Hank Reinhardt: The Warrior, The Legend, The Man.

J

JTmisterknifeguy

Joined
May 22, 2013
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477
Ok guys,
This kinda came to me thinking about how awesome the BK21 is, how much I want one, and I got to wondering,
What was it about Hank that was so groundbreaking in the cutlery culture?

As a kid, I drooled over the Museum Replicas Limited catalogs, and I thought the old, bald dude flexing the swords was the coolest guy ever.

I also got to thinking that there must be a few of you guys who knew him, maybe even worked with him...

What was he like?

How did he change cutlery?
I've heard things like "He'd forgotten more about edged weaponry than many will ever know".

Here's a vid of Uncle E. talking about the 21 and its design features....
https://youtu.be/C_Owx-Z607Q

I also saw that Hank has the venerable Beckerhead #000, a fully deserved honorific I assume.

So come on guys,
Don't hold back...
 
i have a sword Hank made for me. classic.
 
One of the big things I've wondered about Hank Reinhardt, is what are the things that he absolutely loved, or hated about knives, blades, and cutlery. For instance, I know uncle Ethan, in the knives HE designs likes having a sharp edge as close as possible to his hand for Bushcraft uses... And that he waxes eloquent in the technique on any particular knifey task he may do in front of a camera.
Stuff like that may be old hat and second nature to you fellas who have been friends with E and Beckerheads for a while, but it's new and exciting for a new guy like me to see a master craftsman describe how to use his life's work.

The things I'm curious to learn about the man are things you'd only hear/read about from a. His friends/associates, b. His autobiography (not seeing that he wrote one) c. Any video of the guy telling people what makes a good knife/sword and what makes a GREAT knife/sword.
Do any of you OG Beckerheads have any experience with the guy?
CM Rick: I knew he did a couple bits with Paladin Press, though I've never been able to get my paws on them.
The Wikipedia link was nice/helpful to learn about his marriages, kids, and work with Atlanta Cutlery/MRL.
Though I was thinking more on the level of details...
Bladite: do you have pics up here of said soul reaver? I'll be your best friend forever...

Edit: I found this jewel on YouTube: http://youtu.be/PSoCcvN-4k8
 
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Bladite said:
Soul reaver?

Nah, rapier :)
Click to expand...

Really? Huh, I'd figured it'd be a Viking/early medieval number...
A Reinhardt rapier, I bet it feels alive and almost moves on its own. :) does it have a colorful name?

What (if you know) was Reinhardt's ideas/methodology concerning what makes an excellent kukri?
IOW, what makes his design of the kukris that carry his name different from other kukri variations?
I know from just reading specs online that the bk21 isn't super thick, and it's a more "pointy" design than perhaps many more traditional styled kuks. Is it known if he "just prefered" a pointier kuk than a majority of trad kukris?
Did he have fighting with it in mind? I've heard that, but I want to get at why in the age of firearms, a scholar like him would spend a BIG chunk of his life designing a large blade for martial use.

I'm just spoiled with my other Beckers because uncle E spends a great deal of camera time (which BTW is sweetness for those newcomers who unfortunately enough won't likely ever be able to come to a gathering) describing the philosophy and design features for any given blade he works on...
 
All I can say is what I've learned by handling the BK21.

By the weight, and balance of the knife I can tell that HR had strong upper body strength, agile control, and was well coordinated. He had tremendous hand speed as well. Given the size of the blade I figure he favored a style based on slashing, and lunging, rather than cuts and stabs.

Because he devoted his life to studying the blade, and mortal combat I can tell he was very grounded, precise, maybe calculating in nature. I imagine quite disciplined in all things with extraordinary control.

By the design I can tell he was highly intelligent. He knew how to engineer a piece of steel to perform exactly as he wanted. He knew with American manufacturing techniques that the knife didn't need to be as thick (most around 3/8"), or as large (some as large as a broadsword), as traditional khukris. He also knew it would perform superbly with the right edge geometry. Plus, he knew to put E's handle on it. [emoji6]
I imagine if I had met Mr. Reinhardt I would've met a gentleman, intelligent, approachable, and fascinating to talk with. Would have probably got more wisdom in a conversation than a few years studying a blade, or how to fence. It's all the most apparent when shadow fighting with the bk21. The way the knife seems to already know the moves I want to make, and leads to target. Lacing a combination together by simply flowing with the momentum. Listening to the blade whisper through the air. The more I do with that knife, the more I learn what went into it, but that's with any knife. This one is just enjoyable.
 
Hopefully Ethan pops in here and sheds some light on the man that was Hank. I've heard him speak with complete respect and fascination of him before. I was just thinking the other day he should post a thread about Mr. Reinhardt in lieu of the recent RBK relaunch. This would be a great place to jot down his memories.
 
Hey guys, I found this little gem on YT.

http://youtu.be/zL3F740dJwo

About halfway through, E starts talking about HR and the 21.
I became one big stupid grin hearing E wax eloquent on kukris and especially the beaut he put together with HR. 😀
And yeah, I'm hoping uncle E pops in and gives even just a little bit of first hand insight into his fellow blade genius.
 
CM_Rick said:
All I can say is what I've learned by handling the BK21.

By the weight, and balance of the knife I can tell that HR had strong upper body strength, agile control, and was well coordinated. He had tremendous hand speed as well. Given the size of the blade I figure he favored a style based on slashing, and lunging, rather than cuts and stabs.

Because he devoted his life to studying the blade, and mortal combat I can tell he was very grounded, precise, maybe calculating in nature. I imagine quite disciplined in all things with extraordinary control.

By the design I can tell he was highly intelligent. He knew how to engineer a piece of steel to perform exactly as he wanted. He knew with American manufacturing techniques that the knife didn't need to be as thick (most around 3/8"), or as large (some as large as a broadsword), as traditional khukris. He also knew it would perform superbly with the right edge geometry. Plus, he knew to put E's handle on it. [emoji6]
I imagine if I had met Mr. Reinhardt I would've met a gentleman, intelligent, approachable, and fascinating to talk with. Would have probably got more wisdom in a conversation than a few years studying a blade, or how to fence. It's all the most apparent when shadow fighting with the bk21. The way the knife seems to already know the moves I want to make, and leads to target. Lacing a combination together by simply flowing with the momentum. Listening to the blade whisper through the air. The more I do with that knife, the more I learn what went into it, but that's with any knife. This one is just enjoyable.
Click to expand...

Poetry.
I suspect you're 102% right on all accounts!

Who knew that such an awesome tool of piercing, chopping and general destruction could inspire such awe, admiration, and respect for the guy(s) who designed her...
Makes me smile.
 
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