Lynn Thompson is a name that resonates in the knife-making world as a tantamount figure in the industry whose skills and passion have fiercely cut through the edges of the blade manufacturing business. Not only is he a renowned knifesmith, but also a martial artist and an avid big game hunter. Thompson’s life story is woven into the fabric of each knife his company, Cold Steel Inc., produces – showing us the journey of a man and his lifelong love affair with blades.
Lynn’s fascination with knives started early in his youth. Growing up, Lynn constantly found himself deeply engrossed in books about weaponry and the histories of world battles, cultivated by a love for the art of hunting and protection. From this love grew an unstoppable determination: Thompson wanted to build the world’s strongest, sharpest knives. Hence, he spent countless hours honing his craft, which eventually sparked the foundation of his own knife manufacturing company!
In 1980, Thompson established Cold Steel Inc., a knife and tool manufacturing company based in California. While many knife companies centered their focus on aesthetic features, Lynn, a practical and performance-oriented man, preferred to highlight the functionality, performance, and reliability of his products. Cold Steel, under his leadership, sought to ensure that their knives were sharp and strong enough to withstand the most challenging situations.
Among the prominent series of knives that have been created under the aegis of Lynn is the cleaver series. A particular standout, this series has garnered the attention and admiration of knife enthusiasts, hunters, and culinary professionals alike. The cleaver series is a testament to Lynn’s dedication and profound understanding of what makes a high-performing, practical knife. Outfitted with a wide and robust blade, this kitchen implement was designed to handle heavy-duty cutting tasks, such as chopping through bones and thick pieces of meat. It brought together all of Thompson’s knowledge and experience and reflected everything that Cold Steel stood for – resilience, power, and precision.
Thompson, however, did not limit himself to the world of knife-manufacturing. In addition to running Cold Steel Inc., Thompson has also been vocal about his passion for martial arts. He has dedicated substantial amounts of time to learning and mastering various forms of martial arts, emphasizing those that utilize knives and various bladed weapons. He believes that it is crucial for any knifemaker to understand the full potential of blades, not just from a crafting perspective, but also from the user’s point of view. His knowledge of martial arts has significantly influenced the designs and functionalities of the products at Cold Steel, making each knife a tangible manifestation of cutting-edge design and craftsmanship.
Thompson is also a passionate wildlife enthusiast and hunter. His experiences in the wild have been vital in shaping his understanding of knives, further solidifying his reputation as an expert in the field. When you are out in the wild, the usability, reliability and durability of a knife can literally mean the difference between life and death. And having experienced these situations firsthand, Lynn was able to infuse these real-life survival elements into his creations.
To sum it up, Lynn Thompson is not just a knifemaker. He is a visionary who has spent his life perfecting the art of knife-making and pushing the boundaries of this industry. His unwavering dedication to quality and performance has set a high bar for knife-makers worldwide. And in every Cold Steel knife, particularly in the cleaver range, one can feel the depths of Thompson’s life experiences, skill, and survival wisdom.