By: James E. Green

In the world of high-end knives, legends are not born overnight. They are forged through decades of trial, error, obsession, and an uncompromising devotion to doing things better than anyone else. Few names embody that philosophy more completely than Hawk Knife Designs. Revered by collectors, respected by engineers, and quietly admired by craftsmen across the globe, Hawk Knife Designs represents the rare convergence of mechanical genius, functional art, and deeply personal legacy.

At the center of this story are Grant Hawk and Gavin Hawk—father and son, mentor and protégé—whose work has fundamentally reshaped how modern folding knives and out-the-front automatics are designed, built, and understood. Their knives are not merely tools; they are mechanical statements. And in recent years, their influence has reached beyond the knife community into popular culture, charity, and cinematic history through the iconic Deadlock Model C and its appearance in John Wick: Chapter 4.

This is not just the story of a knife maker. It is the story of innovation, heritage, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.

Humble Beginnings: Where Innovation Took Root

Hawk Knife Designs did not emerge from a polished design studio or a Silicon Valley startup. Its origins lie in rugged practicality—shaped by experience, necessity, and curiosity. Grant Hawk grew up in Idaho, surrounded by mountains, machinery, and a culture that valued self-reliance. Before becoming one of the most respected knife designers in the world, Grant worked as a miner and fabricator, solving real problems with his hands and his mind.

That background shaped everything that followed. Grant did not approach knives as fashion accessories or collectibles; he approached them as mechanical systems. To him, a knife was a tool first—something that needed to function reliably under pressure, in dirt, cold, and real-world conditions. When something didn’t work the way it should, he didn’t accept it as “good enough.” He redesigned it.

His earliest knife projects reflected this mindset. Rather than following prevailing trends, Grant focused on improving locking mechanisms, ergonomics, and durability. Even in those early years, it was clear that he wasn’t content refining existing ideas—he wanted to invent new ones.

The Father-Son Dynamic: Grant and Gavin Hawk

What transformed Hawk Knife Designs from an individual pursuit into a lasting legacy was the arrival of Gavin Hawk. Growing up around his father’s workshop, Gavin was immersed in engineering and design from an early age. He learned not just how knives were made, but why they were made a certain way.

As Gavin matured, his skills began to complement Grant’s experience. Where Grant brought decades of mechanical intuition, Gavin brought fresh perspectives, modern manufacturing knowledge, and an eye for refinement. Together, they formed a rare creative partnership—one rooted in trust, mutual respect, and a shared obsession with perfection.

Their collaboration became known simply as G&G Hawk, a mark that would soon be associated with some of the most innovative knife designs ever produced.

Early Breakthroughs: Redefining Knife Locks

Long before the Deadlock existed, Hawk Knife Designs had already made waves with innovative locking mechanisms that challenged industry norms. One of the earliest and most influential was the D.O.G. Lock, a rugged system designed to function reliably in harsh conditions where dirt and debris could cause traditional locks to fail.

The D.O.G. Lock wasn’t flashy—it was practical, strong, and nearly bombproof. Its success caught the attention of major manufacturers, leading to licensing agreements that brought Hawk designs to a wider audience. This marked an important moment: the Hawks had proven that their ideas weren’t just clever—they were commercially viable and genuinely useful.

As their reputation grew, so did opportunities to collaborate with some of the most respected names in the knife industry. These partnerships allowed the Hawks to introduce their mechanical concepts to a broader market while maintaining their core identity as innovators.

G&G Hawk Knife Designs: More Than a Name

The designation G&G Hawk carries significant weight among collectors. It represents knives that bear the direct influence of both Grant and Gavin—designs where mechanical ingenuity and aesthetic refinement coexist seamlessly.

G&G Hawk knives are known for their clean lines, unconventional mechanisms, and meticulous attention to detail. Every curve, pivot, and lock interface serves a purpose. These knives are not mass-produced; they are carefully considered works that reflect decades of experience and experimentation.

For collectors, owning a G&G Hawk knife isn’t just about performance—it’s about owning a piece of design history.

The OTF Challenge: Why Blade Play Was the Enemy

To understand the significance of the Deadlock, one must first understand the limitations of traditional out-the-front (OTF) knives. For decades, OTF automatics were admired for their rapid deployment and compact design, but they carried a notorious flaw: blade play.

Blade play refers to the slight movement of a blade even when fully deployed and locked. In most OTF designs, this movement was considered unavoidable—a byproduct of the internal mechanisms required to allow the blade to retract and extend.

Grant and Gavin Hawk refused to accept this limitation.

To them, blade play wasn’t just an inconvenience—it was a design failure waiting to be solved.

The Deadlock Concept: Starting from Zero

Rather than modifying existing OTF systems, the Hawks started from scratch. Their goal was ambitious: create an OTF knife with zero blade play, locked as solidly as a fixed blade while retaining full automatic functionality.

After years of prototyping, testing, and refinement, the solution emerged: the Deadlock mechanism.

