RJ Martin is a recognized leader in fixed blade and folding knife design and CNC machining.

At the age of 3, RJ received his first X-acto knife from his father, who was a commercial artist. RJ's interest and excitement for knives grew from there. As a freshman in high school he designed and made his first knife. His interest in steels and composite materials led him to pursue a degree in Materials Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Upon his graduation, he was immediately hired to design helicopters for Sikorsky Aircraft. Over the years, RJ honed his design skills as an Airframe Designer, learning to package strong, light weight components in the tight confines of helicopter airframes. At night, he worked in his shop producing knives for his growing list of customers. His knowledge of aircraft design and materials continued to grow as did his knowledge of knifemaking.

At the age of 35, RJ achieved the position of Chief of Design on the MH-60S Aircraft. After seeing the benefits of High Speed Machining in the production of this aircraft, RJ decided to employ CAD/CAM methodology in is own shop, and subsequently incorporated CNC machining in his knife designs. In 2001, after almost two decades in helicopter design, RJ left Sikorsky to work full time as a knifemaker. He continues to meld CNC machining with "old school" knifemaking techniques in his designs.

As an engineer, RJ has a passion for constantly improving his designs and using the highest quality materials and processes. Literally building his knives to aerospace standards, RJ demands accuracy and precision in everything he makes.

As a natural progression of RJ's development, he has teamed with Kershaw Knives on a design called Groove. This fast, reliable flipper incorporates a unique, grooved blade that sets it apart from other knives.

RJ lives in Massachusetts with his wife Kathy and two sons, Tyler and Matthew. When not working on his knives, RJ can be found coaching his sons' baseball teams or fishing for Striped Bass in the waters off Massachusetts.