THE John W. Smith picture/discussion/appreciation thread.

[Scurvy092]

Instead of derailing the tactical thread, I think JWS deserves his own thread.

I'll get it started with my F5 flipper. One of my favorite knives and it was recently featured on the last episode of Wieners & Steel.

[video=youtube;LBGfhMIlx94]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBGfhMIlx94?t=23m45s[/video]

 

[Kohai999]

John was a machinery repairman/engineer in the coal industry for many years.

He works about 12 hours a day, six days a week.

He makes his own damascus....every piece of material I have seen from him selected for a knife part, either synthetic or natural, has been of the best quality and finished to absolute highest standards.

We have been friends for about 10 years. He looks like a taller, beefier version of Gil Hibben.

He puts the same level of concentration and tolerances into his tactical pieces as he does his art knives....except on the art knives he makes his own gold screws.

The Evolution that I carried for four years, HARD use, and only needed to be taken to the grinder for an edge refresh ONCE!

Built for me, my friend Adam has it now.

This shot has a crap cell phone pic of the art knife....it is an awesome piece, much lighter than many of his art knives.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Scurvy092]

I was so excited to have the chance to meet him at ECCKS but I understand he was under the weather. Hopefully another show soon. Would love to be able to order one from him in person.

PS. All of those pieces are gorgeous in their own way.

 

[Kohai999]

I was so excited to have the chance to meet him at ECCKS but I understand he was under the weather. Hopefully another show soon. Would love to be able to order one from him in person.

PS. All of those pieces are gorgeous in their own way.

He is humble, and soft spoken and has an awsome presence...I enjoy being around him about as much as I like anyone(well, my wife is a little easier on the eyes, lol)

Look at the grinds, they are so precise....many makers would do well just to study that aspect of JWS knives....and like I said before, and YMMV, but I have NEVER lost money on his knives.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Scurvy092]

He is humble, and soft spoken and has an awsome presence...I enjoy being around him about as much as I like anyone(well, my wife is a little easier on the eyes, lol)

Look at the grinds, they are so precise....many makers would do well just to study that aspect of JWS knives....and like I said before, and YMMV, but I have NEVER lost money on his knives.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

I agree about the grinds but also every aspect of the knives is near perfect. It's insane how people can charge double for what you pay for one of his knives and it isn't remotely close to as nicely finished. That's why I kind of freaked out on Froochie when he asked if the blade was warped on my F5. He was clearly seeing things.

 

[Lorien]

I got a JWS knife, full ti and stellite for super cheap on the secondary, asked him if I could send it for a refurb as there was a little issue and he totally went over it and sent it back no charge. Great service, much better than I deserved

But more importantly, he sent me a cad drawing on paper of his mechanism which set me on the path of designing folders. I have yet to have any of the 3 dozen or so patterns I've come up with since actually get built, and may never do, but I have had a project in mind for John ever since I contacted him. A SUPER FOLDER!

 

[Jon Brand]

I owned two evolutions with red micarta handles and bolsters. Same model as Stevens. I also had another of his newer tactical models and cant remember the name. Plus some fancy gents folders. The guys quality is at the top. No one does it better. His folders feel better then anybodys and thats no joke. If you like that SOUND and SNAP that sounds hollow and amazing, look no further then JWS. His lock up has that wonderful tone some of us love.

 

[Meet George Jetson]

Yesterday I got my very first knife by John and I couldn't be more impressed by the quality. I have owned a number of custom knives through the years and have never handled one that is constructed better. I believe mine is an SD-2. The design also is top-notch and elegant in its simplicity. A true classic.

Does anyone know if he is taking orders for knives? His website appears to be out of date and I am not sure if the email address is current. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[HSC ///]

JWS did something for me that I really appreciated, a deep carry clip

 

[Don Hanson III]

John is a great maker, and a super nice guy! He was one of the first guys I talked to about using screws to build folders & liner locks. This was in the 90's at a NKCA show in Springfield Mo...

 

[HTMD]

Here's a fancy JW Smith knife from the AKI Show a few years back. I agree with all the comments above. Top drawer stuff! I like his 'tactical' folders too.