List your favorite Custom Knife Maker and why they are!

My favorite custom makers can be put into several classes.

First the legends like Moran, Fowler, Loveless etc. and their work is obvious. But for some other makers:

Bill Winn. Mr. Winn's lockback folders are incredible. I own a lockback he did in D2 steel back in 1983. He has the best grind on his blades I have ever seen and I can hardly find an imperfection. His bolsters and scales are completely symmetrical and when the blade is locked the tang is flushed with the spine. Not an overtly sexy knife, certainly not tactical...it is just nice. To see the folder Click here

Kit Carson. His folders first caught my eye when I stumbled upon his production M16. His work is excellent and almost as legendary as the fellas I mentioned above. I have one of his discontinued Model Four grooved titanium models that he doesn't make any longer. The lines are smooth, the knife is comfortable, the blade is as elegant as any I have ever seen. The old saying goes....If I were a rich man (I'd own as many Carson as possible!). Kit Carson

Drew Gleason. One of our own members. I own 3 of them and one BM mod. Drew shows a lot of promise and there is a lot of function in his pieces. His file work is as good or better than any other I have seen and his artistic ability shows in his knives. They all have hidden surprises and his handles are some of the best I have ever felt. I think Drew has a big future in the custom knife business. To see his drop point hunter Click Here

There are more but these are my top three that I own. One guy I am looking at very closely is Lynn Griffith who just won the recent Dever show tactical knife award (Spec Ops tanto). I have a bowie on order with him and will review when I get it.

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~Greg~


[This message has been edited by Kodiak PA (edited 05 September 1999).]

[This message has been edited by Kodiak PA (edited 05 September 1999).]
 
Carson and reason is, I buy knives to use and Kits knives are strong and dependable,plus he is a great guy to deal with
 
Justin Bridges. Justin makes some very well balanced and, tough knives. Justin's knives are also very attractive to look at.
It is not just his knives though that impresseses me (although they are very impressive). Justin is a very thoughtful and helpful man.
Last year, I set up at the PKA knife show in Denver CO. On saturday night, I had car troubles, just a 1/2 mile or so from are hotel room. I was afraid to leave the car, due to the inverment, I was in. I managed to get the car to towed to my hotel (after waiting 3 hours). That happened friday night. My wife an I called everywhere trying to find someone to work on it. No one could work on it, that weekend. A maintenance man at the hotel agreed to work on it. It was just a broken alternator belt. I had to go to the show on Saturday. The guy worked on the car while my wife stayed to keep an eye on him. Came end of show, I get back to the room, and the car is supposedly fixed, but won't start. The guy supposedly charged the battery and did everything, but the car would not start. My wife and I went to the PKA buisness meeting that night (we walked from are hotel). Justin Bridges heard what happened, gave us a ride back to the room. Jumped are car for us. Then invited us to join him and his wife, at his travel trailer, for dinner We were in a scary situation, and Justin was very willing to help us.
Him and his wife, were very kind to my wife and I.
He offered for us to visit him in Wyoming, at his homestead. We will someday take him up on this.
Just wanted to tell you of a knifemaker that is an ispiration to me as a maker, and a person.
Sorry this was so long.

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Lynn Griffith-Tactical Knifemaker
Winner of "Best Tactical Knife" at 1999 PKA show
My website
See my award winning "Spec Ops Tanto" in Gallery 3 of my website
GriffithKN@aol.com

 
2 things:
[list type=a]
[*]Thanks to Kodiak for the mention of his bowie he ordered from me. Kodiak, is a very nice guy, and I have very much enjoyed dealing with him. I look forward to him geting his Bowie, and hope he enjoys using it as much as I enjoy making it.

[*]Justin Bridges phone # is 307-455-2769. I highly recommend, this fantastic knifemaker.
[/list]


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Lynn Griffith-Tactical Knifemaker
Winner of "Best Tactical Knife" at 1999 PKA show
My website
See my award winning "Spec Ops Tanto" in Gallery 3 of my website
GriffithKN@aol.com

 
The other day I replyed about my favorite maker Bob Sky/Robert Hajovsky he was the one I read most about when I started making Knives I was able to meet Bob at a show in wichata falls tx last year. he told me every thing I ask him about with pleasure he was a nice guy an made one heck of a knife
 
tbark,

Im not sure if you know or not, but Bob passed away about two months ago.

