Bill Harsey, Jr.

William Harsey Jr. (born 1955) is an American knifemaker and designer who works with several knife companies, including Gerber Legendary Blades, Lone Wolf Knives, Spartan Blades, Ruger/CRKT, Fantoni, and Chris Reeve Knives.

Personal history Harsey was born into a logging family in Oregon in 1955. He received a BFA from the University of Oregon. Even so, he is best known for his collaboration projects, in which he serves as knife designer for various knife companies.

Harsey collaborated with Colonel Rex Applegate to design Gerber's Applegate-Fairbairn line. and the Pacific / First Group Knife, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Army Special Forces in Asia.

One of Harsey's most significant designs was that of the Yarborough Knife, which is named after Lt. Gen. William P. Yarborough, known as the "father of modern Special Forces.". The Yarborough Knife is presented at the beginning in August 2002 to each graduate of the United States Army Special Forces Qualification Course, with each of these knives possessing its own serial number, and logged in an official record book maintained by the United States Army Special Operations Command. To quote the USASOC News Service, "As each Green Beret crosses the stage upon graduation of the SFQC, he receives a legacy of the Brotherhood of Special Forces, signing in the pages of an illustrious history, shared by a select few. Only a few short years after its conception, the honor of the Yarborough Knife has now become almost as large of a part of the heritage and tradition of Special Forces as the Green Beret, and has been shared with a small number of dignitaries such as President George W. Bush.". ("Applegate Fairbairn Combat Folder", designed by Harsey and manufactured by Gerber Legendary Blades) 2003 International Blade Show "Collaboration Knife of the Year" ("The Green Beret Knife", designed by Harsey and manufactured by Chris Reeve Knives) 2004 Field and Stream Magazine "Best of the Best" Award ("Harsey Tactical Ranger Folder", designed by Harsey and manufactured by Lone Wolf Knives) 2007 International Blade Show "American Made Knife of the Year" ("The Pacific Knife", designed by Harsey and manufactured by Chris Reeve Knives) 2008 Field and Stream Magazine "Best of the Best" Award ("The Pacific Knife") 2010 International Blade Show "Collaboration of the Year" with Spartan Blades, LLC 2010 USASOC Sniper Vendor Competition Winner 2016 International Blade Show "American Made Knife of the Year"