My hat is off to some of the makers I have discovered here on Blade Forums. I have been an avid knife enthusiast for more than 40 years, and I thought I had a good grasp on what was out there. I have usually concentrated on folding knives, but I have stumbled upon some world class fixed blade makers I wanted to take a moment to mention for others like myself who might not be aware of them. This is NOT an all encompassing list (as I continue to stumble upon other gifted craftsmen on the forums) this is just a list of 3 to take a close look at if you have not already:
Bradshaw Blades - I just can't get enough of these blades (I have 14 of his blades, and every time I buy one I say "OK - this is it!" - then he posts something else that grabs me. And I am not alone - if you see a Bradshaw knife for sale - don't think about it overnight because it will be gone! Great quality, fit and finish are world class!
BRT Bladeworks - Ben Tendick - I have an obsession with modern Hawks, and I have spent quite a bit of money on my collection. I saw Ben's Peregrine model and ordered one. After using it for various purposes ( sadly combat was not one of them) I was so impressed I ordered another one because I NEVER want to be without one! I also ordered one of Ben's belt knives and am extremely impressed with it as well. He has a real Pinochet for "hard use" durability and you see that in all of his products that I have obtained. Master craftsman and world class quality and fit/finish!
Damon Lusky - in my opinion the Alpha is one of the best field knives I have ever used, and is easily in my top 3 (and believe me I have one of each!) for a 4" blade fieldcraft / hunting knife. It has THE most comfortable handle and no "hot spots" even after extended use. The Alpha I got probably had the sharpest blade ( out of the box) of ANY knife I ever bought - it required NO work on my part to meet my preference of an insanely sharp edge. Again - World class fit / finish!
No shortage of gifted blade makers here in the USA!
Bradshaw Blades - I just can't get enough of these blades (I have 14 of his blades, and every time I buy one I say "OK - this is it!" - then he posts something else that grabs me. And I am not alone - if you see a Bradshaw knife for sale - don't think about it overnight because it will be gone! Great quality, fit and finish are world class!
BRT Bladeworks - Ben Tendick - I have an obsession with modern Hawks, and I have spent quite a bit of money on my collection. I saw Ben's Peregrine model and ordered one. After using it for various purposes ( sadly combat was not one of them) I was so impressed I ordered another one because I NEVER want to be without one! I also ordered one of Ben's belt knives and am extremely impressed with it as well. He has a real Pinochet for "hard use" durability and you see that in all of his products that I have obtained. Master craftsman and world class quality and fit/finish!
Damon Lusky - in my opinion the Alpha is one of the best field knives I have ever used, and is easily in my top 3 (and believe me I have one of each!) for a 4" blade fieldcraft / hunting knife. It has THE most comfortable handle and no "hot spots" even after extended use. The Alpha I got probably had the sharpest blade ( out of the box) of ANY knife I ever bought - it required NO work on my part to meet my preference of an insanely sharp edge. Again - World class fit / finish!
No shortage of gifted blade makers here in the USA!