A custom swayback from a gentleman maker

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padwan08

Joined
Dec 21, 2008
Messages
82
So not too long ago, I jumped into traditionals. After Northwoods and GEC, I asked to get on the order list of some custom makers (most are BF regulars) and looked forward to getting some knives done.

Unfortunately, I received some unpleasant news a week or so ago which meant that lean times would soon come. With a heavy heart, I contacted the makers to cancel my orders until I could turn things around.

One maker, David Taber of DRT Knives, said he had already finished the spring and the blade but would set these aside for me until I was ready. He didn't have to make that offer as I'm sure there is no shortage of folks wanting his slipjoints. After some consultation with the speaker of the house, I told him to go ahead, make the knife and let me know when it was ready. He verified the time frame with me and went ahead to finish the job.

Well today, he emailed to say the knife is ready to ship. It won't be a few weeks until it gets here but if only for the kindness of the maker, this is certainly something I will treasure.

It's rare to find folks who still have an old world care for customers. David is one such gentleman and I am humbled to have met him via this forum.

Here are the pics he sent. Frame is 3 ⅛" closed. Covers are bone canvas Micarta.

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Great looking knife you got there. Very nice lines and the Micarta would seem to be an excellent choice the way it turned out.
 
Nice work, hope the lean times are soon gone :thumbup:
 
Very nice knife! I love the way he completely his the tang without any drop in the bolster. Very good (prefect) execution there.
 
Macchina said:
Very nice knife! I love the way he completely his the tang without any drop in the bolster. Very good (prefect) execution there.
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It's one of the first things I noticed when he sent the pics. I'm not sure if this is what is called a sunken joint but it makes for a smoother profile. A discreet but much appreciated touch.
 
That's a very nice knife indeed. Enjoy it when it arrives.
 
Very nice, the swayback is a great pattern.

I recently placed my first order with DrT and if this is any indication of his work I am in for a treat.

Hope things get better for you, and enjoy this beauty.
 
It finally got here! I wasn't prepared for the fit and finish of this one. Exquisite!
David's certificate mentions not only the hardness of the blade and spring, but also gratitude to Tony Bose for his mentoring and generosity with his patterns.

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