Special Operations Veteran Kevin Holland and Master Bladesmith Daniel Winkler - Danger Close

On today’s episode, Jack is joined by Master Bladesmith Daniel Winkler and special operations veteran Kevin Holland.
Kevin is a special operations veteran who has the distinction of serving in both the Navy’s and Army’s Special Mission Units. Between his time in the SEAL Teams and 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta, Kevin worked as a game warden in North Carolina. Following his time in the military he operated with other government agencies and non-governmental organizations in conflict zones around the world.
Daniel Winkler is a Master Bladesmith who started making knives in 1975. Daniel created the tomahawks and knives for the 1992 film The Last of the Mohicans. After seeing the film, Kevin tracked Daniel down to make the axe that was on his side for every deployment.
The Winkler Knives RnD Hawk featured in Jack’s James Reece Terminal List series and used by Chris Pratt in the Amazon Prime Video adaptation of The Terminal List was designed by Daniel Winkler and Sayoc Kali master Rafael Kayanan.
Today, Daniel operates Winkler Knives with his wife and sheath-maker Karen Shook in Boone, North Carolina, where this interview was recorded.
Combining professional knowledge and experiences, Kevin and Daniel have worked together to develop multiple axes and knives used by special operations forces downrange.
Today, Daniel operates Winkler Knives with his wife and sheath-maker Karen Shook in Boone, North Carolina, where this interview was recorded. They run Winkler Knives under the motto: The Tradition of the Past, A Legacy for the Future.
You can learn more about Winkler Knives at winklerknives.com and follow them on Instagram @winklerknives
Danger Close is an IRONCLAD original.
thisisironclad...
Navy Federal Credit Union: Today’s episode is presented by Navy Federal Credit Union. Learn more about them at navyfederal.org
Black Rifle Coffee Company: Today’s episode is also brought to you by Black Rifle. Purchase at www.blackriflec... and use code: dangerclose20 at checkout for 20% off your purchase and your first coffee club order!
SIG: This episode is sponsored by SIG Sauer.
KC Cattle Company: Check out the new Jack Carr x KC Cattle Wagyu Bundles: shop.officialj...

[@bryanwiedeman3154]

I went to Selection with Kevin. I was sitting in the back of a truck after a long day of land nav completely soaked from 40 degree rain and Kevin climbed in to the back shivering and gave me a big old smile.I said you must be the toughest National Guard soldier in America.

[@redskyatnight123]

Did you pass out of curiosity mate

[@johnnyfryar]

That's one high speed guard.

[@EpicHashTime]

And the whole bus clapped

[@johnford9070]

@@EpicHashTime his name is legit

[@Vadanovltch]

you make it through the pipe cleaner selection?

[@chrishandsome4267]

Kevin Holland is a legendary operator. This better blow up

[@cameron3525]

Amen brother. Top tier content.

[@nono559]

Isn’t he the only American to be both devgru and Delta? That is insane.

[@rezzyn94]

Legendary is definitely the right word to describe him

[@babayaga4158]

@@nono559 so far he’s the only one who has publicly came out. For sure there’s at least one more because brad Thomas and Chris vansant both unit guys had a devgru guy attached to their team during a deployment. That operator later tried out and was selected for the army unit. There probably are others but not many.

[@nono559]

@@babayaga4158 thank you

[@billjordan5507]

Three guys....almost 2 hours of epic....and not a single profanity/vulgarity. Refreshing! Thank you for this. Godspeed, gentlemen.

[@baatinunseen5732]

Holy shit

[@josiahtitus]

@@baatinunseen5732 💀💀💀

[@xghostx669]

dont

[@xghostx669]

why does it matter what words they use? they are warriors not schoolkids

[@babayaga4158]

I hope Kevin holland does more podcasts. His story sounds like one of the best to hear.

[@jermf35]

He speaks at his church and tells his story. It's about 30 minutes to 48 minutes. I forget which one. But it's really great. It's only him talking so he gets to all of it and in detail. I seen it here on KZbin. That was the first time I ever seen him. If you can find that video. You'll love it

[@babayaga4158]

@@jermf35 yeah I know what video you’re talking about and that was how I found out about him as well. Great speech.

[@brandonlariviere5074]

Cause hes not a cockmunch like rob oneill

[@seanpadraig1266]

James Reece personified, Kevin Holland is an amazingly humble warrior, who has saved so many lives.....

[@MalikMike]

You don’t say. That makes so much sense.

[@mtnyoda3257]

Daniel Winkler gifted my son a beautiful Blue Ridge Hunter knife. Many or most may not know this but he has a very generous heart. A darling man he is.

