List your favorite Custom Knife Maker and why they are!

I really like Bob Lum's work. His field grade tanto is such a first class medium knife. He pays much attention to detail - perfectly balanced, two tone hand ground finish, excellent ergonomic design. Basically it just feels great in the hand.
 
I would have to go with Robert Terzuola for tactical knives. He originated several of todays "standard" features. I also love my Lightfoot 460 Magnum, the fit and finish is perfect, I am glad to see that he is finally becoming popular, and he also has more than 2 folder designs now.

However, if I was to pick only one knife to own, I would love a Michael Walker. Walker's knives are so innovative that they are instantly recognizeable. Anyone who owns a liner lock has him to thank, and he stopped using the liner lock several years ago. He has gone on to the blade lock and D-lock and about 4 or 5 other mechanisms, all of which are patented. Also, his zipper blades, which are titanium and steel explosion welded together (another Walker patent). He also pioneered the use of titanium in knives.

Walker's knives keep getting better and no two are alike. One of my favorites was his knife that won the art knife invatational last year. It had the zipper blade and blade-lock and the damscus handle was inlaid with meteorite and small circles of gold. That is my vote for favorite knife maker.
 
Tim Zowada - not only is his damascus beautiful, but the handle on his damascus utility just plain "fits". Hard to describe other than that it just feels right.

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Ron

Is that thing shar...OW!
 
Critical Mass,

Greg currently offers the following folders:

458 Magnum
460 Magnum
Warrior
Predator Back Up
Warhead
LCC
Detonator

Fixed Blades are:
Predator
Body Guard
Special Agent
Hammer
Mini-Hammer
C-4
Neck Razor.

Also, I talked with him today and he has two new knives coming out:

The Black Tip Shark
The Great White Shark.

He is sending me a Great White, look for it on my site in about 2 weeks.

Michael Walker is one of the best folder makers ever. However, he gets credit for popularizing the liner lock. He does get copyright credit for the term "liner lock".

In 1903 Case came out with an electricians knife that had a very basic liner lock. These were very common with the Engineers and Signal soldiers in the Army for many years.

Michael however, has taken a simple piece of titanium and turned it into an art. Probably more to Michaels credit than the liner lock is that he was one of the first to work with titanium and paved the way for many who are using it today.

Hi contribution to custom knives is sometimes overlooked because of the price of his knives.

That is to say, there are a lot of collectors who do not fully realize what he has done for custom knives.



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Les Robertson
Moderator
Robertson's Custom Cutlery
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/rcc/makers.shtml
I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken.
 
This is a tough one. Like Cliff, I only buy using knives, and there are hundreds of makers out there who could inspire awe in me on any given day with even their most simple work. I have to say that my absolute favorite is Ernest Mayer of Black Cloud Knives. Ernie's focus is almost entirely on fighting blades and his are some of the most, if not the most, functionally superb. I also like Ernie's simplistic style, slightly exotic lines, integral guards, and slab handles with a preference for natural materials. Second to design, Ernie is most passionate about heat treatment. He is uncompromising in it, and he is very generous with his knowledge. He will enthusiasticly tell his customers exactly how he heat treats his blades, and why he thinks that it is the best he can do.

My other favorite has been David Boye. I like Boye's folksy aesthetic. His knives have a very organic look. They also cut better than any other knife I've ever tried. Boye Dendritic Steel is very pretty when etched, and Francine Martin's etchings add beauty to the blades that is durable and affordable.

In what is almost a three way tie for first are Mad Dog knives. To me, they are the epitome of the tactical knife. Absolutely superb ergonomics, and extremely strong.

My favorite folder maker is Darrel Ralph. Darrel combines art, beauty, and function in a way that I consider genius.

Tell you what though, my favorite custom knife maker last Saturday was a gentleman named Dan Pfanensteil. He brought a couple of the most beautiful 5160 bowies I have ever seen to the BAKCA show last weekend. Awesome double temper lines, wrought iron oval guards, ferules, and butt caps. Light and quick in the hand. Wow. I think just about anybody could be my favorite for one knife.

Well enough rambling.

Harv

 
Glad to see he's gotten so much mention, but I'll vote for Jim Siska, too.

Why? Grinds. Grinding is a weak area for me, since I made lots of handles before I ever tried a blade. Mr. Siska seems to produce any grind he pleases with ease. Complex curves, deep hollow grinds, all executed beautifully. And clean soldering, pretty guards, and handles that feel great and look beautiful, too. On top of that, I've only met him once but he was the picture of openness and humility.

I can't say I know every "big-name" maker's work the way some folks can. But most times that I've seen the pictures and read the hype, the real work has proved a great disappointment. Jim Siska's work was a notable exception. In all honesty, whenever I see a piece from a "hot" maker that has a poor finish, obvious flaws, or other imperfections, I remember Mr. Siska and the knives he showed me and think, "that's what it's really about."

-Drew
 
Okay, for me it is Ralph Turnbull. Really wonderful knives... swirling anodized titanium and damascus bolsters and handles, top flight workmanship and creativity.

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Dances with lemmings


 
For me, buying a custom knife from a man (or woman) I respect is very important.

