Thunderbird Knives is a unique blend of quality and affordability.  The company evolved from an idea that longtime knifemaker Jerry McClure had to bring a better knife to people who otherwise could not afford to purchase a hand made knife.  Jerry uses his contacts among knife suppliers to get the best quality steel laser cut into blades that are shaped from patterns that Jerry designed based on his knowledge of how to make a tool that is comfortable to use for long periods of time.  Having the blades laser cut means less time spent "in shop" which is one way Thunderbird Knives passes lower costs on to the customer.  Jerry has also found another way to cut the cost for his customers, this involves using the help of new knifemaker and partner Rocky Anderson.  Jerry uses Thunderbird Knives as a method of teaching Rocky how to build knives and get a marketable product at the same time.  In other words Thunderbird Knife customers get the quality of a custom hand made McClure knife at the price of a production knife.  There is no need to worry about quality. To put it in Jerry's own words "nothing leaves my shop unless I approve it".

    The name Thunderbird Knives and the slogan "Quality knives for soldiers by soldiers" comes from Jerry and Rocky's being members of the Oklahoma Army National Gaurd.  The Thunderbird is the symbol that appears on both mens unit patches.  Both Jerry and Rocky have worked with their hands their whole lives.  Jerry used to be a metal/body worker and build custom street rods while Rocky got his experience working in residential construction.  Both eventually moved on to careers as full time soldiers with the National Gaurd working in a maintenance facility in Norman, Oklahoma.  "I have used hand tools my whole life, which is why I know how to build knives that are comfortable to use" says Jerry.  Thunderbird Knives is committed to building knives that you can use for years and still pass on to future generations.