Visit to Ruana Knives on 07/15/2010

[lunde]

My dad (Vernon), my friend (Wade Woodward), my daughter (Ruby), and I visited Ruana Knives in Bonner, Montana last Thursday afternoon (07/15/2010) on the way to Hamilton to participate in Cooper Arms' 2010 One-Shot Competition, and had the pleasure and honor to meet and shake hands with Mike and Mark Hangas, along with their father, Victor. Of course, I took some photos with my Canon PowerShot S90.

Here is the outside of Ruana Knives, with my Infiniti FX35 parked outside:

Here is a mold that is used to cast the aluminum handle onto the blade (the mold is made out of aluminum):

Here is one of their many (old) milling machines, and if memory serves, this one is used to rough-contour the handles after they are cast:

Here is a box of knives that seem to be in need of only final polishing of their blades and handles:

The highlight of the trip was being able to see the blade blank of the CB CK (Custom Brass Camp Knife) that I ordered earlier this year:

Not only that, I was able to hand-select the Stag that will be used for its handle. Here is the "Box of Stag" from which I was able to choose:

 

[lunde]

And, here is the CB CK blade blank together with the Stag that I ended up choosing:

Here is Mike putting the Stag back into the box:

You know how RMK has a display case that shows the various stages of making an Randall? Well. Ruana Knives has something similar in their show room:

This was also in their show room:

Here is something special: a "Bleeding Heart" Tomahawk, with Stag inlay in the handle:

 

[lunde]

It turns out that my dad and Victor Hangas have something in common: fly fishing and fly tying. They chatted a bit about this fabulous sport, and my dad gave to Victor a dozen or so flies to try.

It was a great visit, and I am more than ever looking forward to the CB CK later this year, especially because I was able to hand-pick the Stag for its handle.

 

[Samael]

Very nice, Ken. So much history in that building.

 

[Fort Henry Custom Knives]

What a wonderful treat!! Thanks for letting us share in the experience.

I have longed to visit the shop for many years, I am glad that you were able to do so.

What a "Box O Stag"!!

Was the Tomahawk a special order or was it just the guys wanting to make something different?

Please revive this thread with final pics when you get your knife.

 

[Samael]

^^^Seconded.:thumbup:

 

[lunde]

I forgot to say more things about their "up and coming" show room, which is outstanding. The step-by-step display is one of the exhibits. They also have a display case that includes knives that are currently available, along with Ruana Knives merchandise. It is clear that family unity and spirit is what is keeping the Ruana Knives name and quality going, and that is a good thing. As you stated, there is a lot of history in that building, and the best part is that it is living history.

 

[Boggs]

Too Cool...thank you

 

[Lorien]

that's a funky little operation they got going there. Brand seems to be picking up some steam lately. Ole skool is back in.

 

[BrainOnSigs]

Happiness is picking out your own stag!

 

[ruanaknives.com]

Ken,
It was great meeting you, Ruby, Wade, and your dad also. We appreciae your kind words and visit to our shop. I'm glad you were able to hand pick the stag for your knife handle. Hope you had a great time and thanks again.
Mike

 

[lunde]

Many thanks, Mike. I am now, more than ever, looking forward to seeing how the CB CK turns out. Looking back at the emails that we exchanged back in early April, I mentioned the possibility of picking out the Stag for its handle, and I am glad that I had an opportunity to do so.

Keep up the great work! There is a lot of history at your company, and you are doing a great job at preserving it, and continuing the legacy.

 

[lunde]

Good news. I got a call from Mike today, letting me know that my CB CK is a week away from being done.

 

[joebonny]

Thanks for the partial shop tour of the Ruana Knife works, I like there knives ,I bought my first custom knife from Rudy himself, had it special made ,but of course someone stoled it from me years ago. but I stopped in there shop years later on my way to Idaho, an bought one of the big bowies they make with the brass strip along the top spine,its a heavy knife an would chop small trees all day if you could handle it that long. but thanks for showing the pictures, it was a pleasant reminder of when I was there. Joe Allen

 

[lunde]

The CB CK arrived today, and here are a few initial snapshots (better photos will follow later this weekend):

 

[Whiskey River]

WOW!! That is one sweet knive and sheath! I am impressed!! Nice handle choice too!! Well done Ken!

 

[lunde]

Better photos of my CB CK have been posted here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8643114