Built Off-Grid.
Built to Last.
Off-Grid Knives is a family-owned American knife company that designs overbuilt hard-use folders and fixed blades for people who actually use them, at prices that make sense.
From One Knife and a Tactical Pen to 100+ Blades and Counting
I have been sketching knife designs for years. Never really thought I would make a career out of it. But in 2016, I took a leap of faith, quit my day job, and launched Off-Grid Knives with one knife and a tactical pen. That was it. No warehouse, no team, no roadmap, just a belief that knife buyers deserved more value than the market was giving them.
Fast forward to today and we have over 100 knives in our current catalog, a team we are proud of, customers all over the world, and a reputation for building knives that feel like they cost twice what you paid. That last part is not an accident. It is the whole point.
None of this happens without our customers. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Tour the Off-Grid HQ
Cary walks you through the Off-Grid operation, who we are, how we build, and why we do things differently.
A Lean Operation With Zero Tolerance for Mediocrity
Off-Grid Knives is a family-owned American knife company that designs every knife in-house and works with a select group of trusted, seasoned manufacturers to bring those designs to life. We run lean by design. Minimal overhead, no middlemen, no retail markups. The savings go directly into the knife and back to you.
We sell two brands. Off-Grid Knives is sold only on offgridknives.com and Amazon, so we control the experience end to end, from the design table to your pocket. Off-Grid Gear, our under-$50 line, is sold on offgridknives.com and Amazon and is also available through authorized dealers and wholesale partners.
We do not rely on traditional advertising. Our growth comes primarily from word of mouth, independent reviews, and creator relationships we trust. Customers who love what they bought tell someone about it. That is the engine.
"Off-Grid exists on the ledge between hyper-tactical, utilitarian and the modern knife enthusiast world. Off-Grid always manages to do something a little bit different and more fun than the other knife companies out there."
What Makes Off-Grid Different
Designed In-House
Every Off-Grid knife starts as a sketch at our HQ in Westlake Village, California. We do not buy catalog designs and slap a logo on them. Blade shape, handle ergonomics, lock, hardware, and clip are all ours.
Direct Pricing
No distributors, no retail markup, no bloated overhead. You are buying direct from the people who designed the knife, which is how a $100 Off-Grid ends up compared to $200 and $300 knives in reviews.
Steel Matched to the Price
We pick the best-performing steel for each tier, not the cheapest one that passes. Sandvik 12C27 under $50, Cryo D2 and 14C28N in the workhorse range, and MagnaCut, Vanax, M390, and M398 in the Elite Series.
Overbuilt for Hard Use
Thick blade stock, solid lockup, real G10, micarta, carbon fiber, and titanium handles. Our knives are built to be used and abused, not stored in a drawer. Most of our lineup runs large or XL because that is what hard use calls for.
Real People, Real Warranty
Every knife is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, and when you reach out you get a human who knows the products, not a bot or a ticket number. Our reviews mention customer service almost as often as they mention the knives.
Who Carries Off-Grid
Ten years in, we have a pretty clear picture of who reaches for an Off-Grid knife.
Everyday Carry
People who want one folder that handles boxes, rope, food, and whatever else the day throws at them.
Hunters, Campers & Outdoorsmen
Our fixed blades and large folders are built for field dressing, batoning, bushcraft, and camp chores.
Tradespeople
Electricians, contractors, ranchers, and warehouse crews who need a knife that survives a work week without babying.
Military, Law Enforcement & First Responders
We supply US Border Patrol and other agencies, and we offer a 10% service discount to everyone who serves.
Collectors & Enthusiasts
Knife people who follow steel, hardware, and design, and who want Elite Series materials without Elite Series pricing.
Value Buyers & Gift Givers
Anyone who wants Off-Grid quality under $50. That is exactly why Off-Grid Gear exists.
This Feels Like a Knife Twice the Cost
That is what we want every customer to say the first time they pick up an Off-Grid knife. And based on our reviews, that is exactly what is happening. Our customers are putting us on the same level as Benchmade, Zero Tolerance, SOG, Tops, and Spyderco, brands that charge two to three times what we do.
We have a range for every budget and every buyer. At the entry level, Off-Grid Gear brings serious quality under $50 using proven materials like Sandvik 12C27 and G10, steels and materials that get the job done and hold up to real use without drama. In the middle of our OGK lineup, you will find workhorses built with Cryo D2, 154CM, and 14C28N, serious knives at honest prices. And at the top, our Elite Series is where we push materials to their limit. MagnaCut, Vanax SuperClean, BÖHLER M390 and M398, paired with titanium scales, carbon fiber handles, and caged ceramic bearings. These are knives that compete with anything on the market at any price.
The point is simple: whether you are spending $30 or $375, you are getting the best knife possible at that price point. That commitment does not change based on the budget. Every tier gets the same attention to detail. That is non-negotiable.
Off-Grid Gear
Launched in late 2025, Off-Grid Gear is our answer to a question we kept hearing: what if I love Off-Grid Knives but I just need something more affordable? We heard you.
Off-Grid Gear takes everything we know about building value, the same design philosophy, the same heat treatment standards, the same attention to fit and finish, and applies it at a price point that is accessible to everyone. Every Off-Grid Gear product is priced under $50. No exceptions.
We adjust the materials to hit the price point, not the quality of the build. You still get proper steel, proper heat treatment, and proper Off-Grid craftsmanship. You just get it at a price that makes sense for everyday carry, gifting, or building out your collection without breaking the bank.
Off-Grid Gear is also our dealer and wholesale brand, the line we built for partners and retailers who want to carry Off-Grid quality at accessible retail price points.
Old School Service. Real People. Always.
Choosing Off-Grid means you are part of the family. We are here for you, not with a bot, not with a FAQ page that does not answer your question, but with real human beings who know our products and actually want to help.
