Joel Chamblin- How does his stuff rank among other makers?

Joel Chamblin is one of the top slipjoint makers in the world. Period.

His work is generally different from what Jerry makes in that Jerry tends to build more robust knives designed for field use. While Joel makes patterns of that style as well, he is more well known (imho) for older style, classic traditional pocket knives such as doglegs, whittlers, doctors and others of that ilk. That said, Joel also builds stockman, serpentine jacks and sowbellies.

Bottom line, you couldn't go wrong with either maker. Each is supremely talented and makes superb knives.
 
Top notch!

Excellent fit and finish. Beautiful work with great attention to detail.
 
I sold my one Chamblin knife...a beautiful little peanut. I regret it every day if that tells you anything.
 
Joel is a fine maker, and fine gentleman as well.

I have several of his knives, and they are all as close to perfect as can be found on this earth. If you are placing a special order with him, you will get everything that you want, and more so.
 
I own several of Joel's knives. They are very finely made and just beg to be carried. My knives by Joel tend to be quite light/smooth on the pull versus some other makers. His detail work is spot on - everything fits together and works perfectly.

By the way, Joel is terrific to deal with.

I think you will be very happy with your choice.

Here are a couple of pictures of two trappers that i own by Joel. The wait was well worth it to me.

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Those are beauties 1200S. That Wharncliffe Trapper looks like it might be a brother to my Chamblin Trapper. Here's a pic of the two Chamblin's I own:

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I have know Joel for almost 14 years and have quite a few examples of his work. Each one exhibits top shelf skills and represents a fine value. He also has my trust so much so that my latest order with him just has a price ceiling for anything he wants to make and there are just a handful of makers with whom I feel comfortable in doing something like that with, due to a long relationship or knowledge of their work.

During the time I have known him he has been 100% consistent in making a fine top shelf knife for more than a fair price. When a maker has reached the skill level he has, it has been my experience that trying to compare the work to other top shelfers becomes more a matter of preference than a matter of who's is of the highest quality.
 
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