Name your TOP 5 Custom makers & why, (& you have to own at least 1 from those picks)

I’ll start with a disclaimer that my interest – and hence my experience – is in the area of forged fixed blades, so any number of terrific makers of folders and / or stock removal knives will necessarily be excluded.

Picking 5 is insanely difficult – Steven, you are evil :grumpy: – but here are my pics for best bladesmiths in alphabetical order – (I either own or have owned multiple examples of the work of each of these makers):

1) Bailey Bradshaw – Versatility is an often overlooked quality in a top bladesmith. It is much easier to do one type of knife well than it is to do 5 or 6 types of knives exceptionally well. Bailey can turn out everything from folders to hunters to bowies to European hunting swords to Japanese wakizashis and katanas – and can make them clean and basic for those with more spartan tastes or as lavishly embellished as the most indulgent hedonist might require. And all done in-house and sole-authorship. Terrific designs and beautiful execution.

2) Harvey Dean – Workmanship that is more supremely clean than you have the right to expect of the human eye and hand. Very clean, crisp designs that always suggest very serious bladeware no matter how luxurious the fittings or how complex the damascus pattern.

3) Jerry Fisk – What, you need an explanation?

4) Don Fogg – An absolute MASTER of the forge and a maker who has accomplished something which is increasingly difficult in this ever more-crowded field – knives that demonstrate his own definitive and unique style.

5) Ron Newton – Another maker who absolutely pegs the meter where quality and versatility are concerned. Ron turns out some exceedingly beautiful and complex automatic folders as well as some terrific gun/knife (Shootin’ Newton) combos for those who want it all in one package. His range of fixed blades is as diverse as it is superb.

There – as requested – 5 names.

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Thus ends my compliance with the rules. :p

Now, if I were more adept at manipulating the laws of mathematics and could somehow cram a few more names into that group you would see the likes of Russ Andrews, Nick Wheeler, Roger Massey, J.W. Randall, Don Hanson III (another Mr. Versatility), Andrew Jordan, Ed Caffrey and Mike Williams in that group.

And the list of makers who are banging on the door right now is VERY long and distinguished.

If we aren’t living in the golden age of bladesmithing right now then please, NOBODY PINCH ME. I don’t want to wake up. :)

Roger
 
I don't have very many custom knives, but i still wanna play this game--so I will mention why I have some of the ones that I own.

Joe Kious-for the beautiful pearl, mokume, and Damascus artwork on one of his little autos.

RJ Martin- for a great Japanese-style fixed blade as a backup for military duty.

Ricky Fowler- for an affordable, hard-use little camp knife that hold up to anything--and I mean anything.

Dan Burke- cause I wanted a baeutiful little slipjoint with premium steel.

and certainly not least--Ed Schempp--innovation, stunning damascus knives that still hold up for hard use.

I have met some of these gentlemen, and chatted on the phone with the others. Every one of them is a pleasure to deal with. Amazing craftsmanship. Absolute honesty. They all stand behind their work 100%, and go all-out to make their customers happy.If the rest of the world were like these guys, we would be a lot better off.........
 
Okay, Let's see. These are in no particular order; just as they come to me.

Al Barton. Clean, elegant (Can you call a massive bowie elegant? With full convex grind, edge and spine temper lines, mosaic pins, desert ironwood, and seamless brass parry strap, I'd argue yes), and beautifully executed. Mastersmith Dave Ellis said he remembered Al dropping a big bowie point-first onto the concrete floor of his shop to test its toughness. Alas, there will be no more from him. Wish I could have met him.

Phill Hartsfield. Always a pleasant gentleman, and I've spent many hours in his company. All of his works are among the sharpest I've ever used. All are simple, tough, and cut for a long time. If I could grab only one knife, and I had to bet my life on it, it would be the Aikuchi that he made for me. I've made hundreds of cuts on straw mats during tameshigiri, and it's still the sharpest knife that I own.

