Ray Ennis

[fudo]

I just left a Gun Show in OKC and I saw some of his knives for the first time. I had never heard of him before. Massive is the word that comes to mind. He works in 1/4" 440C. They appear to be very well put together with good design. Is anyone out there familiar with his knives?

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The thorn stands to defend the Rose, yet it is peaceful and does not seek conflict

 

[Fox]

I just picked up a couple of Ennis knives at the Eugene show. One is a hunter/skinner and the other a fighter/survival type knife. Ray gave me a fabulous deal on them. They are certainly massive. They are not fancy but as you said, well constructed. The steel and handle (micarta) are both bead or sand blasted to a fairly rough finish. However, they are comfortable in the hand and I suspect will not slip even when wet. The grinds are excellent and both have a keen edge. I have not had a chance to work with them yet so cannot speak to their toughness or edge-holding ability. Ray was a pleasure to deal with. He was one of the contestants in the blade grinding competition and was fast and smooth. I talked with him quite a bit after he finished his blade and he was very friendly and ready to share his knowledge. It was a great pleasure doing business with Ray.

Fox

 

[rep]

I have one of his Entrek tantos. The craftsmanship is fine, the sheath is kydex or something similar. My only problem is that the edge grind is rather thick, so that it shaves wood less easily than I'd prefer.

 

[Chiro75]

I have his 8" blade Brute and it is just as everyone says. The Kydex sheath is pretty crude, and very low on frills, but it works okay. I'll have to make my own for serious carry, but for carrying around in a bag it does fine protecting the user from the blade.

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[Nakano 2]

There is a favorable review article on both the Entrek Jag and Survivor, both Tantos in 440C in 09/ 97 issue if TK magazine written by Bob Kasper.

I had a custom Jag made with a sub 4" blade a few years ago. It is a real sturdy fix blade but is more for field use as it uses a somewhat steep angle which is not conducive for daily utility use. The sheath is crude indeed (ABS plastic) and an aftermarket would be called for if one intends to carry daily. Its micarta handles are nicely blasted and contoured and I found it fits a medium/ large hand a bit better.

I' ve spoken to Ray Ennis a few years back and I believe he and his company comes from a firearms servicing background. He is a member of the PKA (Professional Knife Makers Association) and have been making knives for over 20 years. Hope this helps a bit.

L8r,
Nakano

[This message has been edited by Nakano 2 (edited 04-26-2000).]