The following makers are people I hold in high esteem and whose knives I appreciate:

Kit Carson: First class design, fit and finish. Tough yet handsome knives. Kit has become a good friend over the past year or so, and the knives he has made for me are ones I plan to own for life.

Fred Perrin: Fred makes no nonsense knives, yet they have an originality and functionality that makes them indispensable to me. Again, they are even more valuable as a result of the friendship that has ensued.

Sean Perkins: Sean makes knives that I was immediately drawn to on some primal level. I carry either a Kerver or Kerver Praecisio just about daily in addition to my other talisman. These are some tough little mothers. Sean is a gentleman and I have come to enjoy getting to know him.

Ray Kirk: I met Ray at this year's Blade, and purchased a very nice damascus neck knife from him. Ray's work is highly functional, combining both rugged beauty and utility. He makes a wicked sharp edge too!

I'm always proud to have knives from any of these makers somewhere on my person on any given day!

Blues

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Live Free or Die

 
Les,

Thanks for starting this thread. I posted a similar topic in the general forum about who makes the classic tactical folder, but this actually is a better topic because it is much broader.

I like Al Polkowski fixed blades. I like small fixed blade knives with a tactical look and feel and he fills the bill. I think his designs are well thought out and the overall knife is of high quality. His prices are very good too. He also has a variety of designs so there is always one more I just have to have.

I have handled R. J. Martin's Kwaiken and I have to say I think it is an awsome knife. His sheath system is unique and I like it a lot. He has my vote for Japanese style blades, though I have to say I have not handled other makers of that style.

The only custom folder I have experience with is by Pat Crawford and I have to say that it made me understand the difference between a good custom and a good production knife. Strong lock, nice materials, pretty knife.

Cheers,
Damon
 
Lots of good people mentioned here. Call me crazy the knife or design has to blow me away and the person has to be someone I trust without reservations.

Darrel Ralph as Dexter wrote is indeed an artist as well as a person with high integrity. As Blues said, I too have to have a lot of respect for a maker as a person. Most of the knives I buy now are not users, but they are art knives that could withstand use.

Dellana Warren and Van Barnett are another couple of makers that I have enjoyed getting to know. Any one feeling that knives cannot be art should take a look at some of their designs as well as Darrel's.

I also enjoy the work of Howard Clark. No matter what kind of knife he makes, you can bet that the knife is very tough. Howard takes his steels and heat-treating more seriously than most.

One of my favorite makers is Ray Appleton. Not that I can afford any of the work that he does, but he is one of the finest and insightful people I have met.

J.D. Smith is a true gentleman - I hope to own some of his work someday.

Vince and Grace Evans do some great work and are two of the nicest people you could talk to.

Steve Jernigan, Paul Jarvis, Eugene Shadley, Ralph Turnbull, Johnny Stout, Baily Bradshaw, Sava Damlovac, Joel Chamblin, J.W. Smith, Dave Ellis, Bill Pease, Brad Embry, Boyd Ashworh, Don Broughton, Randy Gilbreth, David Broadwell, Don Fogg and the list goes on. The work is quite different from maker to maker, the integrity that these folks exhibit and the respect I have for them is a common thread.

Things I have seen from these makers:

Another maker takes a break at a show, people come by his table while he is out and another maker right next to him starts talking about the absent makers work and sells a knife for him.

The sharing of knowledge down to the point of invitations to come "spend some time with me in the shop and we will walk through it".

The way in which criticism was worded and encouragement given.

Humility even when becoming a “poster child” for the Blade Show.

The lack of satisfaction with their work – constant striving to improve and be embarrassed at the knife they made 3 months ago.

Level of praise that I have never seen amongst “competitors” in the same field.

Pulling out of a deal that was almost closed for a variety of reasons that deal with the high integrity of the maker and one time suspicions of the lack of integrity of the buyer (payment was not the problem here).

Spending time with people, being genuinely informative and patient when there is no hope whatsoever of making a sale.

Leaving a table and taking a newly met father and young son to a dealer friend way on the other side of an exhibit hall so the boy can pick out his first SAK.

My custom knives are very personal objects to me. Without exception the people who created them have traits that I admire as well as knifemaking talent. Does not matter if those knives are in a safe or are on every camping trip I go on or river that I go down.

[This message has been edited by Gus Kalanzis (edited 08 September 1999).]
 
I will use the following criteria:
1) I've actually ordered the knife from the maker (vs. seeing it at a show, on-line, etc.).
2) I received the knife (vs. knives I currently have on order)
3) The maker has good customer service skills.
4) The maker was on time.
5) The knife I received was well made.

Makers who fit all of the above (for me) are as follows:
Don Robinson
Steve Dunn
R.J. Martin
 
I would have to throw my vote towards Kit Carson's tactical knives!

http://www.kvnet.org/knives/

They are built like a brick $hit house and are meant to be used hard. I have also become good friends with Kit and his family and have spent a few weekends with them learning knife making and having a good time. True Southern hospitality!
____________________________________________

Also would like to cast another vote for Darrel Ralph!

http://www.infinet.com/~browzer/bldesmth.html

I own a few of Darrels knives and they are made extremely well and the artist in Darrel is never ending! They are very atractive as well as user friendly!
____________________________________________

Last but not least I am voteing for some of the high end, custom pieces that come out of Microtech!

http://www.microtechknives.com/

While I'm sure they don't meet the requirements of a total custom knife, they are well made and alot of it is done by hand and the work with the pearls rival the finest custom makers out there.


