Yes he is alive, but he is very old now. He still will not talk about the things that he did when he was at work, as he called it. Could probably get something in writing, but I know when it came and have given it to my grandson. If he wants something can probably get it. I would not sell it because of the ties and don't think that my grandson will ever sell it, but you never know. I have printed a lot of info up for him on this knife and the circumstances surrounding it's design and how it came about. Have done quiet a bit of research on t6his knife since finding the proper links.