Impeccable Knifemakers, who are they?

I've watched this thread and seen some mighty fine makers listed. I really wasn't going to even do a list but I got to thinking about makers I've worked with, actually ordered a knife and got to become aquainted with the maker. Quite a bit different than just buying off the shelf. To me it's a little more than just fit and finish.

Bill Pease
David Broadwell
Scott Sawby
Ron Newton
Jimmy Fikes
Bob Loveless
Ricardo Velarde
John Young

There were probably a couple I missed but these come immediately to mind.

Win
 
Anders Hogstrom
Rod Chappel
Shiva Ki
Yoshindo Yoshihara (technically a swordsmith, but his tantos are incomparable)
 
Knife orders I have are with:

Darrel Ralph
Jones Brothers
Deryk Monroe
Michael Burch
Kirby Lambert
Derrek Goodson
Dav Winch
Charles Marlowe
Les George
Mike Lovett
Matt Cucchiara

The work of these me just blows me away.
 
Tony Bose
Don Fogg
Steve Hoel
Jess Horn
Tai Goo
Tom Mayo
Ken Onion
Darrel Ralph
Kit Carson
Tom Anderson

these are in no special order. These guys make the cleanest, nicest knives in the business and in my book as close to perfection as one gets.........
 
Gotta put in a plug here for Phil Boguszewski, great guy to visit with and made me some sweet knives in the past. The one I just got , which I had some input on the design, is the smoothest flipper I've ever felt. Can't say enough about the knife or the maker.
 
I'm pretty new here and can't compare with the lists I've seen posted so far.
The only custom knife maker I can speak of is a young fella I met many years ago at a gun show when he was just starting out, Scott Cook.
I placed an order with him for a custom knife and have used it heavily since. It's dressed several elk and many deer and I have yet to touch the blade.
I know Scott has moved up in the knife scene since and done well for himself, I'm surprised I didn't see his name in this thread somewhere.
customknife
 
Well, I keep doing this, but I just remembered one other maker I did deal directly with, Terry Primos, and I must say, he was an absolute pleasure to deal with, and needless to say, the knife I got from him is phenomenal.

OK, that should do it, I really can't think of another maker I have dealt with, the truth is, the vast majority of my knives have been bought from purveyors, I admit, I am an instant gratification type of guy. :)
 
Here are my votes:

JL Williams
Tim Galyean
Kit Carson
Rick Hinderer
Mike Obenauf
Deryk Munroe
Tom Mayo
DB Fraley
Rick Dunkerley
Josh Smith
Jim Burke
Neil Blackwood
Trace Rinaldi
Phil Boguszewski
Jens Anso

All of these gentlemen have made exemplary knives and given me exemplary service as well. None have ever asked me for a deposit.
 
Lake and Hoel by far. You can't touch a Lake 3 inch folder for under 5k anymore without engraving.
 
Glad to see the "Commodore" mention future "King of the Knives", young Mr. Josh Smith. I have to add Mike Mooney to the mix along with many on my list already mentioned.
 
Let's not leave out Terry Davis! Beautiful slipjoints, with the proportions and ergonomics of the best of yesterday, and sole authorship of all parts!
 
Maybe I missed it but I don't see Scott Cook mentioned. If I could think of one word to describe his Lochsa folder... that word would be impeccable. I can't speak to his fixed blades, as I don't own any, but the Lochsa is damn near perfect.
 
My absolute favorite knives are made by Tim Hancock. My favorite knifemaker is Tim Hancock. Those are not the same criteria.

Not only does Tim make incredible knives, but his knifemaking ethic, his business ethic and his general demeanor is the finest I know. A true gentleman and fantastic artisan.

Cheers,
Mike
 
Rainy Vallotton

Don Lozier

Mel Fassio

RW Loveless

Bill Moran

Ed Fowler

Bob Terzuola
 
I've said it before and I'll say it again....

J.P. Moss.... good luck ever getting a knife with a better grind or better fit and finish..you'll never find one! Plus he's an all around nice guy!
 
Is there anyone left out there who ISN'T on this list yet? ;) I know many of the makers mentioned and several are good friends. But if we leave social graces and business ethics out of the equation, my personal interpretation of the word "impeccable" would apply to just one maker: Wolfgang Lörchner.
 
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