Built Where Knives Are Meant to Work Take a look at the Explorer NF Spec 1 (Milled Titanium) or the Spec 2 (Plain Jane), and you’ll quickly understand where this knife comes from – not just technically, but geographically. BMKT (Brendon Milleker Knives and Tools) is based in Canada, more precisely in Saskatchewan. Not exactly a place where knives are made for Instagram. This is a region of forests, lakes, cold weather, and wide open space. And that’s exactly where Milleker’s philosophy comes from: a knife is first and foremost a tool – not something to baby, but something to use. His early designs – especially the EDC1 – were built around that idea: compact enough for pocket carry, but tough enough for real-world use. No unnecessary gimmicks, just clean lines, functional shapes, and materials that can take some abuse. And yes, that continuous flow from tip to handle? You’ll immediately recognize it again on the Explorer Folder. What makes BMKT stand out is that none of this is manufactured marketing. Milleker taught himself knife making, experimented, refined, started over – until he ended up with designs that now sell out in minutes. And that exact spirit is what you feel with the Explorer NF. This is a folder that feels like a real working tool without ever becoming boring. The S90V blade delivers excellent edge retention, while the titanium frame lock construction provides solid strength for demanding cutting tasks. Thanks to the dual pivot system, you can choose how the knife runs: smooth and fast on bearings, or more controlled and rugged on washers. A standout detail: both the bearings and washers come from Skiff – widely regarded as top-tier components in the knife world. At that point, there’s really nothing left to upgrade.
