Halfrich 4 inch pocket folding hunter

fasteddie

fasteddie

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Feb 22, 2002
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Got a call from Jerry Halfrich last week, asking if I wanted to stop by the shop to see the prototype of a new slipjoint pattern he's started making. It's a 4 inch folding hunter.. a scaled down version of an old 5.5 inch Case folding hunter. Jerry says he like that pattern since he was a kid, and wanted to make a version that could be easily carried but still be functional for hunting or general use. So it measures 4-1/8 inches closed, with a 3-3/16ths inch CPM 154 blade. It weighs in at 3 oz. That's a pretty light for a big knife with a rear bolster (cap). It's an integral frame, with front and rear bolsters part of the frame. Feels good in the hand and seems like a much smaller knife compared to Jerry's 4 inch Winchester design. He's been making slipjoints for a year or so now, and has gotten the geometry, finish, and spring tension just about perfect. The pictures don't do justice for the hand rubbed finish and the texture of the stag. He took the stag down so it matches the contour of the handles, but kept the bumps in the stag. I think he's got a winner with this one.

Here it is closed. You can see that there isn't much of the backsquare of the blade sticking up to wear holes in your pocket.

foldinghunter5.jpg


foldinghunter4.jpg


Here's the next one in the works. You can really see the integral bolsters on the frame in this one. Really bumpy stag too. Someone's gonna be very happy to get this one.

foldinghunter3.jpg


Here's the prototype of the folding hunter along with Jerry's 4 inch (closed)Winchester back pocket and a 4.5 inch version. You can reall see how you get a lot of blade in a relatively small frame.

foldinghunter2.jpg


Here it is with the 4 inch and a 4.5 inch.

foldinghunter1.jpg
 
Nice one, Ed. I like that.

It's funny, because I recently was chatting with Ken Erickson about setting up a pattern for a copperhead/folding hunter type knife. I even told him that I preferred the patterns of the larger folding hunter since they generally incorporate the "swell" moreso than the copperheads do as a rule.

Nice to see this pattern emerging.
 
Well that's gooood:thumbup::thumbup:
I really like how Jerry has shortened the length, to I think a real practical size.
It looks real sturdy & user friendly:thumbup:
Cheers
Mitch
 
Ya, that looks great. I like that pattern in that size. Thanks for posting those pictures. I'm glad I'm on his list again.
 
Thanks for posting, I love the one knife of Jerrys' I do have, his fit and finish are great, this appears to be a great pattern for him to make a lot more of.:D
Jim
 
Very very nice! Looks comfortable to carry and a great knife overall. That's a winner in my book!
 
This is a great pattern. The pictures that you have posted, posing it alongside the Back Pockets really put the great sizing and blade in perspective.

Great looking knife by a great maker.

Thanks for the posting.

Rick
 
Cool Stuff
he'll get plenty of Mileage outta that pattern
Thanx Ed
 
Thanks for posting such great knives!
I hear Jerry makes em sharp as all get out!
Enjoy!
 
That is one great looking knife. He sure has been stepping it up lately. Thanks for the pictures!:thumbup:
 
SHEBOP said:
Thanks for posting such great knives!
I hear Jerry makes em sharp as all get out!
Enjoy!
Click to expand...

He sure does get them sharp. I've seen Jerry go out behind his shop and slice a 3/4" inch branch off a tree and then take the same knife and split a hair. Also seen him cut a 1 or 1-1/2 inch free hanging rope with one stroke of his back pocket knife. In fact, I've done that one myself.

He's also learning to master the Tony Bose pocket knife fine adjustment method.
 

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fasteddie said:
...He's also learning to master the Tony Bose pocket knife fine adjustment method.
Click to expand...

NO NO NO...He needs to swing that "roundhouse style" from his ankles to do the proper Bose adjustment :D
 
A knowledgable collector would notice that Jerry has choked up on the sledge. He's smiling because of the nervous look on my face. Its my tbose WT under the hammer in that pic :eek::eek::eek:
 
That looks like a great tough pattern to me. The swedging looks awesome too.
 
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