This skinner was made by Walter, in the first three years of making knives.
Walter was born in Tampa Florida, in 1944. He was raised by his grandmother and grandfather. Walter was taught how to hunt by his grandmother. They would hunt for wild game, birds, squirrels, turkeys, and fish. She taught Walter how to survive in the swamps of Florida. Walter would make his own play knives. Go to the woods with his brothers and friends, they would play and camp often. As Walter got older his grandmother taught him how to also clean and cook the game. He was a very young boy when he began using knives.
Walter join the Army before he finished high school. After his military experience, Walter went to work for a company that taught him how to cut meat. He became a professional meat cutter. As a meat cutter Walter would cut down whole cows and hogs. Walter advanced to management. The market he managed became one of the top markets in the country. As an adult Walter’s hobbies were, hunting and guns. Walter’s children can remember him returning from hunting with three deer.
When Walter was a meat cutter, he had a terrible accident. He was on the ham boning line and the knife slipped. Cut his left wrist, cut nerves and tendons. After two surgeries, Walter could only move his left hand. He had no strength at all. He was given a disability rating and sent home.
Durning the time Walter was out of work, he would visit a local knife and gun store. Walter loved custom knives, in fact he owned several. Walter would tell the gun store owner, he sure would like to make a knife. One day the owner said “Walter go make a knife or never mention it again.” Walters cousin said you should make a knife. Walter said how? Walter’s cousin said he could the old fashion way. Draw file. His cousin had a small buffer. Walter still said how? I have no strength in my left hand. The cousin said tie a rag around your left hand and pull it with the right hand. This is how Walter started on his first knife. Walter would go outside everyday to work on the handmade knife, with a file. His arms would get very tired, it had been over a year since the accident and he was very weak.
Now the one thing you may not know, Walter was praying everyday for God to heal his hand. Everyday he would pray “God if it be your perfect will heal my hand.” In Dec. 1978 Walter was working on the knife and he got very hot. He thought something was wrong with hisself. He got up in a hurry, stumbled and started falling on his left side. Natural instinct, he griped the door handle and all the strength was in his hand. He started shouting, crying, and praising the Lord. God had healed his hand. Walter finished that first knife and the gun shop owner sold it. The gun shop owner ordered 8 more knives. Walter Brend’s knife making career started.
Walter was voted into the knife makers guild the first year of making knives. Walter became a full time maker in three years. Walter knew what he liked in a knife and his designs have worked well for all types of applications. Walter only discard the first knife he put on a grinder. He never messed another one up. Walter has made the statement; When I am grinding, it is as natural a breathing. Some people did not believe Walter when he said he only free hand ground. Walter went to Pops Knives for a grinding demo. On lookers were amazed. Walter has sold knives all over the world and all branches of military, and government. Walter thanks God everyday for the talent he was given. When God gives a talent, no man can deny it. Walter works in a small shop in Cullman Alabama. He also gives shop tours, then he will tell the story of how God healed his hand and gave him the talent for making knives.. Walters favorite scripture is Psalm 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress my God in whom I trust. Surely he will save you from the Fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night nor the arrow that flies by day. Nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness not the plaque that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousands at your right hand but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling even the Lord whos is my refuge then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra you will tread upon the lion and the serpent. Because he loves me I will rescue him. I will protect him for he acknowledges my name. “HE WILL CALL UPON ME AND I WILL ANSWER HIM; I WILL BE WITH HIM IN TROUBLE. I WILL DELIVER HIM AND HONOR HIM, WITH LONG LIFE WILL I SATISFY HIM AND SHOW HIM MY SALVATION.
Walter will deliver the first anniversary knife in a few weeks. The response has been great for the 30th anniversary knife. Thank You for each person who has bought Walters knives thru the years. He is grateful to each and everyone. If you have any questions feel free to call 256-775-2668
Walter had a customer who wanted a set of neck knives. Walter had never made this 5 knife set until this past November. The knives are boot or neck knives, and come with sheaths. Walter can also add handle materials and mirror polish each knife and handle materials. A photo of the knives were put on Walters face book, and have had a lot of questions.The cost per set is $3750.00 plus shipping (just like the photo). If each knife is mirror polished with micarta handles the cost is $4500.00. If the handles are mirror polished also the cost per set is $5000.00. A $200.00 non refundable deposit is required.
