Robert Young Pelton sits down with Enrique “Ric” Prado, a decorated CIA officer whose covert work shaped decades of U.S. paramilitary operations. Known for his leadership in the Contra War, counterterrorism missions, and the development of modern “find, fix, finish” kill teams, Prado’s life reads like a spy thriller. Pelton and Prado share a mutual friend, CIA legend Billy Waugh, who goes beyond what was allowed in his best-selling book and takes the audience into uncharted, dangerous, and never-before-discussed territory.
When Reza Allahbakshi, a survival instructor and journalist, first picked up a battered used copy of The World’s Most Dangerous Places, he didn’t expect the man behind it to be so complex. Pelton, the author in question, isn’t just a writer — he’s a lumberjack, marketer, blaster’s assistant, television host, and, most notably, a relentless and fearless explorer of the globe’s most volatile zones.
In this rich and often philosophical conversation, Pelton pulls back the curtain on his origins.
It is a rare moment when a product, a designer, and a legacy blend into one perfect moment. Robert Young Pelton has been working and living in the bush, war zones, and dangerous places since he was ten. He designed his first knife in 2008, and 17 years and over two dozen patents later, he is still perfecting the Hostile Environment Survival Tool—a proven design that is beautiful, ergonomic, dependable, and functional. In that obsession lies an ancient concept of elegance, form, and function, designed to be used roughly and to age with grace. This is a perfection of that vision.
Learn about the legendary man, Billy Waugh and see the knife he inspired: The RYP and Bill Harsey Designed, Billy Waugh DEMO Folder.
RYP first met Billy when he was writing his book Licensed to Kill, Hired Guns in The War on Terror. Driving his cop Harley across the country during the winter, Billy graciously took out time from his wedding day to meet at the local Waffle House.
The two men - one an author, and one an operator, both veterans of numerous hot spots often at the same time - hit it off immediately. They have been fast friends ever since.
Boot and neck knives are popular with those wanting an easily concealed weapon ready in a moment. They date pretty far back; from Civil War soldiers, to outdoorsmen, to gangsters. Whether you need something to make you feel safe walking downtown, or a last ditch defense against a bear attack, having the DPx HIT Dagger at the ready is a great idea.
“The goal was to stay within the same price point as our first folder came out in 2010. An aggressive concept considering the cost of premium materials and what has happened over the last ten years. We’ve enhanced the knife durability, simplified the design, retained the same hard use features, and still offer our famous Skull Tool,” says DPx Gear founder, Robert Young Pelton.
“A proven, heirloom quality knife, crafted by an award winning manufacturer, at a reasonable price with a lifetime warranty. It’s the perfect product for someone looking to get past gas station knives or low priced folders.”