Custom multiblade folders - State of the Art

H

HJK

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I love my single blade folders, but what's a knife knut to do when he needs something more? A Swiss Army Knife or Multitool just doesn't cut it - alright, they literally do, but I want something with a little more artistry. It seems to me that there aren't too many multiblade customs out there, and the really fine ones are hard to find and enormously expensive.
Who here is a custom multiblade afficionado? And whose work is suitable for the multiblade equivalent of a Gent's folder?
 
Me! I have a PJ Tomes two blade double lock-back with forged 52100 blades and stag scales on order. PJ won the Most Innovative knife award at the Blade Show last June for this folder. Larry Connely at knife art calls it a 'moose folder'. I know an Art knife maker who is going to supply his own pearl and do engraving on a similar piece. If other knife makers appreciate PJ's work, then it good enough for me.

There are other good multiblade makers out there. Look at knifeart, nordiknives, and arizonacustomknives. They usually have a few nice multiblades.

Its true they are more expensive than many tactical folders. But they are also Less expensive than many fancy damascus liner lock knives. You should be able to find a nice two blade custom folder in the $300 - $700 range.

I'm currently carrying a super trim 3-inch single blade mid-lock back folder with a really thin flat ground 420V blade and awesome pearl scales made by PJ. It was in the price range I just mentioned, and seems to me to be just about the ideal daily carry knife. Walk and talk is wonderful. It cuts great. It slips into my pocket with just enough presence that I know it's there. It's not a one hander, but it does not freak anyone out and is really fun to use.

I'm waiting for a plain single blade sliver with a D2 blade from Tim Herman. That knife will have to share time with my Tomes knives.

Paracelsus, traditionalist
 
Yes, that knife is similar, but I'm getting mine direct from PJ in a few weeks.

Nice ey?

Paracelsus
 
Really nice
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Of all the different do-dads that the gadget-minded have added to knives over the years, nothing is as cogent and useful as a second blade, I think. Although I think I would like to have at least one or two contraptions: a scissors, for example.
Would anything other than a blade be heretical or bad taste?
 
Originally posted by HJK:

Would anything other than a blade be heretical or bad taste?
Click to expand...

I'm trying to make one with a fork and a blade. I am having trouble making a handle that is comfortable for cutting with the blade and eating with the fork.

 
Count me in as a sucker for a well made slip joint. In fact I feel an argument can be made that folders have not been mastered until slip joints have been and I feel that they can be the most difficult folder to make well.

To me it seems that spring friction and tension along the kick of the blade, tension and friction between liners and the tang and the fact that there is no blade stop to keep the blade from closing onto a spring might support the high degree of difficulty plus the whole mess is pinned together. One that is put together well is a work of art to me no matter how fancy or plain it ends up being.

I enjoy and collect autos, 'one handers' and fixed blades, but a well made custom slipjoint can get me going regardless of the materials or design.

I can not say that about the other handmades I enjoy collecting where it takes a well made knife combined with design and materials for my bell to be rung.

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" The real art of living is too keep alive the longing in human beings to become greater versions of themselves." Laurens Van der Post.
In memory of James Mattis

[This message has been edited by Gus Kalanzis (edited 11-30-2000).]
 
Try Philip Booth. I just received a scale release auto from him and it is great. Fit and finish are top notch. In his catalog he as some pics of multiblades. With the quality I see the my scale release, I would not think twice about getting another one of his folders (as a matter of fact I am looking into getting another one).

Rich
 
I have a "Auto Hobo" from Mr Booth in the works.Should be quite interesting.

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have a"knife"day
 
Nice. Quite elegant and looks very comfortable to carry too.
What I was thinking of was a multiblade of more than two with filework and possibly damascus. I remember seeing an article on this somewhere, with colour photos of some incredible work, but I can't remember where
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Does anyone remember seeing an article in one of the Knives Annuals, Gun Digests or Levine's Guides? I think that's where ZI saw it. I still have this mental picture of a relatively big multiblade with amazing filework. My mind is going, going...
 
Whitewinger,
Wow! Some exceptional work shown there, and fantastic filework. The knife I remember probably was a Dushane, although I didn't see it on the site, I don't think. the images were loading pretty slowly so I'll have to check back later when I have some time to really appreciate it. That's good stuff!
 
That legacy piece is incredible.I want one.I love the way he cut the blades like a screw driver.It looks as though the long blades would not be able to close,i think the photo must be elongated. WOWZERS Roen.

[This message has been edited by roen (edited 12-03-2000).]
 
HJK, I'll throw Bob Conley's name into the hat. Just got back from the OKCA mini-show and picked-up an equal-end jack with yellow lip mother of pearl and the most incredible file work I've ever seen. Looks like a rose vine on the back of both blades, springs, and even wraps around to the inside of the springs! Don't know much about the maker except he's from Jonesboro, Tenn. and has been at it since 1979. This the finest multi-blade I've ever seen and I'm stoked! I actually picked it up on the way home at Northwest Knives in Salem Or. Try the link. http//www.nwknives.com

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Mike
OUCH!......damn
 
Thanks Mike,
It sounds beautiful, but I couldn't find it. I must be getting old and useless. My Google search did lead me to NW Cutlery, but it just wasn't on the page. Gary Levine does have a single blade by Mr. Conley, and that one looks good too. The filework sounds amazing. I've got a weak spot for filework
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I'll throw Richard Rogers into the fray. He makes some great multiblades. Richards and my table were back to back at the 99 Blade Show West and Eugene Shadley appeared at Richards table to ask his opinion on some multiblade stuff. If Eugene values Richards opinion that good enough for me.

Arthur D. Washburn
ADW Custom Knives
 
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