Rick began making knives in the late 1980s in a 14’ x 18’ turkey coop. He started with art knives, using whatever materials he could find for the handles. In 2005, after years of designing for major knife manufacturers, Rick introduced the XM-18. That model became the catalyst that propelled Rick Hinderer Knives into the spotlight.

Rick’s career as a Fire Fighter/EMT shifted his focus from art knives to tactical folders. His real-world experience showed him the need for tougher, more reliable everyday tools, and he designed his folders to meet those demands. Today, Rick Hinderer Knives builds knives meant to be used hard. While function leads every design, the knives still reflect Rick’s art knife roots, combining clean lines with uncompromising strength.

Rick Hinderer Knives now operates from “The Ranch,” a shop on Rick’s property in Shreve, Ohio. The facility features state-of-the-art CNC mills, lathes, and grinders that streamline production, but skilled craftsmen still hand-assemble every knife. Each one is hand-fit, tuned, and finished to ensure exceptional quality and performance.