Favorite folder makers?

[MVF]

My collection has gotten pretty lopsided in favor of fixed blades, especially when it comes to customs. I'm looking to remedy this with your help.

I thought this thread could be fun and informative for us newbies, and maybe for some of you more experienced collectors as well. Please note: I am not asking anyone to name the best maker, just their favorites. Let's see if we can keep this one fun and light, huh?

So, tell us who your favorite folder makers are! Let's break it down into tactical, gentleman's knife, and slip-joint- and perhaps $700 & under, and over $700. Pictures, of course, are more than welcome (begged for, actually)!

If you are so inclined, please include what you like about each maker's work, and any suggestions to those of us getting started will be appreciated.

TIA, Mike

 

[Jon Brand]

I am only buying folders from the sole authorship guys lately. I love pattern welded or mosaic damascus. Over the past year I have purchased knives of Josh Smith, Don Hanson, Cliff Parker and Al Dippold. I also love Rick Dunkerly and Shane Taylors folders but don't own any yet. These are all over the $700 mark and they are great eye candy. Ive posted these recent purchases a couple of times but I will do it again.

 

[Jon Brand]

I forgot to mention John W. Smith. I would actually recommend his knives to any new folder collector. They have a wide range in price, never go out of style and are always in some kind of demand. They operate incredibly smoothly, as John is famous for his perfect fit and finish.

 

[Joss]

Under $700, J. W. Smith tactical knives are nearly unbeatable for their value. Their design is classy (some would say tame), and the F&F is close to perfect.

I just got an older 1-blade slipjoint by Don Hanson, and that knife is great. A big, solid, "user grade" working man's knife. Bought it on Nordic for a song.

Above $700, my favorite among the makers I own are Tim Wright & Barry Davis - they both are way, way over that pricing though...

 

[Doug C]

I just got an older 1-blade slipjoint by Don Hanson, and that knife is great. A big, solid, "user grade" working man's knife. Bought it on Nordic for a song.

I picked up a couple of Don's early Bowies and this Damascus blade slippie shortly after joining here,Don was selling them for the widow of a collector.

Doug

 

[Jon Brand]

I dont own the following two but I love them.

Second one not listed is by Rick Dunkerly, ms

 

[Kevin Jones]

Don Hanson:

Ken Steigerwalt:

And WD Pease, just to name a few:

 

[Don Hanson III]

Wow, thanks for all the mentions guys, much appreciated :thumbup:

This reminds me, I need to get a few folders finished for Blade

See y'all in Atlanta,

 

[RogerP]

I'm not much of a folder guy, but I do lust after the knives of Bailey Bradshaw, DH III, Warren Osborne, Rick Dunkerley and Kaj Embretson.

Roger

 

[Sagittarius]

Jmo, nobody makes a better folder for the money than Ray Rogers.
Especially, his bigger folders !
Here's a pic of my Titanium Chupacabra by Ray.
It's my favorite knife of all time; love it. :thumbup:
Built like a Battleship !
www.rayrogers.com

Sag.

 

[Bastid]

My folder favorites are Richard Rogers, Kit Carson, Joel Chamblin, Tony and Reese Bose, Don Hansen, Bill Ruple, Ryuichi Kawamura, Bailey Bradshaw, Gray Taylor, Gene Shadley, Jack Davenport, Tom Mayo, Daryl Ralph, Scott Cook, Terry Davis and Dan Burke.

Here are a few that have made their way to Bastidville: (Scans of Bose Knives are by John Nugent).

 

[Win Heger]

Some great selections, folks. Here are a few of my favorites. some still here.
Wish list is long and includes T. Bose, W. Loercher, J. Horn and others.

Win

Tactical, Kit Carson or Ernie Emerson:

Scott Sawby:

WD Pease:

Joel Chamblin:

R. Bose:

 

[Erik Fritz]

I am being kinda biased living in montana but any of the following in no particular order. Shane Taylor, Rick dunkerly, Josh Smith, Barry Gallagher, and Wade colter if you can get him to make one or catch him at a show. Slip Joints Bill Burke is doing some good stuff. He had one at Blade show i thought was one of the best Slip joints i have seen.

 

[T.K.C.]

My favorite folder makers are:
Tom Mayo
Kevin Wilkins
Rick Hinderer
Shane Sibert
DDR
Patrick Nihiser
Robert Terzuola
John W. Smith
Yuna
Jens Anso
Matt Cucchiara

I am personally lusting after knives from Scott Sawby.

 

[T.K.C.]

 

[Jon Brand]

More Hanson

 

[MVF]

WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!!! Thanks for sharing! Those are some amazing knives! Just beautiful. Most, unfortunately, well beyond my means, but I guess that's what the lottery is for!

I was very glad to hear the remarks about John W. Smith as I have one of his knives on order from Les- since it was my first, it's nice to know that was a good move. He was among a few makers suggested by STeven in a thread awhile back for his great work at a price beginners could afford as an alternative to high-end production knives.

I would have liked to have seen mention of G & G Hawk, as I just ordered one of their RAM IIs as well, but I'm sure I'll enjoy it!

Thanks again for taking the time to post, especially those gorgeous pictures- although I may have to try this again for strictly under $700- either that or start selling off and saving my pennies!

 

[RWS]

The designs and looks of these two maker's Knives have always impressed me:
Scott Cook.....

And Allen Elishewitz.....

 

[JatMat]

In no particular order
Mike Tison

Ray Cover

Don Hanson

Ray Cover

Mike Alsdorf

Ken Erickson

Kerry Hampton
Not received yet
Tony Bose

Any many more living and passed.

 

[Kevin Jones]

I love that Don Hanson tri-blade.

tri-blade, tells you how little I know about folders.

Speaking of Hanson, where the heck does all that AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA grade ivory come from?