Keith Johnson Knives

**K R Johnson** · 07-30-2011, 07:11 PM

I'm currently working on this order for a Wharncliffe Trapper and at the customer's request, it's my first knife with both integral frames and bushings. It's CPM 154 blades and springs and 410 frames.

More pictures when it's covered with stag.

**wagglebee** · 07-30-2011, 07:21 PM

I can't wait to see more pictures of this one Keith.

**rickmenefee** · 07-30-2011, 07:57 PM

very nice

**Core Knife Co.** · 07-30-2011, 08:16 PM

Keith, some new great looking knives. I wouldn't expect any less out of you.

I've picked up the phone a couple times now to pick your brain on some more tips. I keep changing my mind because I don't want to drive you nuts.

**jeffsaul** · 07-30-2011, 09:21 PM

This is my knife, or shall I say it will be my knife when completed. When I received a "Lanny's Clip" from Keith I knew he had the "goods" to do even better work! He jumped at the chance to press
the envelope and with this opportunity has proven (so far) that he truly has the ability. Bushings, integral, where will it all end? He doesn't know it yet, but hopefully this is the beginning
of many different projects that will involve modern materials and traditional style. I have been in love with pocket knives all my life and finding a willing technician
will hopefully add another chapter to the oldest tool on the planet.
Jeff

**ken erickson** · 07-31-2011, 10:10 AM

Looks good so far Keith! As always I enjoyed the chat on the phone the other day. Looking forward to seeing this one completed also.

**seadweller** · 08-02-2011, 01:12 PM

Keith, can't wait to see the finish product! What is the scale selection?

**comoha** · 08-02-2011, 02:35 PM

Thats going to look killer when finished.

**ndeezl** · 08-02-2011, 03:38 PM

Yep can't wait to see that beauty come together.

Nathan

**K R Johnson** · 08-02-2011, 10:01 PM

Originally Posted by seadweller

Keith, can't wait to see the finish product! What is the scale selection?

It'll have stag scales.

**TLARbb** · 08-08-2011, 07:08 AM

Seadweller, that trapper is fantastic. Keith, you sure did a great job on that one. I'm really looking forward to getting my knife; these photos are making me itchy. - Ed J

**Core Knife Co.** · 08-08-2011, 10:00 AM

I'm glad this thread came back up. I was having a lot of thoughts running through my head yesterday about Keith and his knives. This is the perfect opportunity to share some of those.

Yesterday morning, it was about 6:00 AM and the outdoor lighting looked perfect for taking some pictures of a knife I had just finished. I grabbed the knife and sitting next to it on my tray was the Lanny's Clip that Keith had made for me, so I grabbed it as well and went into the backyard. As I was cleaning the finger prints off of the Lanny's I couldn't help but notice how perfect of condition it was still in after 6 months of daily use. Hard use. I have never held back on this knife. It's made many a fuzz stick while backpacking. Shaved wood chips for fire starting. It's even cleaned a trout in a pinch. It rides in a pocket with my keys. So how can there be no scratches on the bolsters or blade whatsoever? I can't completely wrap my head around that. How is it even possible? Maybe I'm just showing my naiveness and all customs are built this way due to the materials used. My experience to this point has been solely production traditional knives. One day in a pocket and the bolsters look like a spider web due to the scratching. Whatever the explanation, it's my only experience with a custom slip joint to this point, so in my mind, it's due to the fact that Keith is a master craftsman.

This lead to me trying to figure out what attracted me to slip joints in the first place. That credit would have to go to my grandfather. My grandfather was a great man. He was the kind of man that spent an entire lifetime doing for others. I cannot honestly think of one thing that the man did for himself. He spent his entire life being "other-centered." He always carried a slip joint pocket knife. Knowing my grandfather like I do, I would imagine he probably only owned 2 or 3 in his entire life and only that many because the last one just completely wore out. What would have have thought about me buying a custom slip joint? I think he would be proud. Not because I did for myself, something he would never do. I think he would be proud because of how much more I got out of the purchase. I met Keith Johnson. I got a relationship, a friend. It's the relationships that matter, more so than the knife in my opinion. I have since sold off every production slip joint I owned prior to receiving my Lanny's.

I'm not a sensitive guy. My wife reminds me about it everyday. But, that's what's so fascinating about how a piece of steel, a mechanical tool, can cause so many different thoughts and dig up so many memories. In my estimation, the majority of people will never know this feeling, this connection to a knife, the relationship with the maker. When I first ordered this knife I struggled with it. Now after 6 months I know I received so much more than just the knife.

Keith, thank you

***Blues*** · 08-08-2011, 10:07 AM

Very well said, especially because I believe Keith (and his work) are very deserving of those sentiments. I am fortunate enough to know and share the same experiences, from a grandfather who got me started in the late 1950's to some close friendships that were forged out of nothing more than the common love of pocket knives.

I hope the knife and the friendship grow even more special with each passing year.

***Bastid*** · 08-08-2011, 11:06 AM

Blues pretty much summed things up for me. (I think some of my mushyness has rubbed off a little on my brother.)

Great knife Mike and Keith and the WT looks good too so far.

**K R Johnson** · 08-08-2011, 06:43 PM

Thank you gentlemen. I, and I'm sure I speak for the other knife makers who frequent this forum, get a huge amount of satisfaction from what I do. It's a great feeling when the last scratch is sanded from the scale or bolster and the knife closes dead center with that satisfying 'snick'. But it's not just the knife making. As Michael said, there are the great friendships formed in the process which are more important than some object. Michael, it was my pleasure.

**Mad_Maxx** · 08-09-2011, 02:09 AM

lovely WT!

**K R Johnson** · 08-12-2011, 08:57 PM

Here's the finished trapper from post 121, dressed up in stag. This one's sold.

**jeffsaul** · 08-12-2011, 09:03 PM

Looks terrific Keith, have you sent it yet? Can't wait to see your integral Lanny's and the integral sowbelly stockman you where telling me about.
As I said to you on the phone, it looks like I opened Pandora's Box. Keep up the wonderful work!

Jeff

**K R Johnson** · 08-12-2011, 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by jeffsaul

Looks terrific Keith, have you sent it yet? Can't wait to see your integral Lanny's and the integral sowbelly stockman you where telling me about.
As I said to you on the phone, it looks like I opened Pandora's Box. Keep up the wonderful work!

Jeff

Thanks Jeff, yup, you started something.

Your knife will be going out in tomorrow's mail.