Don Hanson: "Blues" Trapper (and a lot of bonus material)

[Blues]

I know that Don Hanson has many friends and fans in this forum (and that comes as no surprise to anyone) so I thought I'd share a few images of a great knife that Don built for me a couple years back from his forged W2 and some very nice stag.

It was the first time that Don had made a trapper with this pattern and even though we didn't reinvent the wheel he was kind enough to name it his "Blues Trapper".
Naturally, I was very honored.

Anyway, here's some images...so if you can imagine how nice it would look if they were properly done, you'll get an idea of just how happy I am with this knife.

And as a bonus, how about a look at Don's work circa 1994...rosewood and damascus (1095/203e) and weighing in at about 9.5 ounces!

 

[MT Damascus]

Absolutely beautiful Elliott. One of Don's slipjoints is high on my list, forged W2 of course.



Kris

 

[Blues]

You won't regret it, Kris. But you already knew that. :thumbup:

 

[peterinct]

Beautiful Elliott, but admittedly, I was misled by the title. I was expecting to see some blue mammoth that Don is noted for in these parts

That is some mighty fine stag however...and how can anyone not like the look of that knife.

Peter

 

[Maddogg774]

So beautiful! Don always does beautiful work.

 

[John White]

Elliot,

That's a beauty, as you might expect from Don. It's also my kind of pocket knife!

What's the size on that lovely?

John

 

[Kohai999]

I got one of those just like yours, Elliott!

Not only are Don's blades sexy and super-well built, but they hold their value.

I had an amber stag slim trapper of his, and was happy with it until I saw yours, and when mine was delivered...LOVE at first sight. I sold the slim trapper for more than I paid for it originally, and the remaining overage for this one was very small.

Nothing to be argued with there.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Blues]

Elliot,

That's a beauty, as you might expect from Don. It's also my kind of pocket knife!

What's the size on that lovely?

John

4" closed, John.

 

[Don Hanson III]

Thanks Elliot! Glad to hear you are still enjoying the trapper. Stag like that is gettin very hard to find anymore.

Man, that old Sunfish is a blast from the past and very early in my folder making.

I need to do more of the 'Blues Pattern'...

Appreciate the good words, folks!

 

[Blues]

I got one of those just like yours, Elliott!

Not only are Don's blades sexy and super-well built, but they hold their value. (snip) I had an amber stag slim trapper of his, and was happy with it until I saw yours, and when mine was delivered...LOVE at first sight.
Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STeven, you are obviously a man of impeccable and indisputable taste.

 

[JAlexander]

I think I said it when you first got this one, Elliot, but there's absolutely nothing I don't love about the 'Blues' trapper. It's a beaut.

 

[Bobby Branton]

Nice job guys.

 

[Ken44]

I think I've told you before, but I'll tell you again.... Thats a great looking design, and was made to perfection.
I love good looking stag like that, the bomb shield, and the hand rubbed finish. Don knocked that one out of the park.

 

[Blues]

I'm going out on a limb, but I think if Don keeps at it he may have a future in this business...

Thanks, guys. It was as rewarding collaborating with Don as it was to receive the fruit of his labors. It's a wonderful companion and, happily, Don doesn't stop working before he gets to, and through with refining the edge.

 

[Kohai999]

I suck at taking photos.

It is both the lack of knowledge in what I am doing, and never having a decent camera. Hopefully getting a Fujifilm X100 from Santa...the other part is mercilessly annoying both Coop and Buddy T. with endless stupid questions....muwahahahaha.



Anyway, the left on is from Mike Zscherny(Gus Kalanzis selected it for me at Blade this year(I wasn't there), just fantastic), Bose pattern Wharncliffe Trapper with Turkish Lace damascus and amber stag, middle is the Blues Trapper, done up just like Elliott's, and right side is probably my favorite slipjoint to date, a Copperhead by Bill Ruple, with his great filework on the spine only.

Custom slipjoints are something that I came to very late in my knife collecting, and they are little bits of magic, I swear. Elliott is one of the most knowledgeable slipjoint enthusiasts that I know, and is great about sharing information concerning them.

Don't want to cause mass thread drift with the group shot, it's just that I couldn't find my other pic of the Hanson and wanted to share it.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Lorien]

that is some nice stuff!

 

[Blues]

STeven, I don't mind a little thread drift...let's have some fun with it...back in a second to riff on your images...

 

[Blues]

Ruple Copperhead:

Zscherny Wharncliffe Trapper (4" closed)

 

[Kohai999]

Are those yours, Elliott?

Dang if they are, that is too funny!

If you got a Hampton amber stag Knutbuster and a Rogers gold lip sowbelly, I'm gonna get nervous.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Blues]

They're mine...yes they are.

Rogers...not gold lip...ivory I'm afraid...

Hampton...you've already seen the Eureka...will you accept a stag Lanny's Clip?