Bailey Bradshaw. I've had one of his little folders for at least four years now, and it's always a pleasure to use or show off. This is the one that I could whip out in the middle of a sewing circle of little old ladies, and they'd go, "Oh, Pretty!" Perfect white pearl, 52100. I bought it on the secondary market because it was about as close to perfect as anything I'd ever seen; I'd never heard of Bailey. Then I did a little research, and called him to talk about the knife. He was very pleasant and informative, and while we were talking I mentioned that I wished that the knife had come with some sort of carry pouch so I didn't beat up the pearl. He said, "Well, let me send you one." And you know what? The pouch was a treat too! Thanks Bailey.

Ricardo Vilar. A Brazillian maker who is still not well known, but he will be. Gaucho style integral bowie with a maple handle. Cuts like crazy, and feels great.

And the fifth. Hmm. Bill Burke? Bill Ruple? Red St.Cyr? If I stop now, does that only count as one? Man this is tough.

James
 
since we are talking customs :

M.Strider WP NM Damascus , why ? because it is something I have always wanted and it is not a model Mick makes , but he made for me anyways cause that is the kind of guy he is.

Blackwood Henchman - One wicked sharp slicer , and Neil is a hell of a maker and a heck of a friend as well.

Onion MidTech Boa - Lightning fast , and oh so smooth. One heck of a knife.

Tom Mayo - TNT , dont have one yet but hope to someday. This is certainly a folder that should be in everyones stable.

Rick Hinderer - Firetac - A knife that locks up each and every time , regardless of how many times you take it apart. Fit and function is flawless. Also one hell of a stand up guy.
 
These are in no particular order...

Gary Crowder: Gary's a great guy and has excellent customer service. His knives are very well made and an extremely good value. To me, making a great custom knife is one thing, but making one that offers great value is something else. It's a nice feeling to carry a work of art in your pocket that does not break the bank. I own 3 from Gary.

Ray Cover: See above for the value thingy. His knives will hang with some of the best and usually at more than 1/2 the price. I own 2 from Ray.

Geno Denning: Great guy to deal with and his wife Cindy is as friendly as they come. Perfect fit and finish, excellent sheaths and cool designs. Trained by one of the legends in knifemaking. I own 2 from Geno.

Bob Dozier: In my experience, the best D2 in the world, bar none. I currently own 1 Dozier.

Murray Carter: Cool designs, great laminated steel and some of the sharpest edges I've ever encountered. I currently own 1 Carter.
 
There you go, and those are probably in order of preference, except that Kevin and Howard are so close in my mind that for them the order could be reversed.



Don Fogg, MS - Own 10 or so. Don is a master bladesmith and craftsman, an old style gentleman, a visionary and a leader in developing techniques and trends. On top of unique designs and impeccable finishes, he's a top-of-the-line metalurgist as far as steel is concerned.

Rob Hudson, MS - Own 1 (and am looking for more... :)). Another superb craftman who, like Don, has an immediately recognizable style. Unfortunately, I have never met him in person, but we've spoken over the phone and he's a good guy too. His work is *superb*, i.e., esthetically very pleasing, even though the piece I own is fairly simple.

Howard Clark, MS - Own a full size katana, a multibar damascus folder, a bowie, and a Jpz spear head. Once more, a very gifted metalurgist, who designed his own alloy (1086M) because he wanted the top of the line in differential hardening steel. Also developed a HT process for Crucible's L6 that yielded the "superkat'", a near indestructable katana. Currently focuses on Jpz style blades, but is also a gifted maker of fine gentlemen folders - in fact, he probably can do anything, including flexible filet knives, etc. He also smelt his own shakudo, a Jpz alloy of copper and 4% gold. He's the maker I have dealt with the most apart from Don (but on the phone and email only).

