Rick Elm

For more than seven years, Rick has been creating custom knives inspired by a lifetime spent in the outdoors and in service to others. A dedicated hunter for most of his adult life, he has pursued big game across the mountainous terrain of multiple states each year with both rifle and bow, shaping his understanding of what hunters and outdoorsmen need from a dependable blade. His skinners and camp knives are designed to be rugged, functional heirlooms built for real use in the field, not kept locked away in a safe.

The name D.I. Knives was born from Rick’s experience as both a United States Marine and Police Drill Instructor, where lessons in attention to detail, precision, discipline, and pride became foundational to his craftsmanship. Inspired by the spirit of the warrior, the operator, and the sheepdog, each knife reflects a balance of craftsmanship and artistry with a focus on performance, durability, and timeless design.