At the heart of the Deadlock is a patented system that uses a conical locking interface and precision-machined components to eliminate movement entirely when the blade is deployed. Instead of relying on spring tension alone, the blade is mechanically locked into place with absolute rigidity.

The result was revolutionary.

For the first time, an OTF knife existed that felt immovable in the hand—no wiggle, no flex, no compromise.

See the Deadlock in Motion: Precision You Can Watch

For all the discussion of tolerances, lock geometry, and mechanical theory, there is a moment when words simply fall short. The Deadlock is one of those rare knives that must be seen in motion to be fully appreciated.

Midway through the story of Hawk Knife Designs, it becomes clear why so many collectors describe their first encounter with a Deadlock as eye-opening. The deployment is not violent or springy. It is controlled. The blade glides forward with mechanical authority, stops with a definitive, almost surgical halt, and locks into place with zero hesitation. There is no rattle, no secondary movement, no sense of compromise.

To truly understand what sets this mechanism apart, watching it operate is essential.

A detailed video breakdown of the knife can be viewed here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSBAoQMOOxA

In the video, the Deadlock’s defining characteristics become immediately apparent. The absence of blade play—long considered unavoidable in out-the-front designs—is unmistakable. The camera captures the way the blade seats itself solidly into the handle, demonstrating the Hawks’ patented locking geometry in real time. Even when pressure is applied, the blade remains unwavering, reinforcing why the Deadlock is often described as feeling closer to a fixed blade than an automatic.

What the video also highlights is the intentionality behind every movement. This is not a knife built for theatrics. It is built for certainty. Each deployment reinforces the idea that the Deadlock is not merely an evolution of the OTF—it is a reinvention.

For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this visual proof bridges the gap between theory and reality. It answers the lingering question every skeptic eventually asks: Is it really that solid? The footage leaves little room for doubt.

The Deadlock Model C: A Modern Masterpiece

Among the various Deadlock iterations, the Model C stands as one of the most refined and sought-after versions. It strikes a balance between size, usability, and visual appeal, making it suitable for both serious collectors and practical users.

Typically featuring premium blade steels and titanium handles accented with carbon fiber or other high-end materials, the Model C showcases the Hawks’ commitment to excellence. Every component is machined with extraordinary precision, and each knife undergoes meticulous assembly and inspection.

The action is smooth, deliberate, and confidence-inspiring. Deploying the blade feels less like activating a spring and more like engaging a precision instrument.

Hollywood Recognition: John Wick Chapter 4

When the Deadlock Model C appeared in John Wick: Chapter 4, it marked a rare moment where elite knife craftsmanship intersected with mainstream cinema. The John Wick franchise is known for its obsessive attention to weapon detail, favoring real, functional tools over generic props.

The inclusion of the Deadlock wasn’t accidental—it was a recognition of its authenticity, reliability, and visual presence.

To commemorate this cinematic milestone, Hawk Knife Designs released a limited John Wick 4 Collector’s Edition Deadlock Model C. This special release combined premium materials, unique finishes, and an elaborate presentation package inspired by the film’s universe.

The collector’s set quickly became one of the most sought-after modern knife releases, appealing equally to knife enthusiasts and film collectors.

The Holiday Charity Auction: Craftsmanship with Purpose

Toward the end of the year, Hawk Knife Designs demonstrated that their legacy extends beyond innovation and exclusivity. During the holiday season, they hosted a charity auction featuring a uniquely customized Deadlock Model C.

Unlike standard releases, this knife was created specifically for the auction, featuring special finishes, engravings, and details not available anywhere else. The auction wasn’t about profit—it was about giving back.

Proceeds from the sale supported charitable causes, reinforcing the idea that true craftsmanship carries responsibility. In an industry often driven by scarcity and demand, the Hawks chose generosity.

The auction resonated deeply with the community, reminding collectors that behind every exceptional knife is a human story—and a human heart.

Why Hawk Knife Designs Endures

Hawk Knife Designs matters because it represents what is possible when innovation is driven by integrity rather than trends.

• Engineering Excellence: Their mechanisms don’t just look good—they solve problems others deemed unsolvable.
• Legacy: Few knife makers can claim a multi-generation lineage rooted in genuine innovation.
• Cultural Impact: From workshops to Hollywood, their designs have transcended niche boundaries.
• Character: Through charity and community engagement, they’ve shown that greatness isn’t just measured in steel.

Conclusion: The Genius Forged in Steel

Calling Hawk Knife Designs a “boy genius” story undersells the reality. It is the tale of a lifetime devoted to mastery, passed from father to son, refined through collaboration, and elevated through courage to challenge the status quo.

From early locking mechanisms to the revolutionary Deadlock Model C, from quiet Idaho workshops to the global stage of cinema, Hawk Knife Designs has proven that true innovation is timeless.

Great knives are sharp. Legendary knives are thoughtful.

And Hawk Knife Designs has proven—again and again—that genius, when forged in steel, can change an entire industry.