Don Hanson Fancy Tac Folder

Jon Brand

Jon Brand

Joined
May 28, 2007
Messages
4,417
I have been trying to get back into the knife game after a hiatus. This long standing order helps kick it in to gear! This was built as a fancy EDC tac, and if I can work up the balls it will use it. I have carried many of Don's folders and there really isn't much that is more satisfying. As per his usual this one sports his own damascus and some of the best mammoth out there! Both the knife and photograph are new. What do you think?

Hanson_220629-wweb.jpg
 
Tough crowd. I know this place used to be hoppin but still surprised at how slow this forum has been. I ordered this knife as a carry but its so damn beautiful im struggling to pocket it. What would you do?
 
Jon Brand said:
Tough crowd. I know this place used to be hoppin but still surprised at how slow this forum has been. I ordered this knife as a carry but its so damn beautiful im struggling to pocket it. What would you do?
Click to expand...
I wear a vest to have extra pockets so I can carry showpieces and beaters at the same time. Don’t mix that one with your pocket change. I do the same with pens by getting shirts with 2 breast pockets.
 
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I'd carry it. But in a pocket by itself, which is how I prefer to carry my main folder anyway.
 
That’s a drop dead gorgeous knife…I recently received my third knife from Don and I don’t carry any of them…same goes for all of my high end folders…BUT there are a lot of folks who have Don’s knives that derive great pleasure carrying them and showing them to friends…if it gives you pleasure, put it in your pocket!…
 
Gorgeous!!! Just gorgeous!!!! I just luv the copper induced blues that mammoth tusk picks up while "aging" underground.....
I'd definitely put it in my pocket and maybe kill a few Amazon boxes too!!!
Enjoy!!
 
Gorgeous. I'd hopefully carry it.

I don't recall seeing any Don Hanson knives with a pocket clip? And the thumb disk makes me wonder if it's a liner lock?

Beautiful piece Thanks for sharing it.
 
Jon Brand said:
Tough crowd. I know this place used to be hoppin but still surprised at how slow this forum has been. I ordered this knife as a carry but its so damn beautiful im struggling to pocket it. What would you do?
Click to expand...
Do what lots of people do: use it a while and then sell it as LNIB.
 
Jon, you continue to have smart taste. Was that lonnnnng clip your influence?

There is SO much going on in this gem. It's a library of interesting details. Including that Goblin on the disk... ;)

(Yes, sadly, the forum model has changed from ago. But, still good.)
 
Jon Brand said:
I have been trying to get back into the knife game after a hiatus. This long standing order helps kick it in to gear! This was built as a fancy EDC tac, and if I can work up the balls it will use it. I have carried many of Don's folders and there really isn't much that is more satisfying. As per his usual this one sports his own damascus and some of the best mammoth out there! Both the knife and photograph are new. What do you think?

View attachment 1858459
Click to expand...
Spectacular piece, congrats!
 
SharpByCoop said:
Jon, you continue to have smart taste. Was that lonnnnng clip your influence?

There is SO much going on in this gem. It's a library of interesting details. Including that Goblin on the disk... ;)

(Yes, sadly, the forum model has changed from ago. But, still good.)
Click to expand...

Funny.. I drew a picture of a clip design on that handle, and Don got it just about perfect... but added just a little more length then I had drawn. I also wanted it as high up on the butt as possible so Don carved it out of a thick chunk of damascus, rather then having an elonged area where the screws are. This gives it that modern milled clip look and feel. Also lets it ride lower in the pocket. Here are some other random notes..

Most of the details were custom and specified before the build. This was based on my previous Hanson carry folder but bigger. Not just longer, but wider so that the proportions look the same (I dont want a slim knife). I requested >3.5" but <3.75" for the blade and a thumb disk that would be just a bit smaller then what he does on some of his larger Tac folders. I asked for a forged in (not cut) ladder pattern blade specifically made with alternating W2 steel as I prefer that for cutting. Don obliged and forged a billet specifically for this project (and had some extra steel for another lucky collector I know). As mentioned, the clip was almost exact to my drawing but just came out a little longer which could be a beneficial, IMO. The recurve blade as well as the widened butt were all intentional as they help point the knife more forward/down when in hand. I have some tendonitis up and down my right arm, and having an expanded butt puts less stress on my arm when gripping the folder. Gives my pinky something to push on as opposed to a narrow fighter styled handle. This knife was built on the heavier duty side of his work. A little thicker and heavier then some of the more delicate/thin art knives of the past.
 
because things in my pockets get smashed, I think I'd make a belt pouch for it.
I'm getting a strong sense of deja vu right now🤔

anyway, I think it's killer. That Hanson guy is known for making some sweet knives and this one is up there with his nicest work. I especially like the patterning in the blade, and the manly size.
I honestly don't know if I'd carry it or not. Probably not- and I'd be totally ok with that. I have a hard time not beating up my stuff.
 
You jumped back in in style, Jon!
So much Hanson goodness going on in that piece.
Coop just killed the photo. Awesome image of a great DHIII folder.
I have carried and used several of Don's knives, the majority being W2.
Since you added the clip, I would carry this one to show.

- Joe
 
I have to be honest...I would have a hard time carrying that knife other than for just looking at it from time to time. Drop dead gorgeous. Congratulations.

Like the Chief said in the Outlaw Josey Wales..."I got this piece of rock candy...but it ain't for eatin'.....it's for looking thru..."
 
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