[@Annie-ce4fm]

Jack Karr, I learned about you through Chad Prather. My husband forever remains in the US NAVY as a Corpsmen; he was stationed at Nato Role 3 Hospital in the ER & out in the field. RIP 🙏🏻❤ My love.

[@jackharle1251]

My condolences. - Doc Harle, 2nd Recon

[@Annie-ce4fm]

@@jackharle1251 Thank you sir, I just got the notification. Thank you for your service!

[@dawntay8107]

Always a pleasure hearing about this legendary operator and his time in the military. I hope he makes an appearance on the Shawn Ryan Show!

[@ClintonCaraway]

Hell yeah.... that would be awesome.

[@nak7772]

Go to hell with this fucking criminal.

[@ZondaF355]

Kevin Holland is a serious badass. Haven’t seen him speak out too much but excited to hear this one. DEV/CAG work plus hunting in Afghanistan. Legend

[@ovidiudiumea4012]

Excited for this one! Kevin Holland's story is truly awe inspiring. Three incredible dudes in one room.

[@Nick-cn2fb]

Man Jack that gift for your children still is one of the most profound things I’ve ever heard someone give to their children as a gift. Incredible

[@Ludba-ex9pi]

@@Anonymous18817dont think delta allows women to be assaulters in the squadrons lol. Ive seen you comment this 1000 times when a quick google search would give you your answer

[@gabe_diaz]

@@Anonymous18817 I highly respect your admiration for being a warrior and serving our country, but it isn’t possible. I’m just gonna be straight up with you, you first would have to get into a tier 2 special operations (ex. SEALs, Rangers, SF, PJ, CCT, etc:) and prove yourself from there, and that is highly unlikely you’d even make it to a SOF. There is support opportunities for CAG tho that are technically still part of Delta, so if I was you and wanted a chance at being in delta I’d try to be the best pilot of all time or the best intelligence person I could be. Goodluck with your journey, but if your thinking about taking up my opinion, try and join the 160th in the Army as a pilot or join PSYOP or if your good enough ISA and get to CAG from those. Army is definitely the way to go though don’t join any other branch as a woman.

[@earljohnson2676]

I could listen to these guys all day . I graduated high school in 88 and my friends brother said he was in school to become a seal and all we new was the Charlie Shean navy seals movie n the kid failed out if he even went . I remember him saying they would put the Rambo knifes in there mouth on the swims but we didn’t know and thought he was a bad but. I didn’t join until 2005 I was 35 and was tired of being a freedom moocher and went to the army recruiter and he asks what do you want to do ? I say blow crap up n he says infantry and I was hooked . I did really well I was top ten in my class at 35 I met a couple guys my age but they couldn’t finish the 2 mile ruck and I always stayed away from people who aren’t there to succeed. I ended up going airborne got in with the 82nd did my air assault. I qualified for ranger school but I chickened out can’t look back I still saw combat so I can hold my head up today

[@jonnydroo]

Hearing Kevin Hollands testimony (both DEVGRU+CAG) as well as his journey to come and know Christ Jesus would be amazing to hear fully. Maybe on Shawn Ryan's show next? :)

[@oldbird299]

What an uneventful life I get to live / enjoy because of folks like these men. From a grateful American, thank you.

[@thiswanderlove3500]

I’m proud to know Kevin super humble and quiet professional.

[@tomk3124]

Incredible podcast. Three patriots in the same room. Kevin and Jack, Thank You for your service!

[@johnwest1559]

Look how brainwashed you are still believing you are the good guys

[@amounifnd]

3 sadist actually. Ruining other peoples country and feeling good about it.

[@tobypoland7366]

Small world. I was in a detachment of that Engineer company back then and have returned as their 1SG now. I’ve been following Jack for quite a while and when I heard Wilkes county mentioned, my ears perked up. Glad we could help you along your journey. 😉 Great episode

[@jeffwalker4390]

THAT WAS AWESOME!!! Thank you for your service to the Republic! All the best!

[@KibbsFPSHUB]

I would love to hear Kevin sit down in a long form interview similar to Shawn Ryan does on his shows. Sounds like a fascinating story

[@CrishieX]

Brother watching this as a service member stationed in Fort Bragg right now going through the selection process this was sick

[@cameron3525]

This could be the best content on YT right now. Just finished listening to it for a second time... epic stuff. If this doesn't get you to purchase Winkler products, I don't know what will.

[@bjjmonster25]

We need to see more of Kevin on podcasts or anything for that matter. Good dude , unbelievable story

[@muriloninja]

What I always love about the super legit people is their humbleness! I have found that to be true in all walks of life from business to military. You would NEVER know or assume KH had the experience and history across multiple branches of armed forces and frankly, that's kind of the point of those guys. Incredible American badass, we breed the best no doubt!