 
Three gentlemen amongst those I have dealt with, all highly recommended;

Bill King: classic designs with impeccable fit and finish. Great to work with, very giving of himself and to the profession.

Rendon Griffin: hate to sound like a broken record, but you *have* to see this man's work. Both the finish and stability of his knives are a sight to behold. A year and a half wait, but he does one knife at a time...might be several phone calls during the week of he makes your knife, but it'll be a great piece!

RJ Martin: I can't get this durn knife outta my pocket...still my work-carry and sharp as a razor. I believe this man has made the perfect knife (and sheath) for my needs...

-Michael

[This message has been edited by Chefget (edited 03 September 1999).]
 
Chefget,
I met Bill King a few weeks back. Very pleasant to talk to and he does beautiful work. Very reasonable prices for a guild member. I plan on picking up a few of his knives in the next year or two. he also sponsored me as an honorary member into the guild.

How about Michael J. Smith. He started out here in Tampa, and just recently moved back. My friend owns the third knife he ever made, a gorgeous drop point with buffalo stag bolsters and exotic wood scales. Someone had damaged the bolsters, so I tracked Mike down. He offered to replace the bolsters and scales for free, on a knife that he did 8 years ago. My friend wouldn't hear of it, though. Keep in mind, Mike now makes high end folders that are flawless and command good money. I spent forur hours at his house, drooling on his knives, drooling on the table, drooling on the floor...

If anyone else has seen his work, please sound off.

------------------
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
 
RJ Martin & Kit Carson.

RJ has great original sheath systems and is a tremendous grinder and polisher. His A-2 steel Japenese knives are "laser sharp" and very easy to keep that way. Great guy to work with also.

Kit makes a stout folder with a perfect fit and finish that has just got to be seen to be believed. What a perfectionist! Uses cutting edge materials (pun intended) also...

Waldo
 
My favorite makers are Pat Crawford and Al Polkowski. I am a big fan of the Bob Kasper designed knives and both of the gentlemen previously mentioned make beautiful versions of Bob's knives.

They also understand the demands of the defensive knife. Their quality and workmanship are first rate.

I have currently purchased four knives made by Pat Crawford. Pat has been very willing to make modifications to his knives when I have requested them. He has also made a training version of his KFF for me. His service is also great. I just had him bead blast the micarta scales of my KFF and change out the thumb studs from a cylindrical shape to a conical one. For payment he only asked that I pay return shipping.

I don't have as much experience with Al Polkowski as I only have one of his knives currently. However, I recently put in an order for two more of his knives. One of these will be a blunt training version. It's great that he is willing to take the time to make it for me, especially since he has a 12 month backlog of orders.

For me, one of the best things about custom knives is the willingness of the maker to make custom modifications to their knives and not limit the customer to catalog items. In my case the ability to produce a training knife version is a big plus. Try to get a production knife company to do that for you.

Both makers will be attending the Timonium, MD knife show in December. I live about ten miles from there and am looking forward to meeting both of these gentlemen.

Axel

 
Ken Onion
Continuous flow of unreal designs and new mechanisms.

Joel Chamblin:
Superb fit and finish.
 
Not mentioned yet is Rob Simonich.

I offer his name for a number of reasons (some of which have appeared in other responses attributed to other great makers):

- not afraid to try something new. His first Talonite (r) knife was made for me after we discussed his trying this stuff.

- willing to modify existing patterns or use the customers.

- outstanding craftsmanship. Not an "art" knife maker although some of his folders and parasite fixed blades may very well qualify. Solid form, fit, and function.

- a man of his word. Great open communication and things get done when he promises.

- a great sense of humor. Nothing beats this either
smile.gif
!

-=[Bob]=-

[This message has been edited by bald1 (edited 05 September 1999).]
 
I guess I'll put my two cents in for what it's worth. A few of my favorite knifemakers are:
Bob Loveless: For his history, his innovations and his contributions to the craft. I also love his crusty personality and down to earth philosophy about knives and the world in general.

Ron Lake and Michael Walker: Again for their innovations and creative spirits but also for their precision and attention to the smallest details. Both are fanatics about quality and have put endless hours into the minutiae of knives and their workings.

Frank Centofante: For his clean designs, impeccable craftsmanship and his ever up-beat and positive outlook on knifemaking and the people who buy our products.

D'Holder: For his consistent, high quality work and his genuine affection for his customers.

Scott Slobodian: For his sense of design based on historic precedent and his faithfulness in capturing the spirit of Oriental workmanship and craftsmanship.

Mel Pardue : For his honesty and dogged perserverance in the face of adversity and his practical designs of folding knives.

Pat Crawford: For his rugged workmanship and prolific design creations.

These are just a few of my favorite knifemakers. I admire their work, their integrity, their craftsmanship and I am pleased to know them as friends.

 
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