Custom slipjoint

silenthunterstudios

silenthunterstudios

Slipjoint Addict
Joined
Feb 2, 2005
Messages
20,039
Well, I've decided to plunk some money down on a custom slipjoint. I really like the single blade back pocket knife, the single blade trapper and the two blade trapper. I would love to get a Bose, like everyone else, but have come to a compromise money wise. I would like to spend no more than 250-300, preferably bone or wood scales, but really looking for something durable. 2.75" to 3.25" blade. I have big hands, but this is a custom slip joint, so it can't be that big. I've been visiting Tim Brittons site a lot recently, and spending a lot of time in the Folders For Sale By Makers section on here. I don't even know what steel I want, but I am guessing D2 would be a good choice for something that will be carried on occassion. This will be a purchase a good bit down the road, probably some time next year. Any ideas on makers that carry similar models?
 
looks like good value for the knife
my all time favorite slippy is the three blade whittler with a wharncliff primary.

there are some fine makers on the BF


burl
stag
green canvas
all good
buzz
 
Take a look at Jerry Halfrich or Rick Menefee. Not sure what Jerry's prices are right now, but I'm sure Rick has something in your price range - but I would be sure to check with both. For the most bang for the buck, go for a shadow pattern (no bolsters) in micarta or G10 -- you can get the trappers and backpocket knives as shadow patterns. This makes a great EDC - light and tough, can carry it everyday with no worries. Once you start adding bolsters and bone scales, price is going to go up. D2 is a great steel choice - needs little care and holds an edge for a long time.

If you want to get the knife next year, you probably need to get in line now.
 
I'd love to get a five blade stockman in BG42 with desert ironwood scales and damascus bolsters, but that might be going a little overboard :D.

Thanks for the suggestions! Keep em comin'.
 
Take a look at Kerry Hampton's KHnutbuster. If you have big hands, this would be a great pattern to look at. Blade and back spring are etched A2...came super sharp. Kerry does a wide variety of handle materials as well.

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Excellent makers suggested, Bret Dowell is another I'd add to the list. This is a 3.5", but he makes a 3.75" and a 4".

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I thought I didn't like shadow patterns, then I saw Kerry Hampton's KHnutbuster... I now like shadow patterns and it's got me thinking about how light and easy to carry they would be.
Thanks for the pic. :thumbup:
 
Brent Cramer (aka "blades&grace) made me a Bose-style backpocket in D2. Your price range is basically what I paid. Lead-time was only about two months. Check out my pics I posted of it.
 
I got one other maker to add for consideration to this very good list that the gang has come up with.
Ray Kirk.
 
morrowj_98 said:
Take a look at Kerry Hampton's KHnutbuster. If you have big hands, this would be a great pattern to look at. Blade and back spring are etched A2...came super sharp. Kerry does a wide variety of handle materials as well.
Click to expand...

I was just about to suggest that. Kerry's KHnutbuster meets all your criteria, including price. This KHnutbuster was my first, and only, custom slipjoint and I knew as soon as I picked it up that I made the right choice.

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Take a serious look at the KHnutbuster. It's pretty cool having a knife that is the maker's signature design. The KHnutbuster is to Kerry what the Lochsa is to Scott Cook.
 
silenthunterstudios said:
I've liked the custom sodbusters I've seen, but never planned on getting one.

Until I saw this one. WOW.
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You won't be disappointed in anything Kerry makes. KHnutbusters are the heat. Problem is deciding what materials...and waiting for the dart to hit your name :D
 
silenthunterstudios said:
I've liked the custom sodbusters I've seen, but never planned on getting one.

Until I saw this one. WOW.
Click to expand...
Thanks, #15 really is a special knife. If you think it looks good in pictures you should see it in person.

silenthunterstudios said:
This will be a purchase a good bit down the road, probably some time next year.
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Get on Kerry's list now, before it gets too long. You can place an order today, and you won't have to pay for it until delivery.
 
Kerry Hampton, Rick Menefee, Bret Dowell, Joe Allen, Ben Midgley, Todd Davison. These are just some I can think of right now. Take a good look at each. None will disappoint!:thumbup:
 
Lots of well known names, I will add someone that I was very impressed with at the BLADE show - Ian van Reenen. He had a Gunstock pattern with Bone that was at the top of your price range (but I don't know if that meets the "backpocket" criteria).

I also liked Rick M's stuff, I didn't get to handle all that he took to Blade as some had already sold.

But, a Maker like Ray Kirk would be fun to work with as he is just a great guy who really listens to his Customers.

Good luck, your choice won't be easy, but the search is half the fun.
 
I've been purchasing custom hand made folders/slip-joints for decades. All the suggestions here I've heard thus far for the most part I would also endorse, however, for the price, quality and attention to detail you'll receive, then hands down I've got to insist on highly recommending Kerry Hampton as your custom maker as morrowj & kamagong already mentioned. It certainly doesn't get any better in my book keeping in mind all you mentioned in your OP.

Here is a Back Pocket Trapper pattern he built for me. I edc this puppy 15-20 days out of 30 each and every month since I got her. Good for large-ish paws at just shy of 4 inches closed. Blade is 3 1/8 inches from tip to bolster..

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There are a lot more details on this knife and all the others he has produced for folks in the Kerry Hampton thread so I advise you to take some time, pop a beer or two, and kick back while you check it out..

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=565806

Also, you need to bear in mind that you should contact him right away should you choose him. If you get on his list now, you will likely get the process started approximately the time frame you described next year.
 
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