[@Anonymous18817]

Hi, I’m a 22 year old woman and I’m from Arizona. What advice would you give to a woman that wants to be a Delta Force assaulter? How does the Delta community feel about women joining them? If you had to go to Delta Force selection again, how would you prepare differently? Has a woman ever graduated from the Operators Training Course? I’m 5’8” and 168lbs, is that a good or bad size? What books or workout programs would you recommend to prepare for it?

[@maxverdi4007]

Bout time someone gets him on their show. You guys are listening to the greatest warrior in American history

[@edd1e22]

I have a friend that makes custom 1911’s. One day, I went over to pick up one of my pistols and saw a stack of 1911’s on their way out. One of the boxes was open and I saw on the slide was engraved the Indian head and crossed tomahawks. I asked what these were for and he said it was for his nephew who was in the Navy and a SEAL. This was back in mid 2000 before much info was even available about ST6. Years later, the logo became widely known and I instantly recognized it as the red team logo that was on the guns.

[@nickjohnson710]

That's super cool, I gotta say, thanks for sharing 👍 🇬🇧

[@timdelong4001]

This was a fantastic show Jack. The stories and accomplishments of Kevin Holland are hard to comprehend. AMD the origins of the Winkler Hawk? Amazing. 👏

[@GrayHat0621]

Wow Kevin Holland such a amazing story. I’d follow him in battle any day of the week. What a great story.

[@Saltyshorttimer]

I think I’ve watched this episode 20 times. Out of all the podcasts I’ve listen to, this and Jocko episode 41 BTF Tony Eafrati were my favs.

[@ajjohnson3497]

“Every nick and scratch on this tells a story….” much like Rich Hasting’s Westley Richards Drop Lock Safari Double? Just so happened to be listening to “True Believer” today, that phrase clearly stood out.

[@bsmithhammer]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one end to end. Thanks to all three of you for all you do. There is never a Winkler far out of reach, whether I'm at home or in the field.

[@ZondaF355]

My Christmas wish would be Mr. Kevin Holland on the Shawn Ryan show.

[@rTrax]

Daniel Winkler is a legend!!! Met him at SHOT show years ago and I currently have two of his knives, LOVE them!!! I def wanna get one of his Hawks for bushcraft and every day use.

[@anatolivashkevich3845]

Finally Kevin Holland !!!

[@nomadx2142]

Respect and Thank you to all!

[@Annie-ce4fm]

I only listen to Military books based on actual events, memoirs etc.. I know things are changed and don’t get all the info. Y’all are an inspiration too me; thank you. 🙏🏻

[@g-man2228]

Break glass in case of war…Description of Kevin! 👊🏻🇺🇸

[@LB-pu2ec]

“In goes a BANGER..”. Lmao so awesome

[@miatheroachmydadsaccount3964]

We are extremely lucky to live in a country with men like Kevin Holland and Jack carr and all the other service men and women who protect our freedom and our way of life. God bless you all and thank you for your service.

[@Anonymous18817]

Hi, I’m a 22 year old woman and I’m from Arizona. What advice would you give to a woman that wants to be a Delta Force assaulter? How does the Delta community feel about women joining them? If you had to go to Delta Force selection again, how would you prepare differently? Has a woman ever graduated from the Operators Training Course? I’m 5’8” and 168lbs, is that a good or bad size? What books or workout programs would you recommend to prepare for it?

[@hamedrahi9801]

Kevin you are a brave man thanks for everything you have done. Thanks Jack and Danial 🙏

[@rawrmusic55]

Thank you for the great conversation, Jack. Kevin is an absolutely amazing human being. God Bless you all and Merry Christmas!

[@rTrax]

This is literally my favorite episode ever! Unreal

[@scroogey471]

Please recommend Mr. Holland ----> to The Shawn Ryan Show, total badass

[@ravin747]

This is the typical good old boys round table talk. LIKE IT!!

[@micahdferraro]

Jack, thank you for the excellent novels - can't wait for the next one! Thank you, even more so, for bringing excellent people in to talk in this and other (I listen to your podcast) formats, asking questions and giving depth to all flat things I want to see underneath. You are an American treasure, as well as the guests on this specific program.

[@micahdferraro]

@@Anonymous18817 please comment directly on the video so we can make sure Jack gets a chance to reply. I wouldn't be the one you want to ask. Good luck and don't give up.

[@graywind4326]

Amazing story. Just wow. What a humble bunch.

