TA Davidson or Erickson or Joe Allen or Jerry Halfrich?

G

GarageBoy

Joined
May 23, 2003
Messages
5,952
Ahh, I want a single bladed trapper/backpocket/lanny clip/saddlehorn (or derivatives) and I do not know who to go to.

How do I choose between these guys?
 
Since T.A. Davison's website says he doesn't take orders you have 3 other options (of those you list). In my opinion the best price to value ratio would come from either Ken Erickson or Joe Allen. I'd investigate timelines and prices and go from there. You should be able to find ample photos of each of thier work without much trouble.
 
You have 3 really good guys. I would get on the list of all 3!!!

OK, here is my personal opinion
Joe Allen for the Back Pocket
Ken Erickson for the Trapper or Swayback
Todd Davidson - choose what you want

Good luck and have fun.
 
Todd Davison has not posted any for sale in awhile but I scored a samber stag wharncliffe sway back not too long ago thru the Knifemaker's For sale sub form. It is my constant EDC as I speak.
 
A little eye candy for you, Garageboy. A picture I posted some time ago of
a Halfrich, an Allen and an Erickson. Don't have a Davidson but that could easily change if the planets get in the correct alignment.

IMG_2431_2.jpg
 
You can't go wrong with any of the makers mentioned and you've gotten some great advice.

I personally own excellent knives by Allen, Erickson and Halfrich (two from each maker)and all three are gentlemen whose knives you can be proud of owning.

I'd take a look at the patterns that appeal to me and get an idea of which maker comes closest to making the one that "grabs" you.

Then I'd also factor in the anticipated cost of such a knife as well as the maker's wait list which can be considerable.

Sometimes the knives are available in the aftermarket but generally the high quality workmanship of these makers hold most of their original value.

In terms of "bang for the buck", as has been said, you'd be hard pressed to beat the knives of Ken Erickson, Joe Allen and let me throw in Ken Coats who is also doing some impressive work at very attractive prices.
 
GarageBoy,

I don't think you're going to find anyone on this forum that can or will pick apart the work of any of these makers, and at the level at which they are producing knives, you'd have to examine the knives on a case by case basis imho. No knife is perfect and the makers themselves will be the first to say so.

The quality of the three makers I have referenced is top shelf and I can't imagine your being disappointed by any of them. There is, however, a considerable difference in price amongst them so you have to decide if the extra cost (and incrementally better fit and finish in some cases) is worth the larger investment to you.

If you are just starting out with custom slipjoints I think you may be better served trying to get the most bang for the buck while you learn to appreciate the various nuances that add cost and value to a given knife or maker's work. Just food for thought.
 
Last edited:
Blues said:
GarageBoy,

I don't think you're going to find anyone on this forum that can or will pick apart the work of any of these makers, and at the level at which they are producing knives, you'd have to examine the knives on a case by case basis imho. No knife is perfect and the makers themselves will be the first to say so.

The quality of the three makers I have referenced is top shelf and I can't imagine your being disappointed by any of them. There is, however, a considerable difference in price amongst them so you have to decide if the extra cost (and incrementally better fit and finish in some cases) is worth the larger investment to you.

If you are just starting out with custom slipjoints I think you may be better served trying to get the most bang for the buck while you learn to appreciate the various nuances that add cost and value to a given knife or maker's work. Just food for thought.
Click to expand...

Blues that is really well said:thumbup:
I have my Allen saddlehorn in my pocket, I don't think you can go wrong with any of those choices.
Cheers
Mitch
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top