I first met knife maker Michael Rodriguez while he was still a Special Forces NCO in the Army. He had been wounded and RMJ Tactical frontman Ryan Johnson had been teaching him how to make knives. After he retired from the Army, Michael did two things; he made more knives and he helped out his fellow Veterans. Both are things that have endeared him to me.
At Blade Show I got a special treat from Michael. He made a knife which he presented to England’s Prince Henry of Wales, KCVO, at the recent Invictus Games, an Olympics-style event for wounded Veterans.
While inspired by the Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife, it’s not exact copy. Measurements are different as well as some of the lines, like the cross guard.
Michael accomplished all of the work by himself, including turning the wooden pommel. However, he did have a special metal stamp made to commemorate the cooperation of the British and American people.
Michael’s wife, who is still an active duty Army NCO, brought this Sapphire home from a tour in Afghanistan. He set this one and its twin, into the pommels of the two daggers. The sapphire was the perfect choice. Not only does it held special significance as a jewel to the Royal Family, but Prince Harry also served in its place of origin.
Tags: Michael Rodriguez
Probably done more for future US/Brit relations than the current occupant of the White House. Brings new meaning to “The Strategic CPL”.
Well said
Prince Harry…yeah the one without clothes in Las Vegas, can you conceal a knife like that naked?
What happens in Vegas… Right?
Now that’s a presentation item! Very classy, well done.
Great knives by a great soldier. I had Michael as an instructor at SOTIC in 2006. He was awesome and I am stoked to have been able to work with him even after the military. He is a professional through and through and does incredible things for the Special Forces regiment, even after retirement.
I’m rather curious, what’s the purpose of having the crossguard in a wavy pattern like that? It looks neat to be certain but is there any real practical purpose? The guard is a bit small to be of much use parrying other blades though I suppose if you use the turned down end as the bottom of the knife it might provide a little more protection to your hand by causing an opposing blade to slide off and the top to catch/bind an opposing blade.
The knife was presented in a box so I’d say this isn’t an EDC blade, even for a commando.
I got to handle this same knife at the show. The wavy guard lets you ramp your thumb up on the higher side while the lower side hugs your forefinger.
This knife was wonderfully done and Michael’s best work that I’ve seen to date.
An amazing knife by one of the most amazing human beings I’ve ever known.