[@JrJVintage1956]

Just saw Kevin on the Sig/Ironclad short video and looked for more... not a surprise he was on with Jack Carr!

[@eagleput23]

One of the best podcasts I’ve listened to. Didn’t realize how much Kevin’s been involved in and I appreciate Daniel, Kevin’s and your contribution to the blade industry!

[@NomeCultJoe]

Dear God I hope Kevin Holland does 4 hours with Jocko on his podcast too

[@lukefreeouf4036]

Love this podcast with these 3 on so many levels. Thanks Jack!

[@Nick_In_Florida]

This video interview is the most POWERFUL and Jaw dropping interview I’ve ever seen…WOW, Incredible. Thank you!!!!

[@Annie-ce4fm]

🙏🏻 Thank You For Your Service 🙏🏻 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙🇺🇸God Bless

[@howardparker4558]

GREAT episode, men. Thanks for all you have done and continue to do for love of country and freedom! Blessings!

[@ivanb101]

Thanks for putting this together jack. Have always wanted to hear more of Kevin’s story

[@rangerxlord]

Hey Jack, could you please get this guy back on the podcast or in touch with Shawn Ryan?

[@Smoke_Bang]

Can’t wait to get my hands on a winkler blade one day

[@ThadForester]

Great guests and interview. I’m def a fan of Winkler knives now.

[@dogsoldier7779]

Finally get to here Kevin’s story, such a great guy, absolutely the salt of the earth type person. And what an operator, as good as there has ever been. Daniel Winkler is such a craftsman & fine fella. Thanks to Kevin who I know liked keeping a low profile, for doing a podcast.

[@Anonymous18817]

Hi, I’m a 22 year old woman and I’m from Arizona. What advice would you give to a woman that wants to be a Delta Force assaulter? How does the Delta community feel about women joining them? If you had to go to Delta Force selection again, how would you prepare differently? Has a woman ever graduated from the Operators Training Course? I’m 5’8” and 168lbs, is that a good or bad size? What books or workout programs would you recommend to prepare for it?

[@flyingirish31]

One of the funniest (not the funniest, but one of) was when I was in Baghdad and went to CAG compound which had a pool. And the O4 that was my contact there noticed I had a Navy tape on my ACUs (I was attached to USASOC unit) and pointed to a guy at pool skimming it. He said “that’s our Navy guy”. Come to find out he was a DEVGRU Red squadron member on exchange to CAG and when he showed up they gave him pool duty for his chore. 😂

[@na-dk9vm]

What was the cag compound like??

[@flyingirish31]

@@na-dk9vm I think I’ve said enough to describe it without busting an potential opsec

[@na-dk9vm]

@@flyingirish31 no, I'm saying was it full of fitness equipment

[@flyingirish31]

@@na-dk9vm and they had a pool. I was there.

[@Anonymous18817]

I’m a 22 year old woman and I’m from Arizona. What advice would you give to a woman that wants to be a Delta Force assaulter? How does the Delta community feel about women joining them? If you had to go to Delta Force selection again, how would you prepare differently? Has a woman ever graduated from the Operators Training Course? I’m 5’8” and 168lbs, is that a good or bad size? What books or workout programs would you recommend to prepare for it?

[@-scrim]

Kevin is such a king.

[@timothysevers9779]

Great podcast. I read Denny Chalker’s book in the 90s. They called him Snake because he had seen the movie Escape From New York.

[@donclarkson3833]

I x-rayed and opened Sadaam's briefcase that night; great to hear the details of the capture and Kevin's and Dan's story and history of Winkler Knives and their history with elite military units finally told!

[@ya1556]

Cowards

[@GrayHat0621]

Semper Fi to all my Marines who were in that c130.

[@davidmeyer687]

Great episode. Thanks for making this happen.

[@TheJagjr4450]

SEAL - Local PD - RESCUE PARATROOPER. My best friend from highschool enlisted in the Navy 1990 - beacame a SEAL - multiple ME deployments, retired late 1990's - Local Police officer until 9/11 - went into the Air Force - became a Rescue Paratrooper - retired 2014 or so. Is this a frequent occurance in the military? I always thought it was an odd path which few took, though it seems like it happens more often than one would think.

[@gorylla4617]

Cant wait for book 6.

[@hucklebearer53]

Wow! What an amazing podcast! Three legends!

[@isaacs_knives_and_knowledge]

Fantastic group of guys

[@jensenms]

Great interview. Saddest part at 1:33 'the Taliban were easier to work with than our own government'...how freaking wrong is that?

[@warrenjwayne]

First comment - excited for this episode. Thanks for putting out quality conversations week after week, Jack!

