Andre de Villiers knives
Andre de Villiers makes folding knives and fixed-blade designs through ADV Tactical. A full-time knifemaker since 1990, he makes handmade folders and a line of SOB mid-tech flippers, using different steels and handle materials across the range. His designs include everyday folders as well as purpose-built fixed-blade tools.
The Alpha Mini is a compact button-lock folder, while the Ratel uses a drop-point blade and frame lock. The Badlands Bowie 2 combines a Bowie-style blade with folding construction, and the Pry Butcher is a fixed-blade utility tool. These models cover everyday carry, general cutting and outdoor tasks, depending on the design.
Folding knives and fixed blades
ADV Tactical’s folder range includes compact designs and larger folding knives. The Alpha Mini has a button lock and, in the listed S35VN configuration, a recurve blade with a black titanium handle and Dichlarem scales. Its button releases the blade from the lock. Materials and details can vary between configurations, so check the individual model specifications when comparing versions.
The Ratel is listed with a CPM-S35VN drop-point blade, a titanium handle with black G10 inlays and a frame lock. Its full-flat grind and blade fuller distinguish it from the Alpha Mini. The Badlands Bowie 2 is a larger folder with a 4-inch Bowie-style blade in CPM-S35VN, a titanium frame lock and G10 scales in the specified version. Its dual flippers also act as guards to help keep the hand from sliding forward. These models offer different blade shapes, handle designs and locking systems for customers choosing a folding knife for carry or outdoor use.
The Pry Butcher takes a different approach as a fixed-blade utility tool. The listed N690 version has a 3-inch blade made from 5 mm-thick steel and an overall length of 7.4 inches. Its maker describes it for use with an IWB Kydex sheath or as a neck-carry knife with the clip removed. This makes it a compact alternative to the folding designs, though it does not fold for pocket storage.
Materials, origin and maker’s terms
Andre de Villiers says he has worked as a full-time knifemaker since 1990 and makes handmade folders as well as SOB mid-tech flippers. His stated material choices include titanium and several blade steels, such as D2, S35VN and N690; the steel and handle material depend on the model and configuration. The listed Alpha Mini, Ratel and Badlands Bowie 2 versions are identified as made in South Africa.
The maker states that repairs, replacements or refunds may be offered for reasonable requests when the original buyer returns the knife in good condition by courier. This is subject to the maker’s stated terms, rather than an unconditional warranty.