By: Tyler Nelson

Not every piece of gear is meant to stay on the market for long. Some items appear briefly, capture attention within enthusiast circles, and then quietly settle into private collections. The Hawk Knives x HiTex Gear Poker Chip collaboration falls squarely into that category—a small, thoughtfully produced object that reflects the design philosophy and craftsmanship both companies are known for.

Rather than being a product still circulating in stores, this poker chip is better viewed as a snapshot of a collaboration moment—an example of what happens when precision knife makers and gear designers apply their expertise to something unexpected. Produced in limited numbers and quickly spoken for, the piece now exists mostly in the hands of collectors and fans who appreciate well-executed design in any form, even in something as small as a pocket token.

This article looks back at the poker chip as a crafted object and collectible, rather than a current offering, exploring what made the piece stand out when it first appeared.

A Collaboration Rooted in Craftsmanship

Hawk Knives has built a reputation around innovation and engineering excellence in the knife world. Their work often combines aerospace-level thinking with refined machining and practical usability. HiTex Gear, meanwhile, is known for creating gear accessories that blend functionality with strong design identity.

When the two brands collaborated, the goal was not simply to release another accessory, but to create something that embodied the same attention to detail found in their primary products. The result was a poker chip that felt engineered rather than novelty-driven.

Even though it’s a compact object, the chip reflects the same mentality seen in high-end knife construction: thoughtful materials, layered design, and meticulous finishing.

Three Distinct Finishes, One Shared Identity

The poker chip was produced in three distinct finishes, each offering its own visual personality while sharing the same internal structure and craftsmanship.

Matte TRD

The Matte TRD version delivered a restrained, industrial aesthetic. Instead of flashy treatments or bold colors, this finish emphasized texture and machining quality. The subdued appearance made it feel understated yet purposeful, aligning closely with Hawk Knives’ practical design sensibilities.

Collectors who prefer gear that feels functional rather than decorative gravitated toward this version. The muted surface also provided a comfortable tactile feel, encouraging interaction rather than display-only ownership.

Fallout TRD

The Fallout TRD finish presented a darker, more rugged visual profile. With its weathered and industrial tone, this variation evoked gear built to endure harsh environments while still maintaining precise engineering standards.

Among enthusiasts, this version often appealed to those who appreciate equipment with a slightly tactical or battle-worn aesthetic. It felt bold but still refined, balancing aggressive visual character with precision construction.

Blue Anodized Titanium

For collectors drawn to color and contrast, the Blue Anodized Titanium finish offered a striking alternative. The anodized surface produced shifting tones depending on lighting, giving the chip a more dynamic presence.

Despite its vibrant appearance, the finish retained a premium feel rather than becoming flashy. It highlighted the contours and layered structure of the chip, turning the piece into both a tactile object and a visual display item.

Premium Three-Piece Construction

What distinguished this poker chip from novelty items was its construction. Instead of being a simple stamped or molded piece, the chip employed a three-piece assembly, echoing the layered engineering approach often used in knife design.

Titanium Side Plates

Both sides of the chip were crafted from titanium, chosen for its durability, corrosion resistance, and lightweight strength. Titanium also contributes a satisfying balance between weight and portability, giving the chip substance without making it cumbersome.

The machining quality is evident in the clean lines and smooth transitions, revealing careful attention to tolerances and finishing. These details reinforce that the chip was treated as a precision object rather than a promotional item.

Custom Titanium Screws

The assembly is secured using custom titanium screws, adding both structural integrity and mechanical character. These small fasteners contribute to the layered, engineered aesthetic while maintaining material consistency throughout the piece.

Even in something this compact, hardware selection and execution were clearly considered, reinforcing the collaboration’s craftsmanship focus.

PCB Core: Where Art Meets Engineering

One of the most distinctive aspects of the poker chip is its printed circuit board (PCB) core, a feature that sets it apart visually and conceptually.

The PCB core features:

• Black solder mask
• Black silk screen
• Gold immersion traces (ENIG finish)

These elements create a striking center layer that contrasts beautifully with the titanium outer pieces. The gold traces catch light subtly, adding visual depth without overpowering the rest of the design.

Beyond aesthetics, the PCB core also acts as a nod to modern engineering and technology—the same fields that influence precision machining and knife innovation. It adds meaning to the design rather than serving as decoration alone.

Branding with Restraint

Branding on the poker chip was handled with restraint, reinforcing the piece’s collectible nature rather than turning it into overt advertising.

The front side features the Hawk Knives logo, presented cleanly and proportionally within the design. The back side showcases a hawk in flight, symbolizing precision and control while adding visual balance.

Neither side feels crowded, and both integrate seamlessly into the chip’s layered aesthetic.

Designed for the EDC Collector

Though labeled a poker chip, the piece was clearly intended for enthusiasts who appreciate pocket gear and tactile objects. Many collectors treated it as:

• A pocket token
• A desk display piece
• A fidget object
• A collectible collaboration item

The weight, smooth edges, and layered construction make it comfortable to handle. Owners often find themselves turning it over, examining the details, and appreciating the craftsmanship—much like handling a well-made knife.

Limited Availability and Collectibility

One defining aspect of the collaboration was its intentionally small production run. Quantities were limited from the start, and the drop sold through quickly, leaving many enthusiasts discovering the piece only after availability had ended.

As a result, the poker chip shifted quickly from product release to collector’s item. Today, it is more commonly seen in personal collections or enthusiast discussions than in retail listings.

Its appeal now lies in craftsmanship, collaboration history, and rarity rather than current availability.

Small Object, Big Philosophy

The Hawk Knives x HiTex Gear Poker Chip ultimately reflects a philosophy shared by both brands: even small objects deserve thoughtful engineering and careful execution.

Rather than producing something purely decorative, the collaboration created a compact object built with the same attention to detail applied to high-end knives and precision gear. It demonstrates that craftsmanship is not limited by size but defined by intent.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, the Hawk Knives x HiTex Gear Poker Chip stands as a memorable collaboration piece—one that combined precision machining, modern materials, and thoughtful design into a compact collectible.

Available in Matte TRD, Fallout TRD, and Blue Anodized Titanium finishes, each version carried its own character while sharing the same premium construction and engineering details. Though the small production run quickly disappeared into collections, the piece continues to be appreciated as an example of how craftsmanship can elevate even the simplest objects.

For enthusiasts and collectors, it remains a reminder that great design doesn’t always need to be large or complex. Sometimes, it fits right in the palm of your hand.

For more information about Hawk Knives and their precision-engineered designs, visit: https://hawkknifedesigns.com/