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THE DEFIANT7 MISSION

Partners in Crime

Les George and Chad Nichols

Les and Chad had a simple plan in the beginning, build a brand along with a small group of world class knife makers to create a catalog of exceptional knife designs.

Steel, Fire and Hammers

CHAD NICHOLS

Chad Nichols, owner and founder of Nichols Damascus, has made a career of creating the highest quality Damascus and modern materials for the knife industry and more. Chad is a maker himself, creating stunning knives and gear from his materials at the cutting-edge ND shop. His experiences with creating and machining modern materials is invaluable when applied to Defiant7's modern manufacturing capacity.

EOD Marine to Knife Maker

LES GEORGE

Les George started making knives over 25 years ago, before enlisting with the United States Marine Corps in '97. After over a decade of service, Les started creating knives full-time. Using the skills and experiences gained in the USMC, Les turned to his knife making with a new perspective. From custom one-off to full modern production runs, Les knows the ins and outs of making a modern high tech edged tool.

DEFIANT7

“Kids today are the worst!” We have all heard it, We have all thought it, but we don't BELIEVE it.  If the younger generation is lacking, it’s not their fault.  The human condition still runs the full range, and there are still people out there that want to work. Today, if you want good ones, you must grow your own. Chad and Les want to help the next generation of our industry and our community, both of which have been very good to us.

We are going to build the next generation of knifemakers, all while bolstering the next generation of American manufacturing. We started this by bringing on 3 young and newly trained machinists, and now it’s time to make knife makers out of them.

The goals are to MAKE badass knives right here at home. We want to INVEST in the future of the knife industry, and SUPPORT American Manufacturing. Our goal is to bring as many processes in house, all while fostering local talent. We love it here in Mississippi, and we want to contribute to its bright future.