Ken Erickson Knives: A Retrospective

I have had a chance to finish up the Texas Jack this morning and overall real happy with the knife. Jared Oeser (a very talented maker branching out into slipjoints) had asked me if I would document my process for dyeing and jigging the bone scales. I guess the god's were smiling down on me with this set. I was able to achieve the two-tone affect with the colors I like. Here are the specifications on the knife.

D2 Flatground blades/springs
Hand finished 800 grit
Half-stops
410ss integral bolsters/frames
Extension spring for pen blade
2 3/4oz

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This picture shows the difference in thickness compared to a stockman I just finished in the same length.
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Looks great, Ken, in all respects. A terrific pattern, well executed! :thumbup:
 
That bone looks great Ken. I think you managed to step it up a notch and I didn't think that was possible. And I like the pattern as well.
 
Thanks for the comments guys!


Mike Robuck said:
That bone looks great Ken. I think you managed to step it up a notch and I didn't think that was possible. And I like the pattern as well.
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This recipe is one that Ken Coats passed on to me. I really like the colors and contrast between the lighter outer edges and darker center.
 
One more I call "two knives, five blades", LOL. Did want to mention again neither knife is available.
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Ken, those knives are stunning. The jack knife especially reminds me of case at its very best, that shield and bone, fantastic.

I have a question regarding the use of SS for the bolsters/liners. I notice alot of custom makers using SS instead of the traditional brass and nickel silver, etc. I remember seeing AG Russel mention that he uses SS bolsters/liners for his knives as well because it was "better"

Can you detail from a makers perspective the benefits of using SS as opposed to more traditional materials?
 
confucius37 said:
Ken, those knives are stunning. The jack knife especially reminds me of case at its very best, that shield and bone, fantastic.

I have a question regarding the use of SS for the bolsters/liners. I notice alot of custom makers using SS instead of the traditional brass and nickel silver, etc. I remember seeing AG Russel mention that he uses SS bolsters/liners for his knives as well because it was "better"

Can you detail from a makers perspective the benefits of using SS as opposed to more traditional materials?
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Good question , but not one that is easy to answer.
I am not sure that using 410 or 416 SS will necessarily yield a "better" knife. I have, along with other makers used brass liners/nickle silver bolsters with good affect. With that being said, what I like about stainless is that it does not tarnish like brass and a certain degree, nickle silver. The majority of my customers, at the price point I am with my knives, like to know that the knife is going to look new or mint, years down the road. Of course it depends on how the knife is used, treated in the meantime. I think a case can be made for 410 or 416 being a bit more durable/scratch resistant than brass/nickle silver also. I do know at least one maker that does heat-treat his stainless frame/bolsters. If I am not mistaken he does this primary to achieve a finer polished finish. It is also notable that the pivot pin when using 410/416 is stainless. How much this, if any adds to the longevity of the pivot pin is debatable. I have been fortunate to examine many vintage 100 year old plus slipjoints that utilize either a brass pin or nickle silver pivot pin without any noticeable wear. Another aspect of using ss bolsters/frames is that you will get a homogenous look to the knife, especially along the back spine.

Hope this helps, and don't be afraid of collecting brass/nickle silver slipjoints, factory or handmade! :thumbup:
 
Thank you Ken for the great response. I have no aversion to either material for the bolsters and liners I just had a curiosity about it. I think there are times when brass and nickel silver can really set a knife off in terms of aesthetics and similarly SS can make a knife really pop. Like many things it's one of the details left up to the designer to decide.

For me brass tends to have a "warmer" feel where as SS tends to be "sharper" and cleaner. There's a time for both and I've got knives with both.

Thanks again!
 
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I think I've said this before, Ken, but to my eye the proportions of this round of clip master blades is absolutely perfect. Also, as much as I love stag, I don't think you could have chosen a better material than the jigged and dyed bone.
 
Ken,

Two beautiful renditions of classic traditional folding knives. I am particularly drawn to the stag Stockman, terrific!

As usual, superb craftsmanship and clean lines make for a great result.

Jeff
 
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