Got a problem? We have got you covered. That is not a marketing line, just check our reviews. Customer service consistently shows up as a highlight.
Joan Camille
Joan is your first point of contact and she knows Off-Grid inside and out. She is on live chat eight hours a day, six days a week. Whether you have a question about a specific knife, need help with an order, or want a recommendation, she is there. No ticket queues, no waiting days for a reply. Just real answers from someone who cares.
Julie Wilson
Julie handles email support and makes sure every customer gets a thorough, thoughtful response. Reach her at offgrid@offgridknives.com and expect a real answer from someone who takes your experience seriously.
Register your knife and you are covered. If your product fails due to a defect in manufacturing, materials, or workmanship, we will repair or replace it. We stand behind what we build, full stop.
Off-Grid Steel Options
We do not pick steel based on what is cheapest. We pick it based on what performs best at each price point. Here is what you will find across our lineup.
MagnaCut
Exceptional corrosion resistance, excellent edge retention, and remarkable toughness. Featured in our Elite Series including the Mamba V3.
Vanax SuperClean
One of the most advanced steels on the planet. Top-tier corrosion resistance, exceptional wear resistance, and outstanding toughness. Nitrogen-based. Featured in our best selling Polaris XL Elite Series.
BÖHLER M390
A recognized super steel. Renowned for corrosion resistance and edge sharpness.
BÖHLER M398
Exceptional edge retention, extreme wear resistance, high corrosion resistance, and long-term cutting performance. Featured in the Mamba EDC Elite Series.
Cryo D2
Known for toughness and edge retention due to its high carbon content. Featured in the Tracker-X Series, Backcountry, and Rapid Fire Series.
Sandvik 14C28N
A balanced option for sharpness and durability. Featured in the SideKick and Tracker-X EDC among others.
Sandvik 12C27
Swedish stainless steel trusted by cutlery makers worldwide. Resists corrosion, sharpens fast, holds an edge through hard use. Featured across the Off-Grid Gear lineup.
Crucible 154CM
A great mix of toughness, hardness, and corrosion resistance. Featured in our Stinger XL lineup.
Crucible CPM MagnaMax
Crucible's newest powder steel, built for a step up in edge retention over MagnaCut while keeping strong corrosion resistance and toughness. Debuting in our first 100% Italian-made Elite Series knife.
Where Our Knives Are Made
Many of our knives, including our fixed blades, are crafted in Taiwan by a production partner known for their work with brands like Ka-Bar, SOG, and Kershaw. Our Elite Series knives are produced by Bestech and Kunwu in China, two manufacturers known for precision, quality control, and top-tier craftsmanship. Both partners are committed to building exceptional knives at fair prices.
We have explored manufacturing in the USA. The reality is that we cannot hit our pricing goals without compromising the quality our customers expect. We are not willing to do that.
Made in Italy
We are proud to announce that for the first time in Off-Grid history, we are producing an Elite Series knife in Italy. 100% Italian made, featuring MagnaMax steel. This is a major milestone for our brand and a knife unlike anything we have done before. Stay tuned.
"Quality is about effort rather than geography."
We Support Those Who Serve
Our respect and appreciation for our military and law enforcement runs deep. We proudly donate a percentage of our profits to two organizations that make a real difference:
Builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans nationwide.
Provides resources and support to families and co-workers of officers killed in the line of duty.
We also supply knives to the US Border Patrol and other government agencies, and we offer a 10% service discount to US Military, Law Enforcement, and all frontline heroes.
Learn About Our Service DiscountThank you for your amazing customer service and for offering rugged, well-made products for those of us who rely on them every day. When I go into the field, I know I can count on my Off-Grid folders and fixed blades. That peace of mind is invaluable.
Interviews & Reviews
Watch Cary discuss the Off-Grid story, products, and philosophy across interviews, reviews, and the OGK YouTube channel.
Off-Grid Knives Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Off-Grid Knives?
Off-Grid Knives is founded, owned, and run by Cary Orefice. It is a family-owned company based in Westlake Village, California, and has been independently owned since it launched in 2016.
Where are Off-Grid knives designed and made?
Every knife is designed in-house in California. Most of our lineup, including fixed blades, is made in Taiwan. Elite Series knives are made in China by Bestech and Kunwu. Our first Italian-made Elite Series knife is coming soon.
What is the difference between Off-Grid Knives and Off-Grid Gear?
Off-Grid Knives is our main brand, running from workhorse folders to the premium Elite Series. Off-Grid Gear is our value line, launched in 2025, with every product priced under $50. Same design team, same standards, different materials to hit the price. Off-Grid Gear is also the brand we sell through dealers and wholesale.
Do Off-Grid knives come with a warranty?
Yes. Every product is covered by a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Register your knife after purchase and you are set.
Where can I buy Off-Grid products?
Off-Grid Knives are sold only on offgridknives.com and Amazon. Off-Grid Gear is sold on both of those, plus through authorized dealers and wholesale partners. If you see Off-Grid Knives anywhere else, it is not from us.
Do you offer a military or first responder discount?
Yes. US Military, Law Enforcement, and frontline heroes get 10% off. Details on our service discount page.
What does the Off-Grid logo mean?
The logo is a house or shelter with a window shaped like the USA flag, surrounded by sharp spikes symbolizing protection, independence, and self-reliance, the core values of the Off-Grid lifestyle. Seven stars adorn it for a patriotic touch, embodying our pro-USA stance.
Knives are our passion and your satisfaction is our priority. We go the extra mile to make sure you are happy with your Off-Grid experience every single time. Questions, feedback, or ideas? Reach out at offgrid@offgridknives.com and expect a quick reply.
Stay Sharp,
Keep your edge,
