versatile opening. The handle offers a bold contrast with a textured Ibis Blue G-10 front and a stonewash stainless steel rear. A low-profile stainless steel pocket clip and lanyard hole ensure practical carry options. Measuring 4.14" closed and weighing just 3oz, this knife is designed by Lucas Burnley for optimal performance.
The MKM Arvenis Burnley offers a 3.35" Bohler M390 stainless steel drop point blade with a durable stonewash finish. Designed by Lucas Burnley, this manual folder uses a blade flipper with a smooth ball-bearing pivot for quick deployment. The liner lock design features black G-10 handles with gray anodized aluminum inlays for a secure grip, along with a stainless steel pocket clip and a lanyard hole for easy carry. It measures 4.64" closed and weighs 4.59oz, making it a practical and innovative everyday carry knife with Italian craftsmanship at its core.
The Boker Plus Cub Pro offers a compact, lightweight design for everyday carry. Its 3.74" drop point blade is crafted from durable D2 tool steel with a satin finish, ensuring lasting sharpness. A comfortable brown canvas complements the full tang construction Micarta handle with steel rivets and a lanyard hole for easy handling. The knife includes a premium black leather belt sheath for secure carry. Measuring 8.46” in total length and weighing 4.76 ounces, it’s designed by Lucas Burnley to be a versatile and reliable EDC tool.
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.