Les began making knives in 1992. Les's mentor was Stan Fujisaka. In 1997 Les enlisted in the United States Marine Corps serving as a heavy equipment mechanic, embassy guard and Senior Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician. Les served his country in many exotic and dangerous locations and gained a unique view of how knives should be designed and used. Les has become recognized for the quality and design of his knives. His knives are sold via lottery at shows and he is no longer actively taking orders due to his backlog. Les is also an invited exhibitor to the prestigious Tactical Invitational Knife Show.