About Us
Born in the remote mountains of Alaska, our brand was built on a simple mission: to create the toughest, most reliable backcountry tools for those who live by them. We understand that when you're miles from civilization, your knife isn’t just a tool—it’s a lifeline. That’s why we craft every blade with precision, using only premium materials, ensuring they meet the uncompromising demands of the wilderness.
Our Team
Matt Deluca
For the past 20 years, Matt DeLuca has immersed himself in the untamed wilderness of Alaska, continually seeking out its wildest and most remote corners. His passion for hunting runs deep, but it’s the meticulous process and attention to detail behind every backcountry hunt that truly drives him. Matt is relentless in his pursuit of excellence, dedicating himself to physical fitness, nutrition, marksmanship, mindset, and, of course, the gear that enables success in the field. As a charter boat captain in the early 2000s, Matt spent years fishing and hunting along Alaska’s rugged coastal waters, gaining invaluable experience in the state’s diverse and challenging environments. But it’s the high, unforgiving mountains of Alaska where Matt finds his true calling. His greatest passion is sheep hunting, where the combination of physical and mental challenges brings him unparalleled growth and a profound connection to the wild. For Matt, the mountains aren’t just a place to hunt — they are a place where he continually tests himself, his gear and seeks a deeper understanding that comes only through immersion in nature’s most demanding terrain.
Cole Hawkins
Cole Hawkins grew up in southern Oregon, where his love for the outdoors was instilled at an early age. He learned to fly in his dad’s Supercub, which is still hangered just 50 feet behind his house. By the age of 17, he had earned his private pilot’s license, sparking his passion for aviation and adventure. At 23, Cole made the bold move to Alaska to pursue a career in the great outdoors.
In 2010, Cole began guiding but soon found his true calling in the off-airport Airtaxi world, where he could provide remote access to the wildest corners of Alaska’s landscape for hunters. After 10 years as an owner-operator of a single-pilot 135 Airtaxi, Cole decided to step away from the industry to focus more on his family, friends, and his own hunting adventures in Alaska’s rugged wilderness.
Now, Cole applies his vast experience in the field and his deep love for the Alaskan wilderness to crafting durable, high-quality knives built for the toughest environments.
Andrew Arrabito
Growing up amidst the rugged beauty of Northern California, Andrew was instilled with a spirit of adventure and a love for the great outdoors. His formative years were spent learning the art of primitive living, knife-making, and tool crafting alongside his two older brothers. Tragically, when Andrew was just seven, he lost his father and brothers in a devastating airplane crash in Alaska—a loss that would shape his character and resolve.
Andrew discovered his passion for extreme challenges during middle school after he received a Navy SEAL workout book. This ignited a lifelong ambition to serve in the elite forces. In 2002, he enlisted in the Navy, completing the grueling BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training). Over the next decade, he proudly served with SEAL Team 5 and SEAL Team 1, leading maritime training for various Special Operations Forces around the globe. Despite facing injuries that required multiple surgeries, Andrew emerged with a 100% VA disability rating, armed with invaluable experience and an indomitable spirit born from the most demanding environments.
After transitioning to civilian life, Andrew returned to his roots, rekindling his passion for the wilderness, hunting and the craft of knife-making. Leveraging his extensive knowledge as an end user, he began creating high-quality blades for fellow veterans and outdoor enthusiasts. As the demand for his expertly designed tools surged, Andrew recognized an opportunity to provide reliable gear for those who depend on their equipment in extreme conditions.
His connection to Alaska—a place he grew to love during multiple training missions—became a sanctuary for him, offering solace in the breathtaking wilderness. It was here, in the Alaskan mountains, that he forged lasting friendships with Matt Deluca and Cole Hawkins, both fellow hunters. Together, they founded ABW (Alaska Blade Works), born from their shared passion for crafting the best gear and tools designed for the last frontier.