RIP John Benner

[RPZIP]

I have received an email from Ka-Bar stating that John Benner of the Tactical Defense Institute has passed away.

The body of the email follows:

Rest in Peace, John Benner (TDI) ​ ​

We are deeply saddened by the passing of KA-BAR designer John Benner of the Tactical Defense Institute (TDI). John was a U.S. Army veteran, serving as an MP in Vietnam. He came home and spent over four decades in law enforcement. John opened the Tactical Defense Institute and educated countless folks on firearm safety and training. John wasn't just a designer for KA-BAR; he was a great friend to us all. For two decades, John's Original TDI LE knife has been a favorite of law enforcement and those looking for a small, no-frills implement for self-defense. As Ethan Becker of Becker Knife & Tool Co. put it, "John didn't have a training company, he had a leadership academy." A gentle giant, John lived his life in service of others. We will miss you, John. ​

 

[1066vik]

I got the same email and saw the post on their FB page.
There's a lot of folks who are getting to be that age....

 

[BuckShack]

The Original TDI LE knife is a great knife. RIP John Benner.

So much loss lately. Important people. Reminds me of a George Jones song; Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes

 

[Crag the Brewer]

His design was one of my First carry....

 

[OFFICIAL_KA-BAR]

John was an all around great guy. I took many classes at TDI and he was such a tremendous teacher. The part of SHOT Show I always looked forward to was spending time with John and Ethan - it was one of the few positives of visiting Las Vegas in January. John will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue.