Best Forged User Knives?

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protodoc

Joined
Jan 7, 2001
Messages
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I am becoming more enamored with the concept of forged knives (not that there is anything wrong with stock removal).

Besides Ed Fowler, whose waitlist I am on for a Pronghorn, which smiths would you suggest for a well functioning work knife? I am less interested in fancy, decorative knives.

protodoc
 
Here's one I got "used" recently from Big Tex. It's from Master Smith Rick Dunkerley (who studied with Ed Fowler) and features a forged blade of 52100 with mortised ironwood handle and mokume guard. This knife just grows on me more daily. It feels great in the hand and takes a great edge. The blade is patterned on the Marbles "Woodcraft".

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Another Master Smith whose work I'd highly recommend and is affordable would be P.J. Tomes (this one is also forged 52100):

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I don't own any by Charlie Ochs, who is also a MS, but his forged fixed blades are quite reasonable as well.

And finally, I couldn't end without saying that Ray Kirk, who is a journeyman smith, makes excellent and highly affordable forged blades.
Plus, Ray is as good a guy as you'll ever want to meet and frequents these boards. I have a few examples of his work on my site.

I have several more good users which can be seen on the pix site linked below my sig.

Sorry for going on so long. I just got excited I guess. ;)
 
Wally Hayes!
http://www.hayesknives.com/menu.html

Wally does many fancy pieces, japanese pieces and tactical pieces. He forges damascus, and a variety of steels. He also makes superb working knives. My favourite utility of his is his big camp knife of forged 52100. This knife was reviewed by Knives Illustrated a few years ago in a huge two issue comparison test and the knife was singled out with a very few others for outstanding performance. Wally is more than a little busy but if you can get a Hayes you will have a fantastic example of a Master's work. I can't recommend him and his work highly enough.
 
Ray Kirk does an incredible job and does it at a reasonable price. Another talented forger who is a relative unknown is Lee Reeves from Shattuck Ok.
 
Wow - what beautiful knives. Thanks everyone for the generous responses and sharing your expertise.

I like a all of what I have seen but what grabbed my attention the most is the Fisk Sendero. The irony is that I just purchased an inexpensive forged user knife from a fellow BladeForums member who used the money to help pay for a Sendero he just got. Well, gives me something to look forward to in the future.

protodoc
 
Geeeee some of you guys really went out on a limb suggesting ABS Master smiths. LOL
I've got another guy to suggest who isn't an ABS MS yet, but his work will amaze you. I own one of his Bowies now and we're talking about several other projects. Take a look at his PhotoPoint site, if you don't see something you like, (kind of hard to imagine) talk to him, he loves a challenge.

My Buddy, Max Burnett.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1189412&a=8767365&f=0&sp=1&showall=true
 
Let's see, Kevin Cashen and John Fitch immediately come to mind when I think of "using" forged blades. The reason I mention their names and not a lot of the other more known, is that their prices are still very reasonable. Matt Lamey probably falls into this catagory also, but I havent seen much of his work up close and I dont have one of his yet. (Yet)
 
I can't believe nobody mentioned Bruce Evans! I can't remember now if he has his journeyman's stamp or not. But, he is an excellent forger who makes great knives. Check out his website -- because have only 1 level of clipboard, just look for a post by him, or run a search on Shop Talk forum. I know he's posted in the last few days. WOuld only have to search for a week in that forum, maybe a day.

In addition to his knifemaking skills, in a business of nice guys, you'll not find a friendlier, nicer guy than Bruce.
 
I certainly agree with all the above names and since you already know about Ed Fowler may I suggest someone who does exceptional work at very affordable prices and is one of our own members:
Greg Covington AKA Xrayed

I picked up a Randall type knife from him that is like the model 15 Air Crewman's knife and the knife is certainly exceptional. Greg employs a lot of Bill Bagwell and Ed Fowler heat treating and you can tell.

I have chopped, stabbed and thoroughly tested his knife and it is wonderful. A true performance knife.

I have 6 of Lamey knives and agree that they are very good. I have a Bruce Evans bowie on the way so I can't comment on his knives.....just yet, but I have a good feeling about it. :)

Of course my favorite is Ed Fowler.......
 
Pretty awesome group you folks came up with.

I would love to own one knife from every one of the makers suggested so far.
 
Blues,
That Dunkerly is awesome! Shoot me an email should you decide you have too many knives.
Bill Burke comes highly reccomended also.
 
Protodoc,
If you like the looks of a Sendero, drop me a line. I have a few photos that you would like.
Regards,
Barry H
 
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