I agree with you, he was a first class guy and made a great knife.

He will be missed.



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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.
 
I have several top makers, and these men I'm proud to associate with.

#1, Jerry Hossom ( www.hossom.com ). I'd saved my pennies for quite a while to buy a custom knife, and found his designs intriguing and within my price range (he also agreed to a payment schedule). I'd heard his name around at knife shows, so I e-mailed him. His response came that evening. I described the knives I wanted, and we agreed on a price. He regularly kept me up to date on the progress of the knives, and we enjoyed chatting. I frantically changed the shipping address when the knives were done, and he simply sent them promptly to the address I requested. When I opened the box containing the blades, therein lay the epitome of singing steel. Surrounded by my friends, all martial artists, we examined and fawned over the blades. I own many knives, these are my favorites. They virtually dance in the hands.

#2. James Piorek of Bladerigger ( www.bladerigger.com ). James is the one and only when it comes to innovations in blade design and carry systems. On top of it all, he's a joy to sit and chat with. He's performed great services for me. I'm a bit of an odd size to fit, but he's made some of the most versatile carry systems I've ever had the pleasure to wear. His knives are also top notch, but because I prefer long blades, most of his are out of my current price range. I've got one on order though, and thank goodness James also agreed to a payment schedule. . .

#3. Bob Lunceford. This fine gentleman I've known for years, and we've talked over many a campfire and fired many a round together. (He's the finest shot you'll ever meet with a rifle or a pistol. Bill Jordan could have learned something from him.) The knives he's made for me have followed me on campouts, hunts, and the occasional knife show. My favorite is a 5" hammer forged Steve Brooks blade with a carved moose horn handle. If you're ever in American Fork Utah, look him up (good luck on finding him, but I'll tell you how to find him).

#4. Stephen J. Rapp. The first knife I ever carried was made by him. The entire blade, handle, and spacers all shaped by file. He gave it to my father as a gift, but my father did not know what to do with so long a bowie. Mr. Rapp mostly makes beautiful collector's knives today, and they're fantastic. Also a Utahn (Midvale), it must be something in the water they have there.

I thought I'd just make a note of those who's knives I actually currently own. These are the finest of gentlemen. I have owned knives by lesser men, and they have ended up on tables at gun shows.

Zog

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For reality as we have it is only one of many possible realities; it is not inevitable, not arbitrary, it bears within itself other possibilities.
-M. Bakhtin
 
Fixed Blades:

Utility: Bob Dozier...I think he sleeps on a mattress made out of D2 and uses Micarta as a comforter. His crossdraw sheath design is great.

Tactical/Fighter: RJ Martin and Phil Hartsfield. Very similiar in design...modernized Japanese style handled superbly chisel-ground blades. Yes, RJ's sheath is a very cool design with the carbonfiber and magnets. Phil's edge-holding is legendary. You know it.

Folders:

Pat Crawford's Kasper Fighting Folder is the best folding fighter every made. It is the perfect size, and just try to cut yourself...you never will; the grip design is GREAT. It is the one folder that I continuously find myself carrying.

The most beautiful cutlery I've ever seen are made by......WEST: Warren Osbourne..have you seen his folding daggers?

EAST: Yoshindo Yoshihara. Anyone who has any interest in Japanese blades has to agree.


[This message has been edited by DrRMJ (edited 06 September 1999).]
 
Folders: Pat Crawford, R.J. Martin (Q36), All Elishewitz, J.W. Smith

Fixed: Al Polkowski, Bud Nealy, Ben Ogletree, Rob Simonich, Geg Lightfoot
 
Here are my favorites by catagory not in order.

James Piorek- Great japanese style blades with my favorite carry systems for my lifestyle.

Chris Reeves- some would not call them custom but I do and the are the most bombproof knives that I own.

Andre deVilliers- My favorite combat folders. Great movement and ergonomics in the operator. (I don't yet have the benefit of a Terzoula or Crawford yet to compare with but it sure beats my Emerson CQC6 amongst others.)

Fred Perrin- awsome compact tactical down and dirty knife in the Le griffe.

