Designer recognition time

I'll add the following to the distinguished list -

Michael Collins, Blackie's more artistic under-appreciated brother

Tony Marfione, absolutely brilliant designer

Butch Vallotton, the DA granddaddy and the genius behind many successful production knives

Jim Hammond, great lines

Ed Halligan, artistry and minimalism from one mind
 
Hey, you know what "TOOLSTEEL"? I've had about enough of Ug to suit me a lifetime! Og was the first, all others are second comers! Og was and always will be "the man", so deal with it! Have a nice day.
Jim
 
I'm pretty new to knives so I don't know much about many designers other than their production recreations. But I'll do my best.

Ken Onion. I really like a lot of the lines and shapes he uses. Three of my favorites are the Leek, Spec Bump, and Random Task. Each for different reasons. The Leek is svelt and elegant. It has an understated beauty and rides well in the pocket, which is a practical effect of the design. The Spec Bump is curvy and sexy, but also very ergonomic. The Random Task is simple and purposeful. And his customs (which I have only seen in pics) are some of the best looking knives I have seen. His same great design style that I know from production Kershaws, but with incredible-looking materials.

Neil Blackwood. I think his customs are a little "too much" for me. Too wild. Too much like a concept car versus a real car. But I think the Skirmish and RUKUS are two of the best looking production knives. So while his typical customs may be too much for me, I think his designs are great and he is really talented.

Sal Glesser. I'm not just kissing butt since you are here. I am into minimalist cars and motorcycles- you know, form following function and no excess like radios and A/C. Many Spydercos follow this philosphy. I think the Delica and Endura are two of the great modern classic knives and were very innovative.

I wish I knew who designed the Mcusta Kasumi. That is, in my opinion, the best looking knife that I have ever seen.

I also think the Sebenza looks great. I think it has an understated beauty and elegance. I also really like some of the graphic versions (both the production ones and the unique ones I have seen). So honorable mention to Chris Reeve and Lisa (who does the unique graphics now while Chris did the old ones).

I think this is a great combination of beauty and simplicity.

CR_SnSLRG1.jpg


Can't wait for mine to come!
 
My favourite designers working for big companies: Mel Pardue, Kit Carson, Allen Elishewitz, Greg Lightfoot. I would love to see some of DB Fraley's and Joel Pirela :) designs in mass production.
 
And for fixed blades you've got to include D'Holder. If you go to look for a hunting knife in Arizona, you'll find more D'Holder look-a-likes than anyone elses.
 
Come on now, Ernie Emerson needs to be on this list. Creator of the wave and no apologies tactical knives...
 
I really like the work or Frank Centofante, Kit Carson, and Sal.
All are top-notch!
 
Some more people whose knives I like a lot, some well-known here, others maybe not:

Harvard Bergland, a Norwegian maker of traditional (and not so traditional) Norwegian knives. Fantastic knives by any standard, I wish I could afford to get a custom made by him. Get his book "Knivsmeden", have a look at his work, and you'll see what I mean.

Sal Glesser for his straightforward, minimalist designs that are meant to do a job and do it really well. The Calypso Jr. is perhaps the best example of this approach, and the UK Penknife, designed by Sal Glesser and the "design team" from the British Blades Forum another - a slipjoint with incredible ergonomics and a blade designed for cutting and nothing but cutting.

Frank Centofante for his thin-bladed, elegant folders in a world dominated by thick blades that can do almost anything but cut really well.

Kevin Wilkins, a maker who doesn't seem get the attention he deserves. Beautifully made knives with a lot of attention to detail, perfect workmanship, clear lines. I'd really like to see a collaboration between him and Spyderco some day.

Hans
 
Warren Osborne for his sculpture. His knives have a flow to them that make them seem almost alive.

Bob Terzuola for his directness and ability to see a knife's uses and design a truly effective implement that also looks good in the bargain.

Sal and Eric Glesser for their ability to come up with new ideas that have benefitted all knife lovers and users. Some of their ideas look downright weird at first, but they grow on you to the point that you wonder why knives were never made that way before.

And, finally, the late lamented Bo Randall for his classic No. 1 Fighting Knife, probably the very best modern interpretation of the Bowie, IMO.
 
Chris Reeve
Osbourne
Tom Krein
RJ Martin
McHenry/Williams
Snody
Perrin

I still have to mention the Glessers even though they were supposed to be excluded.
 
I am fairly new to this whole knife business, but my favorite knives up to this point have been designed by Sal and Eric Glesser and Ed Schempp. I love the way that Sal and Ed also take the time to converse with us and solicit our input!!

Ron
 
I am blown away that nobody has given the nod to my fav. PAT CRAWFORD. A consumate gentleman the few times that I contacted him for custom work on my red survivasl staff. Also one of the forefathers of tactical folder movement; I have not seen a design that I did not like, and his prices are great for the name he has and materials the he uses.
 
Just thought of William H. (Bill) Harsey.. I love his T-2 and I love CR's Neil Roberts..

should be mentioned
 
May I add another? I would add John Greco, a genleman whose knives are superb and with whom I have had some most enjoyable conversations. As my late father would say, "A genleman, a scholar, and a good judge of bad whisky."
 
Who ever designed the para military, Chris Reeves, Ernie Emerson, SERE 2K and Marfione for the MT SOCOM. BEST KNIVES I OWN CURRENTLY. keepem sharp
 
Ethan Becker: Becker Knives.
Hard-use knives at a good low price. And widely sold as made by Camillus.
 
Sal Glesser designed the Para I am pretty sure. His mark is on the blade of mine.

Ron
 
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