Special Forces Trust Partners with Chris Reeve Knives and the Special Forces Association to Honor the Regiment’s Finest with the Legendary Yarborough Knife to be presented to the Top Graduates at the Regimental First Formation
Fayetteville, NC December 11, 2025 — The Special Forces Trust (SFT) is honored to announce a new partnership with Chris Reeve Knives and the Special Forces Association (SFA) to provide one of the most meaningful and enduring traditions within the U.S. Army Special Forces community: presenting the Yarborough Knife to the top 11 graduates of each Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) class as well as to the Cadre of the Cycle.
The Yarborough Knife holds a revered place in the lineage of the Regiment. First envisioned by General William P. Yarborough – widely recognized as the “Father of the Modern Green Berets” – the knife was designed to embody the professionalism, grit, and responsibility inherent to Special Forces Soldiers. While early versions of a Special Forces knife were explored in the 1960s, the modern Yarborough Knife was formally introduced in 2002. Designed by Bill Harsey Jr. and produced exclusively by Chris Reeve Knives, each knife is individually serialized and then recorded by the SFA, signifying both its permanent place in U.S. Army Special Operations history and the recipient’s entry into an elite brotherhood.
For new Green Berets, the presentation of the Yarborough Knife is not simply an award—it is a rite of passage. The blade stands as a tangible link to generations of quiet professionals who have carried the legacy of Special Forces across the globe. Its presentation recognizes not only the achievements of the graduates, but also the weight of the mission and responsibility they now assume.
Through this partnership, the Special Forces Trust, Chris Reeve Knives, and the Special Forces Association will ensure this tradition thrives for years to come—honoring excellence, preserving heritage, and surrounding the Regiment’s newest members with enduring support.
“Presenting the Yarborough Knife connects these newly tabbed Green Berets to the lineage, responsibility, and heritage that define this community,” said Jodi Burns, Chief Executive Officer of the Special Forces Trust. “Heritage is important to the Regiment and because it is also a Special Forces Trust program pillar, it made perfect sense for our organization to ensure funding. We are grateful to Chris Reeve Knives and the Special Forces Association for their shared commitment to honoring this tradition and celebrating the achievements of those who earn this distinction.”
Chris Reeve Knives, the long-standing producer of the Yarborough Knife, expressed deep pride in supporting this tradition. “It is an extraordinary honor to craft a blade that carries such meaning for the Special Forces community,” said Anne Reeve, Owner of Chris Reeve Knives. “Every Yarborough Knife is built with respect for the Regiment, its history, and the Soldiers who earn the privilege of carrying it. We are proud to stand alongside the Special Forces Trust in recognizing these exceptional graduates.”
The Special Forces Association also affirmed its commitment to preserving the heritage of the Regiment. “The Yarborough Knife represents excellence, brotherhood, and the responsibilities that come with becoming a Green Beret,” said CW4(R) Chris Wilkerson, President of the Special Forces Association. “We are honored to partner in continuing a tradition that reinforces the values our Regiment was built upon and supports the next generation of Special Forces Soldiers.”
This collaboration underscores a shared dedication to honoring the past, empowering the present, and strengthening the future of the Special Forces community.
Special Forces Trust
The Special Forces Trust (SFT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting the U.S. Army Special Forces community and their families through innovative, timely, and comprehensive programs. The Trust strengthens resiliency, advances well-being, and preserves the heritage of the Regiment by providing direct assistance, mental wealth resources, family support programs, educational opportunities, and legacy-building initiatives. With a deep commitment to honoring those who serve, the Trust remains steadfast in its mission to walk alongside Special Forces Soldiers and their families from training through transition and beyond.
Chris Reeve Knives
Founded in 1984, Chris Reeve Knives (CRK) is internationally recognized for its uncompromising craftsmanship, innovative engineering, and high-performance blades trusted by professionals around the world. As the exclusive manufacturer of the Yarborough Knife since its formal adoption in 2002, CRK is deeply honored to support the U.S. Army Special Forces community by producing a blade that represents excellence, lineage, and the Warrior Ethos. With each knife handcrafted in Boise, Idaho, CRK remains committed to precision, integrity, and the enduring values embodied by the Green Berets.
Special Forces Association
The Special Forces Association (SFA) is a 501(c)(19) fraternal organization of U.S. Army Special Forces veterans committed to preserving the legacy of the Regiment and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood among current and former Green Berets. With over 11,000 members in Chapters across the globe, the SFA perpetuates Special Forces traditions and brotherhood, and promotes the general welfare of the Special Forces community. The SFA proudly partners with organizations that honor the Regiment’s heritage and invest in the well-being of its Soldiers, veterans, and families.
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Special Forces Trust
677 S Bennett Street
Southern Pines, NC 28387
910-725-7034
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