Kevin Cashen, MS - Own 2. Way underpriced maker, with top quality F&F, and a superb knowledge of damascus. The guy can make anything, from 2-handed swords to capping knives. The only thing I've not seen him make are traditionally made Jpz blades, but I suspect he could if he wanted to. Another superb metalurgist, and a great soul to boot. One thing Kevin is not super good at are sheaths... :)

Geno Denning - The only grinder of the bunch. His F&F is impeccable, and his prices are great. I have 1 chute knife from him, and one more in order.
 
Kevin does a lot more multibar.

These days Howard almost exclusively works in the realm of Neo-Nihonto. :D You'll get that, most others will not. I have a wakizashi from him.

I think that you were referencing Charles Weiss in your "want to own" thread, but it could have also been Micheal Veit, who specialized in Turkish Twist Damascus, blued, with gold inlay and engraving.

The reason that I made the question so hard, is that I was more interested in what people had actually ponied up their hard earned cash for than what they wanted. We all want a bunch of stuff, but putting your money where your mouth/words is a whole lot more concrete.

When we started out doing the Puyallup gun show, people would come by the table and ask if we had, X knife. We made sure to have X knife next time the show came around. Frequently they would say "Oh, I just wanted to look at it." :mad:

Money talks, and as you can see in some of the posts in the "knives you would like, but do not own", BS walks, sometimes on water.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Steven has a K. Cashen Damascus Bowie that is the Nicest Damascus Bowie That I've EVER Seen.I got to play with it a little.I expected it to be Really Heavy for as big as it is,but it was Light,with Fantastic Balance,& The Fit & Finish is Incredible.I've never really been that much into Daamscus,but I wouldn't mind getting one like Steven's,What a Fantastic Knife :cool:
 
Ron Newton - The first maker that got me to spend more than $1500.00 on a knife. Even so, the knife was a bargain. This maker has immense talent.

Bailey Bradshaw - The knife I got from Bailey has wonderful balance and the construction is top drawer. In my opinion, way under priced.

Tai Goo - Though I haven't received my Goo knife yet (it is still being sheathed by Chuck Burrows) I still wanted to include him in this list. From the first time I saw one of his knives I have wanted one. I have been drawn to his artistry since day one.

Gib Guignard/Chuck Burrows - I love my frontier style bowie that these two made in collaboration. Excellent fit & finish and the sheath from Chuck is special indeed.

Russ Andrews - I don't have a knife from Russ yet, but have put my name on his waiting list twice. The first one will be a reproduction. It was initially going to be a Michael Price knife, but after a little consultation it was decided that he would make me a Schively of what is called the "improved" pattern. The second one will be a big honkin' bowie that you will have to see when it is done. I personally think that Russ is as talented as they come and when he gets pattern welded steel down, he is going to have no trouble getting his MS.
 
Kit Carson

Tom Mayo

Bill Ruple

Walter Brend

David Broadwell


When listing these fine folks. . . .remarks aren't needed. . . .their names speak for themselves ! :D
 
In no particular order.Wish I could name 15 instead of 5.

Jim Rodebaugh MS great maker,clean,crisp and always striving to be better than the next guy.Taught by a great one, Al Barton.I am honored to call Jim my friend.

Nick Wheeler very,very,very talented.Have a Bowie he made for me that is out of this world.


Jim Crowell MS pick up one of his knives.Hunter,fighter,or Bowie.No need to say more.Period


Jerome Anders MS watch out for this guy.Very low key.But watch out.


Tim Hancock MS Mr.clean himself.Great maker.
 
Kohai999 said:
Kevin does a lot more multibar.
Click to expand...
Yep, that's correct.

These days Howard almost exclusively works in the realm of Neo-Nihonto. :D You'll get that, most others will not. I have a wakizashi from him.
Click to expand...
True enough. I was lucky enough to snatch a blued Turkish twist damascus folder, with walrus ivory and shakudo bolsters. It's a beauty.

