Carter, Ouye, LeBlanc

[Halbie]

I believe that Mike Carter, Keith Ouye, and Gary LeBlanc are all fairly new knife makers (under ten years), but I really like some of their offerings - in particular, their small/med hunters and skinners. And, they don't seem to be in the priced-well-beyond-their-worth-because-of-name range. I'd like some custom hunters, but nothing more than about $700.

Are there any here who own their knives and can comment on fit, finish, and value?

 

[ryan9977]

i've met mr ouye at a show...his folders looked really clean and well finished....they were really smooth to open....i don't know much about folders at all but they looked pretty cool in person.....he was nice to talk to also.....ryan

 

[SharpByCoop]

Mike Carter is a member here. I have not seen his work to be familiar with it, although, having met him, I wouldn't hesitate on a purchase if the style and price was right. :thumbup:

I know nothing of Gary LeBlanc. Thanks for noting his quality.

I DO know Keith Ouye personally, and own more than one knife from him, and have photographed scads of his folders. This fixed one is mine:

AAA+ on the quality and value. I really like Keith and his wife. They have always treated me with the 'Aloha Spirit' that ALL Hawaiian makers are reknowned for.

Coop

 

[Halbie]

Mike Carter is a member here. I have not seen his work to be familiar with it, although, having met him, I wouldn't hesitate on a purchase if the style and price was right. :thumbup:

I know nothing of Gary LeBlanc. Thanks for noting his quality.

I DO know Keith Ouye personally, and own more than one knife from him, and have photographed scads of his folders. This fixed one is mine:

AAA+ on the quality and value. I really like Keith and his wife. They have always treated me with the 'Aloha Spirit' that ALL Hawaiian makers are reknowned for.

Coop

This Ouye is mine:

This iconic Mike Carter is mine:

Cool. I just bought one of Mr. Ouye's smaller drop point hunters. It looked top quality when I saw the pics and read the specs. And, I just love his style. Can't wait to get it! It makes it all the better to know he's also a nice guy.

I also ordered knives from both Mike Carter and Gary LaBlanc. Not big or expensive works, but hopefully representative. Actually, I think I got one of Mike Carter's iconic works - skinner out of Alabama Damascus he uses on his web site as the example. Bigger than you'd think. Nice work. He's not the norm and I like that.

The Leblanc is on order and is more traditional. A small Elmer style skinner. Oh, what the hell, here it is:

I got the knife fever BAD.

I'll have "real" pics when they come in!

 

[Mike Carter Custom Knives]

Thanks Halbie and Jim for the kind words. I have been making knives for a little over 5 years now. I do try to go my own way and develop my own style.

Although I do occasionally show the influence of those who inspire me. Here is one I just finished with just a little bit of Scagel influence.

Mike Carter

 

[Halbie]

Thanks Halbie and Jim for the kind words. I have been making knives for a little over 5 years now. I do try to go my own way and develop my own style.

Although I do occasionally show the influence of those who inspire me. Here is one I just finished with just a little bit of Scagel influence.

Mike Carter

Damn. Just when I thought I had spent enough...

 

[stabber]

Ouye yoy yoy, Beauties!!!!:thumbup:

 

[Halbie]

Ouye yoy yoy, Beauties!!!!:thumbup:

Just had the Ouye drop-point hunter delivered today! Remarkable fit and finish and nice custom sheath. Superb balance and feel in the hand.

I'll have to wait until I'm home to take photos that do it justice, though - the camera phone just won't cut it.