Welcome to my new site. It will be updated regularly. Please be sure to check back for new models and new info regarding my exploits in the custom and factory knife world. I do all I can to bring you the best in custom "tactical" knives for professional users and laymen alike. Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoy.

                   Sincerely,

                      Rich Derespina

Richard Derespinahas been making knives and specifically Karambits since 1999. It was dumb luck that he came upon his first Online dealer at a knife show.  From that day on he’s been at the front of the Karambit market.

With a background in art and martial arts, he took his knowledge, his ideas and hand crafted them into existence.

Ask anyone in the Martial arts, LEO and Military communities about the Karambit and the Derespina name will instantly come up.

Richard Derespinawas featured in Blade magazine 6/07 for his Model 6 Battle Karambit and again in 3/08 as an honorable mention by Knife collectors:

Blade Magazine, March of 2008
by Steve Shackleford
Collector's Choice: Makers to Watch, March 2008

“Other up-and-comers or relatively unknown makers tabbed by the interviewed collectors to have breakout years include, in alphabetical order: Karl Anderson, Eduardo Berardo, Dave Bettencourt, Jim Burke, Lucas Burnley, Richard Derespina, Randy Doucette, Kiku Matsuda, Gerry McGinnis, Spencer Reiter, Phillip Patton and Henry Torres.”

A great honor to be mentioned among some fine knife makers!

 I had a few goals in mind when starting out. I noticed a lot of knives were lacking in certain areas I found important:

1. Guards. All knives should have some sort of guard. I don’t care who you are or what your level of skill, anyone who uses knives professionally or for simple chores will tell you a guard is of great value especially under stress.

2. Ergonomics. The industry as a whole has come a long way with design but there are still some key elements when designing a handle to your knife. I strive to bring you simple comfort. Coupled with a guard, your knife will serve you well and truly become an extension of the user.

3. Geometry. Geometry is important in all aspects of life and is itself a metaphor for our relationships and altercations. Blade profile and edge geometry are as important as guards and ergonomics. Maximizing cutting power and penetration with minimal effort is where Geometry is most important for a knife maker. 

These are things you will find in all my knives. I have endeavored to improve on them over the years and my growth as a maker is witnessed by customers and collectors for the last decade. I strive to create new, interesting and useful designs for the professional and laymen alike. You will see knives like you’ve not seen before along with classic styles, redesigned made of high tech materials with modern flair and functionality.

                                                                                                       Thank you.

                                                                                                    Rich Derespina

                                                                                          www.derespinaknives.com