Warren Thomas- super light weight folder in the model two without sacrificing balance or sharpness.
 
BARRY STEVENS AN EXECELENT CUSTOME KNIFE MAKER BARRY CAN MAKE ANY KNIFE YOU WANT HIM TO MAKE .HE MAKES THEM TO YOUR SPECKS AND THEY ARE A THING OF BEAUTY. BARRY NOT ONLY BUTS IN THE TIME AND EFFORT TO PRODUCE A SUPERIOR KNIFE BUT BARRY IS ALSO AN ARTIST WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING KNIVES. AN EXECELLANT KNIFE MAKER,HONEST AND YOU CAN DEPEND ON GETTING AN EXCELLANT PRODUCT.
BARRY STEVENS 901 AMHERST RD. CRIDERSVILLE OHIO 2446. PHONE 419-221-2446 SUBMITTED BY TIM LIFFITON AMERICAN SLIDER INC.
 
Good thread Les. Have enjoyed reading all the comments. I guess the most surprising thing is the lack of mention of Wolfgang Loerchner--3 time winner of the Cronk Award Knifemakers Guild. As an artist bith with steel and pencil and paper, he is unsurpassed. For years he made only fixed blades and when he did make his first folders they were absolutely exquisite. point to http://www.wolfe.to/ to view his magnificent creations.

Another great maker of both art and using knives with an extensive knowledge of both metallurgy and blade geometry is Brian Lyttle. His own engraving and gold work nicely embellish any knife one may desire.

Wonderful folder makers include, in addition to Michael Walker, Steve Hoel, Joe Kious, George Dailey and many others.

I too love Jim Siska and perhaps one day will have a piece of his that I both like and can afford.

Fortunately, I was able to obtain an unusual piece from Diana Casteel--here grinds rival her husband Doug.

Probably the most underated maker I know who creates wonderful blades with fit and finish rivaling any "big" name maker is Fritz Clauer.
 
I don't have much experience with folders and I'd love to be able to afford a Brend or a Herron alas, I cannot. Therefore my favorite Knife and Knifemaker would have to be a Bowie by Charlie Ochs. I recieved it from my father when I made Eagle Scout in boy Scouts. Mr Ochs took a whole day to show my troop the knifemaking process at his shop. It was one of my most memorable experiences. I will cherish the knife he made for me always not just for the quality and beauty but also because of the personal effort that went into it. He made three matching knives with eagles scrimshawed in the stag handles for me and my two brothers. A very nice man to deal with.
 
Well this isn't easy to say the least.
Harvey Dean to say the least does it with style. Johnny Stout for design, fit and finish. Dwayne Dushane for super file work and finish. Mike "Tank" Fisher(TbarK) for inovative design, fit and finish. Mel Pardue for design and finish. Henry Parker for a Walk N Talk Folder Maker. Martin Pullen, Roger Green, Steve Schwarzer, "Pat" Patterson,Joe Pardue, Jason Jacks,Ruffin Johnson, Ralph Bone, Norvell Foster, David Wylie, and Jason Howell - all for their assisting me to become a better custom maker and because they do some of the best work available. Although Ralph no longer makes knives for a profession, I did learn a lot from him, and Maybe some day I'll be able to own one of his knives. There are others as there always will be for a knife maker, collector and all around Knife Nut.

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Curtis Wilson -
Wilson's Custom Knives, Engraving, and Scrimshaw
 
Pat Crawford because of his new Kasper neck knife. It has the same blade as the Kasper folder. It's been with me since I got it a few weeks ago. Great knife. Talking with Pat was also a pleasure when I ordered it. I hope to get one of his Damascus Carnivours ordered soon.

Ray

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Knowledge without understanding is knowledge wasted.
Understanding without knowledge is a rare gift - but not an impossibility.
For the impossible is always possible through faith. - Bathroom graffiti, gas station, Grey, TN, Dec, 1988

AKTI Member #A000831

[This message has been edited by Codeman (edited 29 September 1999).]
 