I think that you were referencing Charles Weiss in your "want to own" thread, but it could have also been Micheal Veit, who specialized in Turkish Twist Damascus, blued, with gold inlay and engraving.
Click to expand...
It was Veit, I'll edit my post.
 
1. Harvey McBurnette- Sole authorship, innovator(mid-lock folders), top quality workmanship, great person, made big folders that really pocket well, function as designed and look better each time you look at them. He will be missed, and is missed by me. He was a gentleman, as well as an excellent knifemaker.


Harvey gave me a LOT of great pointers about making folders back in the 90s
He was a great guy and I would LOVE to have one of his knives.
The guy was really a genius..............and although few people know it, he reinvented the lockback by putting the pusher in middle of the handle.
 
GigOne, thanks. I was worried about being a has been :)

You guys have picked some really great ones.
 
In no particular order (I like them all):

Bob Terzuola One of the "godfathers" of modern folder designs. His knives are always clean, and he's a great person to boot! His sense of humor is always refreshing.

Mel Pardue Another "godfather" of folders, Mel is one of those people who have "been there" and "done that" - although he is always coming up with something new.

Frank Centofante Clean, classic folders - and one of the nicest human beings on the planet. A humble man with great talent.

Warren Osborn Innovation never stops for Mr. Osborn. He does many styles, and does them all exceptionally well. An incedibly "fun" guy, too!

Bob Dozier From "fancy" to "working knives", Bob builds them all with exceptional quality and integrity. Although he's often viewed as "a legend", he's a very down to earth individual.

There are many others, these are but 5 of the best in my collection.

( Kit - I'm working on getting one of yours! ;) )
 
Mine in no particular order.
1-Ken Onion
2-Matt Cucchiara
3-Tom Mayo
4-Scott Cook
5-Walter Brend
 
Okay, here are mine, in order of when I purchased them:

Dan Farr. One of the top journeyman bladesmiths. Clean precise work. Knows how to treat wooden handles like no other. And one heck of a nice guy. Lucky that I got to him just before he got his journeyman stamp.

Scott Cook. The elegant sculpt 'mon.

Bob Dozier. One heck of a working man's custom knife.

Nick Wheeler. Will be one of the top journeyman bladesmiths. Clean precise work. Heck of a nice guy.

John White. Another of the top journeymans. Two prestigious awards at Blade '04. Just the right amount of embellishments on a clean knife. Again I was lucky that I bought a couple of his knives before he got his journeyman stamp.

I've got one coming in from Bailey Bradshaw that would knock off somebody on my above list. But since I don't have it in hand yet I can't technically include him.
 
Very tough, imagine we had to pick just one or two.....

No special order here: Mayo, Carson, Terzuola, Dozier, JW Smith. Though obvious to many, it needs to be mentioned that I'm into tactical folders. For those kinds of knives these are some (but not all!) of my favorites. Between the five names I mentioned, I have 15 knives, multiples of all except for Carson and Dozier (only because their folders are impossible to get!) I think if I was more into art knives or gentleman's knives, or fixed blades, I would likely have a competely different bunch of names here.

Nobody is right or wrong here, it's interesting to see though, which makers seem to be favorites for their particular style and type of knives. If (OK, when!) my knife interests expand into different types of knives, I'll definately pull up this thread to get some idea's and input as to some makers I'm not too familiar with.
 
For slip joints. I'd pick Bill Ruple. Don Morrow is right up there with him though.

For work horse hunting fixed blade knives. Bob Dozier knives without question.

For hand made Walker style locking folders. Wow! Hard to pick one here for me. There are so many great makers in this arena. William/Henry comes to mind for a fine gents knife.

Chris Reeve comes to mind for a real work horse that is about as sturdy as any out there. But other guys deserve credit here too. Ken Onion is certainly one of the biggest and best supreme folder engineers to come along in this generation of knife makers. Centefonte, Freer, Fujisaka, just to name a few.

For lock back folders I have not kept up much. Can't say I have ever bought one that is a custom makers work.
 
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