Raymond L. Smith, MS - Rat Tail Folder

SharpByCoop

SharpByCoop

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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 8, 2001
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This is my second R.L. Smith knife, and it just arrived. (see the first one here) Ray earned his MS degree in 1998, and knifemaking is his second full-time job.

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I caught wind of his 'rat-tail' type of folder in the Knifemaker's Gallery forum, about 5 months ago, and I chatted with Ray to place me on his waiting list. Exactly on schedule he called me and said he had one done. Would I like to see a preview, if still interested? Absolutely.

He sent me a few photos and I could tell it was a winner. Yes, please send it. Payment enroute.

Once it arrived, I was impressed even more: it was enclosed in a quality Ace zipper pouch, the materials and F&F were especially well-matched, the pins are domed, and the action is smart and precise. It is a slip joint, and it includes a half-stop as well. Yes, there are 'old school' brass liners, but I find them perfectly suited to the almost rustic nature of this piece. So is Ray's extensive filework.

Look closely at that rat tail:

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That's a one-piece backspacer going off in two directions--to the well and to the blade spine.

Lastly Ray mailed a separate envelope with this thorough certificate:

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In every regard Ray overdelivered. I am pleased to show this to you also. :thumbup: :thumbup:

Ray is a member of this forum. His website is www.theanvilsedge.com. I hope he chimes in....

Coop
 
If your pictures weren't so crappy, we would be able to get a good look at this knife. :D

The file work is fantastic. At first I didn't like the "rat tail" but after thinking about it, I could see this one in a pocket sheath with the "rat tail" acting as hard lanyard.
 
I've always liked Ray's style (he sold out of the rat tails at the last Chesapeake show before I could snag one!)...but this folder is just beautiful!

Great score!

-Michael
 
Very nice Jim! That rat tail is just as clean and precise as the rest of the knife. I'm sure it will be a wonderful addition to your collection.:thumbup:
 
Great folder, Coop! I remember you picking that first one up for a song. This makes a great pair of Ray's! :thumbup:

Always enjoy your images.

- Joe
 
That is NICE!!!! What kind of wood did he use?
 
Both open and closed the knife has beautiful visual balance and
proportions. I like the "old school" brass liners, and the delicate file
work and forged rat-tail complete the package for a really beautiful
folder.

You saw all this well in advance when you made the order for one,
didn't you, Coop?

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)
 
That is just a sweet little piece - love the rat tail. Congrats Coop!

Roger
 
Great eye appeal, I love that folder! I am a push over when it comes to the old school of brass liners and extensive file work. Just love it and the pictures ain't half-bad either.:D
Jim Todd
 
Nice score, Coop. Thanks for sharing it here.

I appreciate your post not only for the very appealing R.L.Smith slip-joint, but also for the lesson in how business should be conducted. Kudos to Raymond Smith for his professionalism, even though knife-making is not his only job. This speaks volumns about the man!
 
jdm61 said:
That is NICE!!!! What kind of wood did he use?
Click to expand...

I, too, would like to know the type of wood used.

You got two very nice and unusual knives from Ray. I have one very similar to your first, what Ray calls his medium hunter. I think the rat tail really adds to the aesthetics of the knife.

Paul
 
Everything looks right on this one, congratulations :thumbup:
The wood looks like walnut to me.
 
Thanks for all the great comments about the folder and thanks to Coop for doing a great job on the photos. This knife is what I call the deluxe model, the wood is Stablized Maple Burl.

Thanks Again
Ray
 
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