The “Craft hat” is primarily associated with Chris Kyle, the former U.S. Navy SEAL sniper and author of “American Sniper.” The hat typically features the logo of Craft International, the company Kyle co-founded after leaving the military. Craft International focused on providing tactical training to military, law enforcement, and civilian personnel.
Design and Symbolism
The most recognizable Craft hat is usually a baseball cap, often seen in colors like black, tan, or camouflage patterns. The key feature is the Craft International skull logo. This logo typically depicts a skull with a targeting reticle (often a crosshair) over one eye socket and sometimes the word “CRAFT” integrated into or around the design.
- The Skull: In military contexts, skull imagery can symbolize mortality, a warrior ethos, or a unit’s fierce reputation. For Craft International, it represented their commitment to providing elite training and the serious nature of the skills they taught.
- The Reticle: This directly references marksmanship and precision, core components of Kyle’s expertise and Craft’s training programs.
- Color Schemes: Often tactical or muted, reflecting the company’s military and law enforcement client base.
Chris Kyle was frequently photographed wearing a Craft hat, making it an iconic part of his public image. For many, the hat became synonymous with Kyle himself.
Significance and Legacy
The Craft hat holds significance for various reasons:
- Tribute to Chris Kyle: Many wear the hat as a way to honor Chris Kyle’s memory, his service, and his contributions.
- Symbol of Support: It is often seen as a symbol of support for the U.S. military, veterans, and first responders.
- Brand Identity: For Craft International, it was a key piece of branding, representing their ethos of skill, preparedness, and “no-excuses” performance.
- Community: Wearing the hat can signify membership in a community that values patriotism, self-reliance, and the skills associated with tactical training.
Following Kyle’s death, the Craft hat, particularly those with the distinctive skull logo, became even more prominent as a symbol of remembrance and respect among his supporters and within parts of the firearms and tactical communities.
