Bill Ruple: Sowbelly Stockman (Jigged Bone)

Chris, that second one you like is a whittler. No surprise that you'd like that one. ;)
(There's a separate thread with detailed images of that knife here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=589347)

I agree with you on the grip when working with the spey. I don't find it an issue and it actually affords a view of the blade and the work with the hand out of the way.

I've only seen this style of shield on sowbellies but others may have more conclusive info on that score.

There are some shields that seem to be associated with particular patterns, but you'll find that many others (crests, gimps etc.) were used on a variety of different patterns.
 
Yup. Saw those pics before. Good choice for your avatar knife...:thumbup:

Deja vu - we had an older neighbor where I grew up in Sylva, who drove a MINT two-tone '57 Chevy Nomad, with a cream & chestnut color scheme that reminds me of the tones on that Ruple. His car had more chrome than a SoCal lowrider on show day.

He once told me, "You can be broke, unemployed, divorced, & homeless, but if ya got this much chrome, folks are still impressed!"

Same thing with knives, I think. :D

***

As far as the grip, another thing it works really well for is hand-countersinking screw holes, as long as the blade material is strong enough. I've done that a few times, where a drill was just too much power.

I've got to read up on that shield thing. That's something I've never thought of.

thx - cpr
 
Last edited:
Nice sowbelly. I like them better without the file work. Not thats theres anything wrong with the ones with file work.
 
Thanks, George. :thumbup:

I was really surprised when I found out that it had no file work whatsoever. I don't know how many or how often Bill makes 'em this way.

My other three Ruple's are pretty understated on the file work as I'm not a big fan of anything garish (though I can sure appreciate the workmanship involved as I'm sure you can being an accomplished artist yourself).
 
I really like his knifes but I'm not into filework. Its great for people who like it and he's excellent at it. But I think he should offer more work without it.
 
Can't argue with that. It's nice to have choices. :cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top