FOUNDED IN 2011

Kestrel Knives takes its name from the American Kestrel - a small, fierce bird of prey known for its speed, precision, and agility. Those same qualities define what we build. Founded in 2011, Kestrel Knives set out to create something the outdoor market had never seen before: a knife so light it practically disappeared in your pack, yet so sharp and dependable it exceeded every expectation in the field.

Today, under new leadership, we are carrying that mission forward with a renewed commitment to world class customer service, better communication, and knives that you can trust in the most demanding conditions. Every knife we release is built with one goal in mind, to give hunters, guides, and adventurers a tool that will never let them down.

DESIGN WITHOUT LIMITS

We are obsessed with the details. In a world of mass-produced, overbuilt knives, Kestrel Knives stands apart. Most outdoor knives are unnecessarily thick and heavy. We flipped that on its head. Our focus has always been on ultralight performance - blades that are thin enough to slice cleanly, tough enough to take abuse, and crafted from steels that balance edge retention with ease of sharpening in the field.

As hunters and backpackers ourselves, we know that every ounce matters. That is why Kestrel Knives are designed to disappear in your pack until the moment you need them. By working with world class heat and cryogenic treatment processes, we ensure that every blade meets its full potential. Because even the best steel is nothing without the right heat treat.

100% AMERICAN MADE & VETERAN OWNED

Every Kestrel knife is designed, tested, and finished by hand in Northwest Pennsylvania. We take pride in using premium steels which include options rarely seen in the hunting and backpacking world  to create knives that balance ultralight performance with durability in the field.

Being life time hunter and veteran owned, we hold ourselves to the highest standard of craftsmanship and integrity. Each knife is built with the hunter and adventurer in mind, and your feedback continues to shape the designs we bring to life.

BACKCOUNTRY APPROVED

Since the beginning, Kestrel has been the trusted name for ultralight knives. Our blades have been carried by hunting guides, backpackers, and outdoorsmen across North America and beyond. They have proven themselves in the harshest conditions, from elk hunts deep in the Rockies to remote backpacking expeditions on the other side of the globe.

As we relaunch Kestrel Knives, we remain committed to the same values that built our reputation: simplicity, reliability, and performance. With updated designs, returning favorites, and new steels on the horizon, this is just the beginning of the next chapter.

OUR PROMISE

At Kestrel, we believe world class customer service is the only kind of service. Mistakes may happen, but it is our second action that defines who we are. You have our word that you will never be left in the dark about your order, your knife, or your experience with us. Every member of our community deserves to be treated with respect, honesty, and care and that is the standard we hold ourselves to every day.