P.J. Tomes in Sandvik 12C27

anthony cheeseboro

anthony cheeseboro

Joined
Aug 8, 1999
Messages
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This is for Paracelcus and other P.J. Tomes fans: are his knives in 12C27 worth the money? I mean that I'm sure they are well made but is any custom in 12C27 (roughly equivalent to 440A) worth custom money?
 
Always keep in mind it is the heat treat that makes the steel.
Never seen a knife of P.J. Tomes that was not more than worth the money he was charging.

He is one of many makers that I trust to get it right.
 
I met P.J. through Para last year at the NYCKS, and I now have three of his knives, all fixed blades and all with 12C27 steel. Two are my every day kitchen knives and probably see as much use as any knives I own, and they're great. Considering P.J. is a ABS Master Smith, and has won Most Innovative folder two years in a row at Blade Show, I consider his knives to be a bargain. One of the reasons is that P.J. is very prolific, he makes a lot of knives, in a lot of styles, plus he really knows what he's doing when it comes to business. He takes great pride in his work, (particularly in his use of stag) you can't go wrong with any of his knives.

Here's one I couldn't resist at Blade Show.

View


PS, if you talk to him tell him Phil from Brooklyn says, "Hi, and I'll see him in a couple of weeks." ;)
 
I've carried one of PJ's ultra-thin Sandvik blade folders in my daytimer for over a year. His edge geometry is nice and thin, which makes this knife a top performer, IMO. And his fit and finish are impeccable. For daily light utility work, it's a lot of knife. And as for "custom money", mine was more in line with medium-dollar production folders--under $150.

-w
 
I've been admiring his knives for some time; I haven't found a website or email address, and his address is listed differently in various places. Anyone have recent contact information? It would be greatly appreciated. sR
 
P.J. Tomes Master Smith
594 High Peak Lane
Shipman, VA 22971

(804)263-8662

He's been talking about getting online for a year. ;)
 
12c27 isnt a rough equivilent of 440a. 440a has 2-4 percent more chrome than 12c27. 12c27 is a superior stainless, its grain structure when heat treated and tempered properly is extremely fine where as the 440 stainless series tend to have a very coarse grain structure.
Woever compared 12c27 to anything in the 440 series did a diservice to the knife community.
 
Thank you for that correction. I compared it to 440A because the carbon content in both steels is very similar. I have always known that 12C27 has a great reputation, now I know why.
 
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