Rick Menefee Wharncliffe Trapper

fewpop

fewpop

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Nov 18, 2004
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I thought you folks might like to see some pictures of a custom folder I just received. It's a wharncliffe trapper made by Rick Menefee. Rick is from Oklahoma, and works for the USDA as a federal trapper. He has been making fixed blades for about 10 years, and started making some folders in early 2008. My understanding is that he has had some tutelage from makers such as Dan Burke and Mr. Tony Bose, among others.

I was unfamilier with Rick's work until I saw this knife on a purveyor's website, and I just liked everything about it, so....now it's in my pocket.

The blade is about 3 & 1/8" of 154cm. Closed size is about 3 & 7/8". It has natural canvas micarta scales over stainless steel liners, halfstop, and a nice firm snap. The action is very smooth and the backspring and liner seams are very well done. Backspring is in same position with blade open, closed, and half stopped. The blade is nicely centered without any horizontal or vertical blade play. It came with a more obtuse egde than I like, so I reprofiled it with my edge pro. It is wicked sharp now.

Overall, I'm quite pleased with this one. Rick might be a new slipjoint maker worth keeping an eye on, imho.

If any of you have a knife by Rick, and want to share info or photo here, please do. :)

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The backspring and liners. Sorry about the glare, but you get the idea.
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Nicely centered blade.
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This one will be getting its' share of pocket time.
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hey ford, I had a chance to handle a couple of rick's folders the other day when the OKC knife guys got together. I think they're really nice and loved the micarta with no liners that looks similar to yours. It's light and really nice in terms of fit and finish.

nice snag!

brett
 
Ford,Great pictures as usual! I saw these knives in pictures on sites as well.There is a purveyer right here on BF's that has some.I saw that he does G-10,and wood,too.Also,like Brett said,w/ no liners
By the looks of your pictures,it seems Rick is making real nice pocketknives & the shadow,well,IMO,it's the ultimate carry knife
Congrats on the score & use & carry it in good health,Ford
Here is a link w/some info if anyone is interested :

http://www.theknifegroup.com/menefee.htm

-Vince
 
Boy thats purdy! Brett, I bet you were in hog heaven looking at 'real slippies' and not homemade. Man I love Wharnies! That is basically what I just ordered from Ken Coats the other day except I got mine in green linen Micarta.

STR
 
I've ran across his name and knives a few times of late, but I didn't know anything about him until now. That's a dandy one Ford.
 
STR said:
Boy thats purdy! Brett, I bet you were in hog heaven looking at 'real slippies' and not homemade. Man I love Wharnies! That is basically what I just ordered from Ken Coats the other day except I got mine in green linen Micarta.

STR
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well, personally, I'll take my 'homemade' one over any others out there....;)

brett
 
Ford,

That's a fine looking knife and I understand that he makes a pretty good one for the money. Congrats. :thumbup:

However, I'm really glad that none of those federal trappers ever caught me in their snares over the years! ;) :p
 
For anyone on the fence about buying one of Rick's knives you won't be dissapointed. He is doing some really slick work and he makes some great knives. The price on his knives is sure to rise.

SDS
 
SDS said:
For anyone on the fence about buying one of Rick's knives you won't be dissapointed. He is doing some really slick work and he makes some great knives. The price on his knives is sure to rise.

SDS
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+1 on shawn's appraisal. I handled three of them and they were fine starts to a sure-to-be successful transition to folders for Rick.

Brett
 
I've spotted Rick's work on-line. Thanks for the in-hand review, Ford. Looks like another up and coming slip-joint maker on the move. I like what I see.

- Joe
 
canineforge said:
I've spotted Rick's work on-line. Thanks for the in-hand review, Ford. Looks like another up and coming slip-joint maker on the move. I like what I see.

- Joe
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What he said :D.

Thanks Ford, I have not had a chance to check out his work in person. It is great to hear about his knives.
 
I just picked up one of Rick's knives in a Saddlehorn pattern. It does not have liners and is very light. Really nice!
 
Poor ole Brettt wouldn't have even gotten close except that I told him he needed to go over to the coffee shop. Rick is doing a fine job whether straight or folders but now has really taken an interest in making shadow folders. i have one of his swayback wharnies that is the best one he has made. he will be bring ing several to our September Show in Oklahoma City. One he has on his bench now finishing up is a shadow Remington pattern that is REALLY nice. Great guy on top of all this. Mike
 
I just wanted to thank you all for the nice comments and information you have shared here. :)

Getting a new knife is always fun, but being able to share the experience with all the good enthusiasts on the forum makes the occasion even better.

I meant to add in my original post that this one weighs a bit over 2.5 oz. I'll bet the linerless g10 models are really featherweight.

How do you all feel about a linerless g10 shadow in terms of structural integrity? Do you think the g10 scales alone can provide enough rigidity or "twist" resistance (for lack of a better term) for the pivot area and blade under average conditions? Just curious to hear some of your thoughts on this.
Thanks.
 
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Ford,

I was curious about the same thing in respect to the solidness of a folder without liners. I just got the one I have, but it seems pretty solid. I am sure it could be damaged, but under normal usage, I think it will be fine. I think that the weight was supposed to be about 1.5 oz, so it is light. Pretty amazing knife at a great price!
 
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