[@unidoggy]

This a an epic episode, Jack. Wow.

[@richrodriguez8520]

Cant wait for spring. Ive read your other books, big fan

[@internet_internet]

I appreciate y’all.

[@davidphillips8674]

We had a Drill Sergeant at reception in 2006 that claimed he was in the 4th ID unit that captured Sadaam. Good to know he was completely full of crap.

[@picolascage5270]

Kevin Holland legitimately is one of the most highly trained and capable warfighters in the world. No other country comes close to our level of operators. Kevin also has a badass voice lol

[@nickjohnson710]

What about British and many other countries.....

[@Alleyesonme223]

Ukrainian SOF fought in a near peer conflict and its far more complicated and dangerous

[@nickjohnson710]

@@Alleyesonme223 Don't you mean, that Ukraine Special forces are trained by the British and Americans......they are not better than anybody else

[@nickjohnson710]

@@Alleyesonme223 Don't start saying that Ukraine special forces are the best in the world now......get a grip

[@Alleyesonme223]

@@nickjohnson710 i didnt say that they are the best but they are the most experienced now when it comes to near peer war because they are not fighting insurgents but one of the biggest army in the world.they d0nt have the luxury of air support due to the presence of SAM and even a medevac

[@Baltimoreborn]

Watched this video purchased the operator immediately

[@Paulnikon]

Amazing. Amazing life story.

[@stephen3762]

I remember where I was when I saw Last of the Mohicans...I was in a movie theater.

[@martinp1544]

Awesome interview! Thanks!

[@phillipsowers5426]

AWESOME ABSOLUTELY AWESOME. Best podcast out there!

[@ThatMNTrucker93]

This guy was with Chris Vansant on the Saddam capture. HOT DAMN!

[@MThomas001]

Six Fucking Stars! This is the best one yet. Awesome.

[@chloehennessey6813]

I love my belt knife. I got a drop point Crusher with sculpted walnut handles but it was stolen from me at work. 😢

[@warrenjwayne]

Best episode yet!

[@matthewthomas8071]

Found it hilarious that he is a photographer's mate. What would be even better is if he occasionally tells strangers that's what he did in the military. Photographer in the guard

[@Nightwolfsc]

Kevin Holland did a speech in a Church that was awesome.

[@AmeerAli999]

Would u ever provide saddam capture (red dawn) operation footage? Many are debating the capture photos... If u would ever upload the video of the capture that would be great 👍

[@keithbodnar2695]

Awesome Podcast! 3 Great Americans!!! Salute!!!

[@michaelfuller2378]

Everything is cool but BRCC, Holland is a bad Hombre, thanks for the episode Jack!

[@outdew7010]

Wont be long Jack.... About to break a MILL!!

[@dickcurrey21]

Darn it, was hoping you would ask them about the Operator and Kevin's thoughts on that knife. Still this was an awesome interview with these two true Americans.

[@Isaac-47517]

Thank You for your service. Left hand finger release?

[@WestPat23]

This is fabulous content, thank you for pairing these two up, podcast gold! BTW- The congealed fat dish is a staple in Ukraine, even in peace time. Doesn’t look good or taste good, but they are all about it.

[@renegonzalez6328]

Great interview! Kevin is a great dude!

[@Zellar100]

Incredible interview

[@FPS-wv9dk]

he needs to be invited to Shawn Ryan show

[@beardedbuzzard1179]

Absolutely outstanding podcast!!!

[@jonathanbatchelor5032]

Great podcast sir. Great Americans sitting there.

[@salcastaneda443]

Winkler needs to do 1911 and P226 walnut grips

[@Patrick_Bateman____]

Cannot wait for the next book 🤙🏼👍🏼

[@alexisvelez4877]

We really appreciate the interview and the work you did Jack Carr, to launch the podcast, although we would have liked, in an informative way for the civil community, to ask kevind holland the difference between the Devgroup and Cag, since few or no other operator have served in both tier 1 units, because even though they are top tier units and do hostage rescue, HVT, and have overlapping missions they are completely two totally different units. In the Jsoc each unit has its kingdom in which each one shines for being proficient, the 75th Ranger regiment, SF, Navy seals, Cag, Devgroup, Marines Raiders, PJ, CCT etc!!

[@Anonymous18817]

Hi, I’m a 22 year old woman and I’m from Arizona. What advice would you give to a woman that wants to be a Delta Force assaulter? How does the Delta community feel about women joining them? If you had to go to Delta Force selection again, how would you prepare differently? Has a woman ever graduated from the Operators Training Course? I’m 5’8” and 168lbs, is that a good or bad size? What books or workout programs would you recommend to prepare for it?