New to Traditional

[big70tom]

Im looking to make my first Traditional purchase, Ive narrowed it down to 3 makers.
1. Doc Hagen 2. Hiroaki Ohta 3. Enrique Pena


Can you guys give me your two cents about each of these guys and who you prefer?

 

[cnas122]

Enrique is doing some of the best work around right now, and he is true to traditional patterns. Ohta's knives are great and I have a few. It depends on your taste. Ohta puts his own little twist on the knives and they are very recognizable. Just my opinion, but I would go with one of the latter 2 and would probably end up with a Pena.

 

[hoopster]

I don't know nothin' about nothin' but every time I see pictures of Enrique Pena's work I'm blown away.

 

[J. Oeser]

Enrique is doing some of the best work around right now, and he is true to traditional patterns. Ohta's knives are great and I have a few. It depends on your taste. Ohta puts his own little twist on the knives and they are very recognizable. Just my opinion, but I would go with one of the latter 2 and would probably end up with a Pena.

I am fairly new here myself but in my limited experience this would be my advise as well. Enrique does some amazing work. Good luck with your quest. :thumbup:

 

[kamagong]

First traditional huh? Way to jump in with both feet!

Enrique is doing some of the best work around right now, and he is true to traditional patterns. Ohta's knives are great and I have a few. It depends on your taste. Ohta puts his own little twist on the knives and they are very recognizable. Just my opinion, but I would go with one of the latter 2 and would probably end up with a Pena.

I agree with everything Campbell wrote. I have an Ohta, and it's one of my favorite knives. Very well put together. But he only works with ATS-34 and damascus steels and I don't know of anyone who has ordered a knife from him directly. Getting one of his knives requires going through a dealer. Plus it seems that he works from a set number of patterns. If you find something you like, it's great. If you don't, well there are always other makers.

On the other hand when you work with Enrique you can get yourself a true custom knife. Different steels, different handle materials, different patterns. You can talk to him directly and have him build you the slipjoint you want. I don't have one of his knives, but everything I've seen yells first rate craftsmanship. He is on the short list of makers that I want to get a slipjoint from. He has a thread in this subform exhibiting his wares.

Here is a picture of my Ohta.

- Christian

 

[Blues]

I have no personal experience with Ohta knives but have long admired them and have full confidence in the taste and knowledge of my many friends who own them. They represent great value by and large.

I own two knives by Enrique and they are top drawer in every way, He gets my full endorsement for quality of workmanship, aesthetics, fit and finish.

I am not personally acquainted with Mr. Hagen's knives.