Bose, Shadley, or Ryuichi Kawamura

DavidZ

DavidZ

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I do not get to the major knife shows to "touch and compare" as I would like to. The internet and forums are my only way for me to review at this time. I am looking to get a custom traditional folder in the near future. Can those of you who have gotten the opportunity to compare give me your opinions. The makers I seem to be looking at the most are in the title, but any other suggestions would be appreciated. This would be mainly an admire and display knife, as I have a couple of productions for carrying and cutting. Your opinions would be greatly appreciated.
 
I have owned a bunch of Bose,and Shadley's but in my opinion Kawamura makes as good a knife as the other group.And he is a bargain now.
Saw a lot of his stuff at Solvang,and it is breathtaking.He does various patterns that the other guys don't do.Simon Litten has a few for sale.
Also do not rule out Bill Ruple.Great maker and will make patters upon request.
Good luck,
Randy
 
Of the 3 you mention,,Shadley is my favorite.

:)

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My vote also is for Shadley.
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PS notdos that is a great pearl handled and engraved Shadley! What does he call that pattern. I have not seen it before?
 
T Bose for me. His knives are just too cool. They have an old world look with flawless fit and finish.

Don Hanson sunfishforge.com

P.S. I ment to include Reese Bose also, his knive are hard to tell apart from his dads. Good stuff.
 
I talked with Mr. Bose this weekend in Lebanon Mo. and looked at some of his work which is great. I also know Bill Rupple and you can't go wrong with him.Warren Osbourn is also a great maker of pocket knives.
Reggie
WCC x 2
 
I've got a Bose and a Shadley but haven't purchased a Kawamura yet. From what I've seen his knives are definetly among the best.

There are quite a few Japanese makers doing slip joints, I have owned/own several by Hiro Ohta. This fellow is probably most famous for his Loveless miniatures, I know Bob Loveless even has a couple.

This is a Quill pattern with carved tortoise shell.

Win
 

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I really don't think you could go wrong with any of these makers. I also have to add H.Ohta to this list. A purveyor at the Chicago show last weekend had two of Ohta's folders on his table, and they were incredible! Flawless fit and finish and stag scales to die for. If only I had brought more moolah. ;) :)


Here's an example of Ohta's fine work. Pic was borrowed from the purveyor's site, so I hope that's ok. :)
 
"Traditional" meaning slipjoint, or are you considering lockbacks too? Multiblade or single?
 
Thanks all for the input. I would like to get one of each as DGG suggests, but can't right now. Maybe if I win the lottery. So far Shadly seems to be the favorite. The stag that the japanese makers have sure looks great. They must have a good source. Does Shadley have a website? His items seem to go pretty fast on the internet, and I bet his waiting list is years long. Anyone else?
Thanks,
Dave.
 
This one I own. I can't describe how fine it is. You won't go wrong with ANY of the aforementioned, but there will be change in your pocket with Ryuichi's..

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Hey Guys
All three of those guys make great knives. I would add Joel Chamblin and Richard Rodgers to that list. Both make outstanding knives.
Bill Ruple
 
And of course Mr. Ruple himself lest we forget! :)

Last I heard Eugene Shadley did not have a website, and before he became president of the Guild this year had a ~ 2 year wait list.
 
Kawamura is the best. He had a couple of gunstocks at Blade last year that were as close to perfect as I've ever seen.
 
Thank you all for your input. I will let you know what I decide to get.
Dave.
 
I own a few multiblades or slipjoints. (actually may a little more than a few).

I would do the following (the order is not in any hierarchy)

Order one from Tony. (My last one took 5 years.)

Order one from Eugene (My last one took about 2 years.)

Order one from Ryuichi (You should get it within a year.)

Order one from Bill (I am not sure how long it will take, but I have 2 knifes of his that easily compare to anyone's.)

Order one from Joel. (about a year maybe less.) Joel is very creative. He was the first maker I know that figured out how to put a true "capped bolster" on a doctor's knife.
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Order one from Richard (Even though I have 6 or 7 of his knives I am not sure how long the wait will be).

Order one from Terry Davis.

Do a little reasearh on Jack Davenport and order one from him.

Order one from C. Gray. Taylor.

Order one from Ron Newton.

Order one from Bailey Bradshaw.

Order one from Reese Bose.

Order one from Dan Burke.

Order one from Barry Davis.

Repeat multiple times.

I really like Ohta's work and plan to order from him or try to get one at Blade next year, but those guys along with a few others (Osborne, Kios, Overeynder, Embretsen) are at the top of the the heap in quality, fit, finish and action. These are very tough knives to make right and believe it or not some of those makers work are at the highest demand of any (except maybe Ken, Don, Kit and Walter) in Custom knives.

Speaking of Kit, I carry a bone lockback that he made at all times. I wonder if I could talk him into a doctor's knife or whittler :o (Na I better not even go there.)
 
Gus,
I would love to take your advice, but unless I take out a new patent that brings in considerably more money than my current income---well, I think I will have to go for a subset.

But it is the best damned advice that I've gotten today :D

And that doctor's knife ROCKS!!
 
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