Recommendations for traditional custom slipjoint maker

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idahoguy

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I have the end of an elephant tusk, about 5" long, and sure would like to see it turned into covers on a single blade swayback wharncliffe knife. I can't find a well made wharncliffe made with high end steel, so there's another way to go about it. The knife would be EDC, 3-1/2" long or less, stainless bolsters, thin blade. There should be enough material for the maker to get 4 covers from the tusk, so there should a little something in it for him. I'm on a fixed income, so would have to pay him off in the waiting period, probably 3-$400. Any ideas who isn't backed up for a year, and would be good to work with? There are so many custom makers that I don't want to waste anyone's time without doing some homework. Tanx!
 
I'm a fan of TA Davison's work - his base prices are a bit higher than that, but the extra ivory may help offset the cost.
 
Hiroaki Ohta also does excellent work and is a pleasure to work with. I've had several good experiences with him and always fast turn-around.

I can also second the recommendation for Davison.

Dr. T aka David Taber also makes a sweet ivory swayback...
 
You might want to talk with our very own Esnyx from here on the Forum. Don't know if this is up his alley or not, but it doesn't hurt to ask!

Regards,
Ron
 
Have a look at Paul mason's work . he is new on BF and dose some beautiful work .
 
I don't think you can ship ivory into some countries, so I would be careful about attempting to send anything overseas. (And the current climate for ivory here is rather tense.) I'm sure you'll get lots of suggestions, but if you go into the knife makers for sale forum here you'll see lots of names. Ken Coats comes to mind.

The ivory needs to be cut without overheating it and by someone that can get the maximum number of scales out of your tusk.
 
IMO Jim Dunlap does the best custom slip joint work at the best price with the least backlog today. Todd's prices are higher than your range.
 
Another nod for Todd. He will discount the cost of the materials you supply also (as I almost had him make one with my materials for me). It'll be at the high end maybe a touch over but well worth it. Maybe he'll discount for the extra material if he can keep it?

Good guy and outstanding knife maker.
 
I wonder if you could keep costs down by having an existing knife re handled? Of course this is not what you are asking about, so forgive the intrusion, please
 
Thanks for the responses so far guys. The number of custom makers is overwhelming for a guy like me, so your help is appreciated. Many or most of the custom makers may well be above the range I mentioned, it's up to me to do the final homework. The piece of ivory is left over from a piece I bought on Ebay several years ago to make billy clubs with. I glued up woods like ebony or pink ivory with ivory strategically placed in the glue up, and turned up some awesome looking clubs. The ivory is some of the most beautiful natural material that could be put into a custom knife. I couldn't possibly begrudge any of the knife maker's prices. I can sure appreciate the craftsmanship and control of the project that goes into the making of a work of art.
I may just sell a gun to get some money in. That would open up some more doors. Thanks again for the help. I really don't want to bother any of the makers till I've done some prelims.
 
chuko ..... Thanks for the link to Dunlop's work. That small gents wharncliffe is just what the doctor ordered. He loves the wharncliffe and natural materials, and does it well.
 
There are plenty of makers out there in your price range, but that ivory may cause some issues for them, especially in interstate commerce. It is a very touchy subject right now. Don't take offense if makers tell you they don't want to work with it.
 
I sent an email to Jim Dunlap and got a quick response. He's willing to work with the ivory, and has a 3 month turn around. A deal may be in the works. I looked up Paul Mason of England, and he makes a beautiful wharncliffe folder, a bit pricey, but it looks like a treasure. Sending ivory across the Atlantic could get me involved with the feds.
http://www.masonknives.co.uk/
 
Hi Idahoguy.
Thank you for looking at my knives, and for your kind words.
I have not updated my website for over a year, and my latest work can be seen here on blade forum, and edgemattersuk.
I think sending Ivory to me in England would most likely get us both into trouble, unless you have the proper paper work to go with it.
Good luck with your project
All the best

Paul
 
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