The Model Two has always been Walter’s most popular knife. When customers make that final decision what knife they would like to order, nine times out of 10 it is the Model Two. The above photo is an early vintage Brend Model Two. In 1981 when Walter started making knives, the Model Two was one of the first designs out of his shop. The design came from his early years of hunting in the swamps of Florida, to 15 years of cutting meat. Walter new what he wanted in a custom knife, and that is reflected in his knives. Several knife companies had collaborations with Walter. It was always the model two design, they tried to replicate, even in a pocket knife. When you see this blade and handle style you know it is a Brend Design. Brend designs,(Model 2, Model 5, Tanto, and Tommy Hawk) has influence many other makers and companies.
You can read about the new Rescue Project at www.tacticalknives.com (Brend’s New Breed) by Pat Covert
In this photo Walter is working the handle down on one of the Rescue knives. Walter works 6 days a week. He is usually in the shop by 6:00.
Have you always dreamed of making a knife? Do you have your own idea for a handmade knife? No more dreaming. Walter can build any kind of knife you would like. You can visit the shop or plan everything by phone or email. What is so unique about this is, YOUR DESIGN and ONE OF A KIND knife. Contact Walter at walter@brendknives.com and discuss your dream idea for ONE OF A KIND KNIFE.
Walter is very Thankful for each purchase of his knives. He knows he is very blessed and Thanks each customer from the bottom of his heart.
The 2009 Blade Show was great for Walter. He will see you next year. Walter wants everyone to know that when you purchase one of his knives, that you are also support what or who he supports. Walter and Kay Brend supports the University Parkway Church of God in Aiken S.C.,New Life Worship Center in Holly Pond Al. two christian radio stations,and mission wor
k. For if a man think himself to be something,when he is nothing,he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himslef alone, and not in another. Galatians 6:3,4
Brend Filet Knife
Top Photo: Model 2 Bottom Photo : Bush Hog and Model 5
Model Two 6 1/2 blade is $2400.00
Model Two 8 1/2 blade is $2600.00
Model Two 10 inch blade is $3000.00
Model Two 12 inch blade is $4000.00
Bush Hog is $3000.00 for a 10 1/2 inch blade.
Model 5 7 1/2 blade is $2400.00
Model 5 8 1/2 blade is $2600.00
Model 5 10 inch blade is $3000.00
Model 5 12 inch blade is $4000.00
( Shipped 2 day FedX insured)
$200.00 Non Refundable deposit is required on all orders( except the Rescue Knives).
Rescue 1 and Rescue 2 knives are $800.00 plus shipping. No deposit
WHEN YOU PLACE YOUR ORDER PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER. A $200.00 DOLLAR DEPOSIT, NON REFUNDABLE IS REQUIRED ON ALL STANDARD MODELS. (THIS EXCLUDES THE RESCUE PROJECT:NO DEPOSIT) PLEASE SEND A CHECK, MONEY ORDER OR CASHIER CHECK TO: WALTER BREND 4094 Columbia Hwy. RidgeSpring S.C. 29129 PHONE 803-736-3520 IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO CALL ANYTIME. More Photos Comming
Left is a Model 5 fighter 8 1/2 inches. Center is a SID 10 inches, steel by Rob Thomas, and the Right is a SID 8 1/2 inches
Earle Marvin, Kyoshi began his training is Shotokan karate in 1967. He continued training at Montreat Anderson Jr. College until 1969 with a Taiwanese karate stylists. Kyoshi at this time also met his wife Sherry and were married by the time Kyoshi was 20. Over the next few years Kyoshi Marvin continued his education at Clemson University and then settled back in Walterboro where he began his work in the nursery. Earle Marcin, Kyoshi received no formal rank during this period of his life, but did build a strong foundation. This was realized and rewarded in 1978 when he began to study the Soke Albert Church.
