About Bob
For many years, Bob Hollar dedicated himself to the craft of knife making. His commitment to quality and his relentless pursuit of excellence resulted in knives that were not only beautiful to look at, but incredibly versatile and dependable in the toughest conditions. Bob passed away in July 2025, yet the impact of his craftsmanship and the respect he earned in the knife-making community continue to live on.
Bob spent his life focused on one quest: creating a high quality knife that would hold a superb edge under demanding use while also being easy to resharpen, even for someone without much experience. He loved sharing his knowledge with fellow makers and customers alike. His work was recognized across the industry, with a profile in Blade Magazine, an article in Tactical Knives, and photos featured in Knives Illustrated.
Founded on Quality
Every blade Bob made was rooted in his belief that knives were tools meant to be used, not tucked away in a display case. Unless a customer requested otherwise, each knife was hand-forged from 52100 aircraft bearing quality steel and heat-treated using Bob’s own in-house processes. He preferred satin finishes over mirror polishes so that the first scratch never felt like a heartbreak. Stabilized burled wood handles added a personal, one-of-a-kind touch to each piece.
Goshawk Knives were typically forged from 52100 high carbon steel or 5160 spring steel, chosen for their edge retention, toughness, and ease of resharpening.
The Care and Feeding of Goshawk Knives
Goshawk Knives were warranted against defects in workmanship for as long as Bob continued making knives. This warranty stood as a reflection of the pride he took in his craft.
When Bob was working, customers could return all parts and the sheath prepaid for repair or replacement if the defect fell under warranty. Leather sheaths carried a three-year warranty against defects in workmanship.
Goshawk knives were never intended to be used as pry bars, screwdrivers, or toys. They should not be placed in a drawer with other utensils, nor put in a dishwasher or left in standing water. Carbon steel will stain, discolor, and rust if not properly cared for. A thin coat of light oil when the knife is not in use helps protect the blade. Brass components may tarnish naturally and can be refreshed with quality metal polish.
Sharpening can be done with a quality flat stone or a Lansky sharpening system.
Knives should not be stored long-term in leather sheaths, as leather attracts moisture and can cause rust. Sheaths should be wiped clean with a damp cloth and conditioned occasionally with 100 percent neatsfoot oil. Products containing silicone should be avoided.
Stabilized wood handles require very little special care and should not be struck with anything other than your hand. Other handle materials may benefit from a light rub of quality tung oil from time to time.