Been out of the game for a while....who to look at in custom slipjoints?

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slide13

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Okay, so I was big into knives back in the early and mid-2000's. I was big into knives back then and while most of them were of the more tactical variety I did have a PJ Tomes, Shadley, Ruple, and even a R. Bose flow through my hands at one time or another. Right now I just have a few Case slippies and an old BM balisong floating around and that is it. I haven't even carried a knife in my pocket over the last 5 years but I'm starting to miss that. So, I'm thinking I need a new slipjoint EDC in my life. I'd like to go something custom but affordable (sub $500 for example).

I don't really know where to start these days though. A little browsing has turned up one familiar name and one new one. Currently looking at Ohta and Dr. T knives but are there others I should be considering? Honestly, I wish I could find a single blade PJ Tomes trapper again, always liked that little guy and it was super affordable, but can't seem to find one now and doesn't look like he's been terribly active lately.

Appreciative of any suggestions you may have. Thanks!
 
If you don't want a horribly long wait I would think about Keith Johnson, Ken Coats or Todd Davison. All of them are on here and post knives for sale from time to time. Dr. T is also a very good new maker, I just picked up one from him a couple weeks ago and was very impressed.

There are A LOT of others, but those three all have knives in your price range with reasonably short waits.
 
On this subforum, you will find quite a number of threads, each one dedicated to a single custom knifemaker and his knives.
If you spend a little time on these threads, it should be quite easy to understand which makers get closer to the style you're looking for.

Fausto
:cool:
 
Some great suggestions already but I'll add Craig Brewer to your list.

craigbrewer9.jpg
 
To add a couple of names to the list, I have been very impressed with both Joe Allen and Al Warren's knives.
Matt
 
wow, that Brewer is a beauty. Thanks again for all the suggestions...I think I'm going to have to hold off for now though....I kind of just remembered that back in 2007 I put in an order with Reese Bose for a stag handled backpocket. Just got off the phone with him updating my contact info and he said he's working on 2006/2007 orders right now so my name will be coming up sometime soon (by soon I mean within the next year probably). So, maybe I'll go with a GEC to get me buy until my Bose shows up.

It's amazing what can happen during a 7 year wait....like almost forgetting that you ever put in the order in the first place. Can't believe I'm going to finally be able to buy a Bose from the man himself.
 
See which shows are coming up in your area, and which custom makers will be there as table holders. I posted a thread on Facebook asking for names of custom slipjoint makers. The number of knife makers listed hit triple digits.
 
That Erickson is sweet looking! Love that pattern. Definitely a few names here I remember from the days when I was heavily into knives...but also a lot of new names too. Thanks again, I'll enjoy reeducating myself on the current market even if I'll have to hold off on buying something to save up for my Bose.
 
Custom but affordable?

Ken Coats
Todd Davidson
KR Johnson
Dan Burke
Rick Menefee
Jared Osser
Bret Dowell
John Lloyd
 
Planterz said:
Custom but affordable?

Ken Coats
Todd Davidson
KR Johnson
Dan Burke
Rick Menefee
Jared Osser
Bret Dowell
John Lloyd
Click to expand...

What am I......Chopped Liver:D All those guys are great though.

Stan

 
I think he meant to type your name and put my name there by mistake. ;) I'm too much of a newb to be included in a list like that.

Awesome knife Stan!

SBuzek said:
What am I......Chopped Liver:D All those guys are great though.

Stan

Click to expand...
 
All of these knives look incredible. I've been really looking at various custom made knives for the first time today, and I'm liking everything I've seen. I'm going to hold out for a while, but everyone's photos here are very inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
 
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