He is cited by other knifemakers and collectors as one of the most innovative knife designers in the world[1] and was an author and the founder of what became Blade Magazine.
In the late 1960s-early 1970's he also made knives under the name of Blackie Sewell and had a shop in the original Underground Atlanta.
In 1981, Collins' designed a knife for Gerber Legendary Blades named the LST (light, strong, tough).
[7] Collins had other innovations beyond knifemaking and was an avid motorcyclist and a member of the National Rifle Association of America.
Collins designed a trigger lock, called the "Cease Fire" for rifles and a shooter's screwdriver.