Under the Nippon Kobudo Kanda Ha Kamishin Ryu system, Earle Marvin, Kyoshi, on May 1 1985 was awarded his shodan in Kempo-Karate by Catherine Church and Ronnie Jessup, Sensei. By the next year Kyoshi had left Kamishin Ryu to start training with Soke Church’s top student Ron Cherry, Soke of American Kempo Karate Association, International.
Kyoshi Marvin on September 1, 1986 obtained the rank of Sandan in Kibudo and Jujitsu and a Yondan in Kempo through AKKI. Twenty one days later, on the 22 of September, Kyoshi was formalized by Soke Cherry an an instructor in UPC-Kempo. But the real circle of Kyoshis martial arts and the start of Sogo Goshin-Do had started several months prior to Kyoshi earning his Yondan in Kempo.
On April 15, 1986 Earle Marvin,Kyoshi under Seishin-Kia earned the rank of Yondan. For this rank Kyoshi was both tested and awarded by Soke Shogo Kuniba. A person that becomes very important in a few years time to the founding of the style of martial arts that Kyoshi inherets from Soke Kuniba. In August of 1986 under Master Miller, Kyoshi is awared Sempai Senior Most Dan in Koga Ryu Ninjistu.
Even though Kyoshi was studying under Soke Kuniba, he continued his training with Ron Cherry, Soke and was awarded his Godan in American Kempo Karate, Sogoken Kempo on July 4 1987. Kyoshi Marvin continued to seek knowledge and has trained with the likes of Danny Inosanto in Filipino stick fighting and Master Kilinda in African Arts.
A little over two years had passed since Kyoshi had left American Kempo Karate that he was awarded his
This was on September 30, 1989, and was presented by Juniba, Soke, who introduced Kuniba Ryu Goshin-Do to Kyoshi Earle Marvin.
Kyoshi Marvin through the Shiho-Karano Kai International on August 14, 1992 was promoted to Shodai of Sogo Goshin-Do and Nanadan by Clement Reidner, Soke. This was a little over one month after the passing of Shogo Kuniba, Soke. Ten months later on May 1st of 1993 Kyoshi was promoted to Soke of Sogo Goshin-Do. This was a title that Kyoshi Marvin never took though.
In January 31st, Kyoshi was promoted to 1st Dan with title of Sifu in Kaju Bujutsu Kwai branch of Aka Ryu Shakai Kempo. This title was once again presented by Soke Clement Reidner.
In June of 1995, during a tragic farming accident, Kyoshi Earle Marvin was taken from Sogo Goshin-Do and the many scores of people that he had touched over the years of his life. Early in Kyoshi’s life a poem was read at Kyoshi’s baptism by his Grandfater Carrington that stated Earle would someday touch the lives of men. This came true when hundreds of friend and relatives watched as is spirit returned to the land and water he loved.
Earle, visited Walter when he moved to Walterboro. And thru the years Walter and Earle became good friends.
One day Earle went to Walters shop. Earle had watched the movie Blind Fury. Earle asked Walter if he could build a cane sword, on the same order of the one in the Blind Fury movie. Walter’s reply was give me some time and I will work on it.
It took Walter several months to build the first cane sword for Earle. Earle told Walter he and several others at the Karate school practiced with the sword. In fact a sheet of paper was thrown in the air, and tried to cut the paper. The paper landed and you could not see a cut. However when you picked the paper up, it was cut into.
Walter built several more cane swords for Earle, and other knives. Walter and Earle talked a lot about hunting and guns. Walter’s son attended Earles karate school.
Walter is amazed at the different people who have bought his knives thru the years. They have come from ever walk of life. He is grateful he has been given the creative ability to build knives for great men.
Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
Walter host shop tours for local groups. The boys tour the shop first, then they go into the house and Walter shows them some finish knives. Then Walter tells how he began making knives. The story of how God healed his hand and gave him the talent of making knives. Walter and Kay pray for the boys and then serve them snacks. Walter knows that it is only by the grace of God that he has been able to accomplished what he has in the knife world. Walter gives all the credit to God.
My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who fine them and health to a man’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gase directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4;20-27 
You can contact Walter Brend at 256-775-2668 for a Group Tour.
visit myspace/Walter Brend