Ray Appleton - For his creative genious. Ray is not the best at what does. He is the only one who does what he does. Ray has designed over 16 different lock mechanisms each of which incorporate some of the most complex machining process imaginable. He first chooses a lock for one of his knives and then builds a frame around the lock. He then begins sculpting the material. Ray uses no drawings or CAD. All design work is done in his head so even Ray never knows the final outcome of the knife until he completes it. Ray names each knife and no two are ever alike, other than LoveYa 2 which is being given away as a door prize at the Art Knife Invitational in San Diego this month.

Wolfgang Loerchner - For his ability to take even the simplest of lines and turn steel into shear elegant beauty. His designs flow like water and embrace the word perfection.

Kit Carson - For his ability to design and craft hard working utilty/combat knives. Kit has made art knives in the past, however his forte is no nonsense, no frills using knives with timeless design, and tank-like construction. Liner-locks have recently been criticized heavily. Kit's ability to produce the strongest and most reliable of liner locks is second to none.

Darrel Ralph - For his open ended design skills. Darrel covers the full spectrum from high end one of kind collectors pieces, to hard use tactical/utility pieces. Darrel takes an artistic design approach while always staying focused on the knife's utility. The result is a marriage of form and function. When you purchase one of Darrels knives you not only get a piece with a lot of style but a tool that begs to be used.

Koji Hara - For his undying hard working spirit and true love of knifemaking. Koji's dream has always been to become a famous custom knifemaker. Not an easy task by any means and even more difficult when you live on the other side of the world in Japan. Most makers market their work by running ads in magazines and attending 2-4 shows a year. Koji does not advertise in the magazines. Instead he flys 16-20 hours each time to attend over 14 shows a year throughout the US, Europe and Japan. His schedule this year included doing one regional show in the US, flying home to made more knives and flying back for a show the next week. Hail the king of frequent flyer miles! Each time Koji sells a knife he takes a picture of the customer and their knife with his digital camera. Koji's work incorporates his unique and beautiful Air-Step design with inlays of pearl and abalone with high mirror polish and razor sharp blades.

Bob Lum - For his ability to combine modern tactical design with an ancient asian flair. Bob's lines are always clean, flowing and crisp. His liner locks operate with such a silky smooth action they seem almost elegant to open and close yet are crafted for utility and hard use.

My sincere compliments and admiration to each of these makers listed as well as numerous others not included.


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Sincerely,
Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corp.


David Bloch

See our Online Catalog at: http://www.outdooredge.com


 
My favorites for a tactical folder are KIT CARSON and TOM ANDERSON. Both of these men are outstanding craftsmen and are a sheer pleasure to deal with. I consider myself lucky to own a knife from each.

My favorite for an artistic piece has to be
RON FRASIER. The man can do it all. He has no ego whatsoever and will pass on any trick or tip to anyone that asks.
 
The only custom knife maker I will EVER use is...ROB SIMONICH. After spending some time speaking with other custom knife makers, I decided upon Rob, who has proven to be without a doudt one of the greatest knife makers of the 20th century. He worked with me on a VERY interesting project, which he was very understanding about, in that he wanted me to have EXACTLY what I truly wanted. I wish I had the ability to post pictures of the 2 knives he made for me, for they are truly a work of art. They are so beautiful, I have had a hard time getting used to the idea of actually using them! They are a field/utility design that is beyond anything I have ever seen, including the very overrated Battle Mistress. I own 2 Busse Combat Knives & these 2 knives made by Rob Simonich are vastly superior. The workmanship & extreme attention to detail is unbelievable...you would have to see them to believe this. I was sent pictures from start to finish during this project, that really impressed me, especially the manila rope cutting! If you are looking for a man who keeps his word & does EXACTLY what you want, Rob Simonich of Simonich Knives is THE way to go.
 
I was reading about all these custom knife makers a noticed nobody mentioned GRECO knives. I have two Grecos 1. Green River Camp Knife, A-2 steel 2. The Boot made from A-2 steel also. Both are inexpensive (under $100.00) and to me they are excellent. I also have a very small GRECO hatchet made from 1085 steel, I bought this to camp with but my wife confiscated it for kitchen work and I have another on order. John and Sherry Greco are the only custom knife makers I have ever met and you could not ask for a nicer couple. Never had a problem with any of their products but I know if I did he would make it right.
 
What a great list! I'd like to pull one out of left field, if there's a better knife, or a better man than Ed Fowler, I'd like to hear about them
 
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