Info Wanted: Bill Ruple

D

DrRMJ

Joined
May 7, 1999
Messages
209
I was able to handle a few of Ruple's knives at Retting's in Culver City this past week. Does anybody know anything about this maker? There was two 3 bladed stockman's and 4 trappers. All I can say is that they were very well made. Anybody know what kind of blade steel he uses?

Thanks!

 
Hi Doc,
Got this out of the Knives Annual.
He sold his first knife in 1988.
Specialties: Multi Blade slipjoints and lockbacks in 440C, ATS34 and commercial Damascus.
P.O. Box 370
Charlotte, TX 78011
724-573-4569.

I have yet to handle his work, but several people whose opinions I respect have spoken very highly of him.
Hope this helps some.
Gus


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" The real art of living is to keep alive the longing in human beings to become greater versions of themselves." Laurens Van der Post in memory of James Mattis

[This message has been edited by Gus Kalanzis (edited 04-09-2001).]
 
Thanks Gus,

For some strange reason, I've been taking a look at a lot multiblades lately. I know that it is a difficult style for makers to make. Awesome stuff.

 
The Solvang show is coming up soon. Do not know how close it is to you, but I do know that there are always some fantastic slip joints that will show up there. Not to mention the makers themselves.
 
I hope this is not a double post. First one disapeared. Bill Ruple make fantastic pocket knives. I have had the pleasure of meeting him on several occasions and handling his knives. First class all the way. I have also gotten to watch him make one. He makes it look easy but that is only after many years of practice. He is well known in South Texas and gaining a National reputation. I would order one before prices and wait times increase.
 
Hi Doc and All, I should have Bill's Wharncliff Trapper in a few days.
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Yup, I ordered the one from AZCK. I can play with it for 2 years till I get my Dan Burke wharncliff whittler. I'll tell you about when I get it in my wood whittlin' hands. Darn, I love those slipjoints
smile.gif

Regards Jim
 
Thanks again for all the info. The 3 blade stockman I handled at Rettings was awesome. The workmanship of the springs and the blade grinds...I particulary like the blade that is "square-shaped(?)" It looks like a sheeps foot but is not curved. Does anybody know the name of this blade style? What is its intended use?

Thanks!

Roger L. Su, D.C. (DrRMJ)
 
Without seeing it, I would venture a guess it is a coping blade. This style was found mostly on whittlers and other larger split backspring knives (i.e. anglo saxon whittlers which had a tendancy to be larger).

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" The real art of living is to keep alive the longing in human beings to become greater versions of themselves." Laurens Van der Post in memory of James Mattis
 
Saw his stuff in Mesquite and it was pretty good.Saw his goodies in Vegas and they were "ass kickin"Bought one of his Trapper patterns.One of my favs.
He is going to be at the Oregon Show.They are giving one of his knives away as a prize.I think he donated it.I'll have to save a bit for his table.
smile.gif


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have a"knife"day
 
Within the last few weeks I've been thinking about getting a nice pocket multi-blade folder. Finally saw some of Bill Ruple's knives on AZCK and pondered whether or not to get one. Then a day or so ago got the email from Karen saying they got some of Bills new trappers and mini-trappers. After seeing his knives I knew they would be going fast. When I called Jay at AZCK, there were only two of his pieces left. I was able to get the mini-stag handled trapper. This knife looks so nice and the attention to detail in the vine pattern filework is outstanding. I can't wait to get it in hand. Does anyone know where I might get a small suade or leather slip pouch for it?

It's kind of funny just when I start thinking of a certain maker or knife, up pops a topic on the forums. You guys are the best. Afer showing this to my wife, she now understands how my interests are drawn to bladeforums. Amazing!
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That sowbelly on by Bill at AZCK is NICE!!!!! I can't decide to get that, or the stockman at Rettings. For some reason (may be it is just me) I feel that Bill's knives were made to be "used"; not to sit in a glass case. I'm sure the other makers give you guys similar feelings.
 
Hello
I see that I arrived a little late, as Gus has already put Jay and Karen Sadow's link on this thread.
Last time I checked they had a good variety of this maker's work in stock.

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Ivan Campos
Full-time knifemaker...finally!

http://www.bitweb.com.br/users/campos
 
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