Spec-Tacticals: Custom Knifemaker Allen Elishewitz's Spectacular Tacticals Offer Practical Design and Innovative Construction

American Handgunner, Jan-Feb, 2002 by Pat Covert

Built For Business

Elishewitz's base knives incorporate G-l0, micarta or carbonfiber scales. Fancier versions can be fleshed out with anything from titanium to jigged boned or fossil mammoth ivory. An artist in another life, Allen often accents his titanium scales using a palette of machined patterns and anodized coloring. In all seriousness, Elishewitz is a multi-talented artist with extensive experience in printmaking, and this no doubt lends itself well to his knifemaking.

Progressive design and sturdy construction are the staples of Allen's knives. Flawless execution is the icing on the cake. The maker attends to every small detail from start to finish, and it shows in the end result. When you buy an Elishewitz knife, you're buying a knife that is totally made by the maker himself. There are no shop assistants to do the blade grinding,, not even a step-and-fetchit to ding a handle during any phase of the process.

Run your finger over any portion of one of Allen's masterpieces and you can tell he's been there eyeing it, like a mother hawk doting over her nestlings.

Such fine finishing makes an Elishewitz knife a joy to handle or, as my witty older brother used to jokingly quip, "Like getting beat to death with a silk stocking." Smooth all over.

It is this final attribute that makes Allen's knives special-- and keeps users and collectors coming back for more. And despite the fact that Allen handles all chores large and small throughout the process, he is one of the most prolific custom tactical folder makers in the industry-- out-producing and out-selling many of his counterparts three to one. All of which speaks to hard work, the American dream and one custom knifemaker's quest to be the best.

Production Custom

When a major knife manufacturer comes calling, rest assured it's a sure sign of success for any custom knifemaker. Elishewitz has a longtime relationship with the Benchmade Knife Company. one of the most prominent tactical knife manufacturers in the nation.

Over the years Allen has collaborated with Benchmade on quite a few designs, including his Sentinel, Stryker, Nimravus, Cub, Dark Star, Ares (Axis Lock) models. His latest collaboration is the Model 690, introduced in 2001.

Recently, Mission Knives called on Elishewitz for a design and is currently producing the MPF (Multi Purpose Folder), a knife made of all titanium.

Allen Elishewitz makes a broad range of tactical folders for the serious user, ardent collector or casual user who is simply seeking a well-made knife. His tactical folders start at a very reasonable $400 and go up from there, depending on materials desired. A visit to the knifemaker's website (www.elishewitzknives.com) is most helpful for determining prices and options.