Walter Brend

on_the_edge

on_the_edge

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Jan 31, 2006
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For those who have used one of his custom knives, can you please tell me how it performed in use? What did you use it for and did it meet or exceed your expectations? I am thinking about picking one up as a user, but really know very little about them, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 
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Hi OTE,

Among the best tactical fixed blades ever made...ever!

I used my model 2 at Northern Warfare School in Alaska, Jungle School in Panama, Desert Training, SERE training in Korea and in woodlands around the US.

Performed spectacularly in all environments.

Today these are very expensive "users".

Worth every penny.

When I was asked (all the time) why I carried such an expensive knife my reply was I know what my life is worth.
 
Thanks for the reply, Les. I thought I recalled that you had previously stated that you used a Brend, but I could not find that info. Thanks for confirming it.

Anybody else? I'm sure someone else must have some usage experience with these. :)
 
The first year I did the Blade show I had a table next to Mr Brend. Several soldiers stopped to see him and show their Brend knife and describe all the action it had seen. They would have their picture taken with Walter and you could tell how much it meant to both of them. The knives were designed and made to be used in combat, and judging by the testimonials I heard, I would trust a Brend knife in ANY situation.
Dan Farr
 
Les Robertson said:
Hi OTE,

Among the best tactical fixed blades ever made...ever!

I used my model 2 at Northern Warfare School in Alaska, Jungle School in Panama, Desert Training, SERE training in Korea and in woodlands around the US.

Performed spectacularly in all environments.

Today these are very expensive "users".

Worth every penny.

When I was asked (all the time) why I carried such an expensive knife my reply was I know what my life is worth.
Click to expand...
HI! LES
I am also a fan of Mr. brend
How long is the blade of your m2?
 
Hi Fater,

I carried a couple of Brend 8 1/2" Model 2's.

Ended up selling them to others after we got out of the field.

I wore mine with a kydex lined Cordura nylon sheath in a drop down SAS style on my right leg.

I found the problem with wearing it on my web gear was that it was difficult to "deploy" out of the sheath, especially when wearing a ruck.

When I left Korea I gave the Brend I had to an E-5 who had been eyeballing my knife all year. He was an MP who was headed for "Advanced Training" and could use a knife like that. I on the other hand being an MIG (Military Intelligence Geek) was now headed to some secret squirrel job working in a Vault working behind several locked doors. Sunshine and fresh air would have to be pumped in. :D

A follow up to this. That same E-5 called me 12 years later to let me know that he gave the knife to his son who had deployed to Iraq! So the knife found its way back to an Infantryman...where it should be.
 
What a great story Les - that is just too cool.

I don't own a Brend, but I have long admired his work.

Roger
 
All great stories gentlemen. Lets see some Brends. I must be out of the loop with military knives. I cant recall what they look like.
 
My Brend #2 (?) alongside my Bagwell. Blades are in the 10" range. I wanted to see if I could chop down a small tree (4" diameter) with it when I firlst got it back in the 80's, hence the discoloration.
BAGWELLBREND.jpg
 
Thats Brend is awesome looking I like the older ones with teeth
 
The teeth are mostly for show. Anything you would use those to cut...the other edge would be through it with one swipe.

The only serrations I have seen that actually were really useful were on the top edge of the hollow handle fighters by Robert Parrish. Those really did work.

My first custom was a Robert Parrish HHF. I had to get rid of that as I was not allowed to take it to Somalia because the serrations on the back violated the Geneva Convention. Due to the nasty wound they would cause.

I tried to bargain with the JAG Captain that if I used the knife I would make sure the individual I stuck it in would not need medical attention. It was at that point that my Company Commander grabbed me by the collar and pulled me out of line. :D

So upon our return I got on the phone with Walter and bought my first Model 2...$450!
 
ISAIAH53 said:
My Brend #2 (?) alongside my Bagwell. Blades are in the 10" range. I wanted to see if I could chop down a small tree (4" diameter) with it when I firlst got it back in the 80's, hence the discoloration.
BAGWELLBREND.jpg
Click to expand...

HI! ISAIAH53!What is the material of your m2? d2?
 
Les Robertson said:
The teeth are mostly for show. Anything you would use those to cut...the other edge would be through it with one swipe.

The only serrations I have seen that actually were really useful were on the top edge of the hollow handle fighters by Robert Parrish. Those really did work.

My first custom was a Robert Parrish HHF. I had to get rid of that as I was not allowed to take it to Somalia because the serrations on the back violated the Geneva Convention. Due to the nasty wound they would cause.

I tried to bargain with the JAG Captain that if I used the knife I would make sure the individual I stuck it in would not need medical attention. It was at that point that my Company Commander grabbed me by the collar and pulled me out of line. :D

So upon our return I got on the phone with Walter and bought my first Model 2...$450!
Click to expand...
Oh, so cheap. In the 90's?
 
Very interesting thread:)
I've always liked Mr Brend's knives. His skill at grinding is something I can only dream of. Perfect:cool:

Ian
 
ISAIAH53 said:
My Brend #2 (?) alongside my Bagwell. Blades are in the 10" range. I wanted to see if I could chop down a small tree (4" diameter) with it when I firlst got it back in the 80's, hence the discoloration.
BAGWELLBREND.jpg
Click to expand...

Some great knives would love that Brend
 
Les Robertson said:
My first custom was a Robert Parrish HHF. I had to get rid of that as I was not allowed to take it to Somalia because the serrations on the back violated the Geneva Convention. Due to the nasty wound they would cause.

I tried to bargain with the JAG Captain that if I used the knife I would make sure the individual I stuck it in would not need medical attention. It was at that point that my Company Commander grabbed me by the collar and pulled me out of line. :D
Click to expand...

Man, I tell ya, try to help folks out, prevent problems, and what do you get.... :D
 
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