RYP Design

Designs Inspired by Adventure

Welcome to RYP Design

Robert Young Pelton holds multiple design and utility patents for his innovative design elements.

see patents

SEE THE BILLY WAUGH DEMO IN DETAIL

The world's most dangerous podcast

The World's Most Dangerous Places podcast explores what really drives people to step into the world’s most volatile places — and what they learn there.

The show goes beyond adrenaline and adventure to uncover the psychology, philosophy, and lived experience of those who confront danger head-on.

Robert Young Pelton, the legendary author of The World’s Most Dangerous Places, whose life has taken him from Canada’s logging camps to corporate boardrooms to war zones around the globe. Through candid conversations, Pelton challenges the media’s fear narratives, shares practical lessons from conflict zones, and reveals why surviving is about much more than staying alive — it’s about living well.

Each episode blends stories, history, and hard-earned wisdom, offering a fresh perspective on risk, resilience, and the extraordinary human spirit.

behind the designs

The Ultimate Special Forces Knife Collaboration

Robert Young Pelton and William Harsey, Jr collaborate to create the ultimate tribute to Army Special Forces/CIA Paramilitary legend, Billy Waugh.

Robert Young Pelton first met Billy Waugh in a Texas Waffle House. Billy was getting married later that day but took the time to meet Pelton to talk about his life as CIA paramilitary and Special Forces legend.  As a knife designer, Pelton asked Billy what he carried on his missions deep behind enemy lines during the Vietnam War. Billy remembered his favorite tools being the local parang, the old WW2 issue and the machine stamped DEMO knife issued to soldiers. 

Pelton offered to design a series of knives that would integrate Billy’s hard earned ideas into a new reimagining of tactical blades. 

Together, Pelton and Harsey fine-tuned a design only a warrior of Billy Waugh's level could sign off on.

see the DEMO

The Inspiration: Billy Waugh

Billy Waugh of Bastrop, Texas hitchhiked and signed up for World War II but was sent home for being too young.  He finally signed up for the Army and very quickly chose the most dangerous tasks our nation demanded: U.S. Army Special Forces.  

Robert Young Pelton 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.

Meet Billy Waugh

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commentary on ryp's work:

An incredible look into the murky and virtually impenetrable world of private military contractors . . . Pelton may well have seen the future.

Sebastian Junger on the book, "Licensed to Kill"

At a time when comics are still dominated by busty babes, zombies and superheroes wearing tights, Pelton and Tucci's gritty, journalistic portrayal of America's fighters-for-hire is a profound departure

WIRED Magazine on, "Roll Hard"

Basically, Pelton wants to give you a go-to tool which rides easily in your pocket and that is more than capable of performing any heavy-duty task you might ask of it. 

Gizmodo on RYP's Knife desgins

Supplying the US Army Special Forces

Knife designs used by the most capable units in the Army.
Pelton has a special link to the Special Forces ODA 595. From the hills of Afghanistan, to SERE training in the USA, his designs are the go-to for combat toughness.

combat proven design