John Smith Large Evolution

Kohai999

Kohai999

Second Degree Cutter
Joined
Jul 15, 2003
Messages
12,554
Hello All,

A while back we had the discussion about Bob T., and Joss & Don Sunfishman said that John W. Smith made an unparalleled folding tactical knife. I picked up a Large Evolution Liner Lock from a web purveyor, mainly out of curiousity.

The blade is S30 V, which you some of you know can exhibit a "pattern" when heat treated. The blade did this, I could detect the different crystal patterns in the blade as "smudges" and this bothered me. Other than this, the knife is wonderful, every bit as Bob T's best work, (for comparison only, no new flames here).

As I had gotten this knife on the aftermarket, I expected John to charge me for any work done. I did send him some money for return shipping, as I do not expect the maker to eat this cost. John took a short while (maybe 3 weeks) to work on it, and e-mailed me to say that no matter how he tried hand rubbing the blade, he could not "erase" the smudges, so he was replacing the blade. At no cost to me.

The newly bladed knife arrived yesterday, in absolutely flawless condition. I can say that John W. Smith has set a new standard for customer service in my eyes. The man is a credit to his craft, and very easy to do business with. I have ordered another knife from him. An RC-1 with exotic wood scales, and a rubbed satin finish, no pocket clip. I am VERY much looking forward to it.

John is one of the best!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
John W Smith is one of the finest knifemakers and finest gentleman you can have the pleasure of meeting, I am proud to call him my friend.
 
What Dave said. John is one of the most uderrated folder makers out there!
 
Art,

John is not underated by the custom knife community as a whole. In a recent article in Knives Illustrated 9 dealers were interviewed and asked to rate the top 5 folder makers. Overall John was rated number 1.

Additionally, when as spot became available at the Art Knife Invitational. The current attending makers voted that John Smith be the next maker asked to join them.

John is only underated in the narrow focus of most of the Internet knife forums. It's not a big deal to John, he has all the work he can stand. This is just an example of why you have to consider multiple sources when you are looking to buy a knife.
 
WWG's dead on. John's knives are some of the most sought after customs produced by anyone. He makes a range of pieces from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars in price and sells everything he makes.
 
Yeah, JWS is awesome. I've talked to him via email a few times and he's always been friendly and helpful. His knives are just amazing. Fit and finish are absolute perfection and I really like his designs. I was happy to see that he got such recognition in Knives Illustrated, he deserves it.
 
I acquired a large Evolution from Randy Morgan a few months ago, and was so impressed with it I bought a small RL-1 which is very similar only with a 3" blade both in S30V, and the recurve blade. Awesome workmanship, and sharp as the dickens.
I called John on the phone, and had a lengthy conversation with him, and what a nice gentleman to talk to. Very friendly, and willing to answer all my questions.
I asked him about the article in Knives Illustrated, and at the time he did not even know about him being selected number 1 on the list. He said he felt he was overrated, and honored but not deserving but I told him all those people could not be wrong, and the 2 knives I had proved it. I have seen some beautiful knives he made on websites, and mags, and he does some awesome work in tactical as well as art knives.
Nice guy, and great knifemaker.

Larry
 
The ONLY critique I can offer about John is his lazy website. I have never seen an update. I think it's about 3-4 years old. Of course he probably doesn't know a thing about the process and someone else set it up.

I'm always left wanting more.... (HEY, that's a GOOD thing! ;))

Coop
 
I think WoodWorkGhost described John W. Smith pretty good.

All I'd like to say that he's about as good as they get as a knife maker, as an artist and as a person. I have one of John's knives and it is a jewel in my collection. Being able to call him a friend makes me very proud.
 
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