KRUDO Knives History

KRUDO Knives was founded in 2006 by Louis Krudo, with decades of experience in urban weapons and defense tactics. As an avid designer of knives, less than lethal weapons and other specialized tools, he found that traditional designs just didn’t cut it against modern threats and environments. Instead a radical new way of thinking was needed, thus KRUDO Knives was born.

In 1997 Louis was reading a historical article about an Indonesian fishing and farming tool called the Karambit, this was the inspiration that started it all. Imagining how this utilitarian tool could be become a highly efficient tactical folding knife or striking tool became an obsession. After extensive designs, template creation and sleepless nights, the prototype was ready to be seen by a few trusted souls. The feedback was swift, the design was too aggressive and may not be adopted well in the industry.

KRUDO Knives thinks differently, feedback such as “too aggressive” and worrying about the industry wasn’t a concern. Instead, it was understood that the design was a radical new way of thinking and those stuck in their ways simply didn’t get it. After nearly 4 years of refinement and testing, the SNAG was born and is now the flagship of the company.

Looking past the hype and industrial norms, KRUDO Knives promises to never compromise on quality and design, instead we focus on creating tools that are time tested and trusted by law enforcement organizations, military personnel and civilians across the globe. When what you carry matters, carry a KRUDO.

KRUDO Knives Founder

Louis Krudo is the one that started it all, he is and continues to be the visionary behind all of KRUDO Knives unique and custom designed products. Louis got his start as a child on his two passions, martial arts and custom knife design. Those two passions converging is what has created the KRUDO Knives you know and see today.

Early in Louis’ life his father took him to the movies to see Five Fingers of Death, which led to his quest of becoming a martial arts expert. Starting at the age of 12, Louis began to study Judo and Shotokan, going on to study Kick Boxing, Wing Chun, Muay Thai, Okinawan Karate and Arnis.

Additionally, while watching his cousin design and build knives, often standing so close to the action he could smell the acetylene and feel the metal shavings pelting his face and hands as the blades were being ground. Louis’ cousin, Anthony, would constantly admonish Louis for standing too close. He finally drew a chalk line on the floor that Louis was never to cross. When Louis knew that his cousin was gone, he made sure to cross the chalk line and experiment with grinding metal, which, in turn, got him in more trouble with his cousin. Now, after decades of experience he’s the designer, creating designs that challenge the norms of the industry. It was this mindset that led to SNAG and then future designs that you now can have in your own collection.

Merging Louis’ two passions is what has led to KRUDO Urban Tactics, his own style of teaching that coincides with the KRUDO Knives tools. These tactics are now used across law enforcement agencies, military personnel and even civilians – preparing them for whatever situation may arise.

Louis promises to keep everyone guessing, so expect the unusual and become part of the KRUDO Nation today.