Engineer/Scientist's Comment

I've ordered several knives from "D" at D&S Tactical, and I consider each one a prize. I am trained as an engineer/scientist (PhD), and martial artist (20+ years), as well as having healthy artistic sensibilities, and I have to say that working with Dave on my dream knives was an awesome experience. The man knows his steels, the intricacies of forging and metallurgy, and--so easy to forget this part--he knows tons about knife handles and sheaths as well. This means he can craft a beautiful blade that is scientifically and physically and personally appropriate for how the blade's intended to be used. Most importantly in my case, he knows about using knives in all the regular ways as well as in arcane and specialized applications. Where else can you find an english-speaking master of an Asian martial art who can craft you a custom blade to be used in an ancient and obscure martial style? So much of the style is driven by the design of the weapon.

Using my new weapons over time has developed my training and advanced my skills in ways "off-the-shelf" weapons would not have. Plus they look cool and there's nothing else like them in the world. I know they are way better than the weapons my martial ancestors had! Working with Dave on designing my knives was a great experience too. To say I learned a lot would be an understatement. Most of all it's been a really rewarding experience to be able to participate in 
the crafting of such a personal and lasting creation.