Phil Hartsfield

P

PcychoticGman

Joined
Aug 23, 2006
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I am new to these forums so I am not sure if this is the right place for this post. If its not please excuse my ignorance.

Now, the other day I saw a knife made by Phil Hartsfield and it was simply love at first sight. Truth be told I actualy nearly forgot what the knife itself looked like but after 2 days I still have not been able to get the way it felt out of my head.

My question is, how good are his knives? Has anyone had any experience with any of his products, know him personaly or by reputation? I tend to like my knives to be very durable and quite useful so if for example I were to use one of his knives for cutting how well would it work.

Thanks for any input.
 
If Hartsfield knives were about 2/3 the price they are then I would think more highly of them. I like many of his designs and feel that they are good knives, but for the level of finish he does, I wouldn't be willing to pay his prices.

What style of Hartsfield knife are you interested in?
 
mlovett said:
A-2 is tough. and holds an edge well. Other than that?
Click to expand...

It will rust, somewhat easily, it is not a stain resistant steel. It is a full tang knife, with an exposed tang, which means that you run the high probability with use of having the tang develop a patina, if nothing else.

This is an atypical Hartsfield, it is reasonably priced, it has wooden handles instead of cord wrapping, and it is double ground.

You could do worse, and you could also find some makers here on the Forums in the Makers section that could make something unique for you, for less money, but it is really your choice as to what you want the knife to do, and how much you want to pay for it.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
I'm a big fan of Phill's work. I think that they are some of the best cutting knives I have ever tryed. As far as the price, everything is relative, if you can afford it and you like it, why not! There is a knife out there for just about everyone. But, as a user Phill's knives are some of the best, and there are alot of great knives by many great makers. Get what you like and you'll be happy.
 
The way a knife feels in your hand means a lot. Like Steve said, the price is pretty reasonable for a full size Hartsfield. Phill's main criteria is cutting ability, so it WILL cut. I think you'll be very impressed and probably very surprised with it's performance. It's not as much a prybar as a Busse. It's a knife. In the past Phill would only perform maintenance for customers that bought directly from him, but that's changed and he'll sharpen or repair any of his knives. Free if you bought from him, small fee if not.
 
Extremely smooth designs.....screams form and function, user friendly.......get specifics reguarding warrenty and go for it!
 
I own several Hartsfield knives and I love them. They're tough and cut and hold an edge incredibly. They're made from A2, a tool steel, and not stainless. But, over the years I've had very little trouble with rust on any of Phill's knives. I've met Phill and his family several times at shows and talked to them over the phone as well as corresponding with them to plan some of my knives, which were custom ordered. Phill is an old time craftsman and a real gentleman as well. The whole family has been a pleasure and an honor to deal with. For me, that is part of the fun of owning a knife. Phill believes in the spirit of a blade, and it shows in his work. I've owned a Force 1, and it's a great utility knife, tough and well designed. Good luck on your purchase.
 
I like his knives too, but I too think that they are over priced. I think he demands these prices because he is one of the first American makers to do Japanese designs.

I remember desperately wanting a PH knife 13 years ago, when I was 18. I had him send me a brochure and I used to pine over it. Back then he was one of a few people using A2. Nowadays nearly any custom maker can make you a knife out of A2, and many of them for a fraction of the price.

If you have $1000+ to spend on a knife, I believe that there are better options.
 
Now days? A2 has been around forever. Many started with it because it is easy to work, comes in precision ground stock of many sizes. Is readily available. And was before there knife supplier, or even before steel companies world give knife makers a second glance. Easy to heat treat, and cheap. It is a fairly decent steel, if you don't mind the maintenance. Many makers choose it to learn on, because of these qualities. Mike
 
Good to see you here, Yitz. I've owned Hartsfields since 1991-2 and have never had an issue with rusting, even when I lived in humid NJ. Ren Wax and you're good to go. You won't find a nicer family in the knife business! Did I mention sharp!
Only my Fikes are sharper.

Win
 
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