Who are the highest precision folder makers?

hardheart

hardheart

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Sep 19, 2001
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I have read a little about the Appletons and Michael Walker and the use of wire EDM. What other makers work at their levels of tolerances? Doubtful I will ever afford anything from the names that get listed, but I like looking at their work.
 
I would hazard a guess that the use of EDM is only a means to an end, not the "root cause" of the precision.

That said, off the top of my head:

The Sawby self-lock as used by Scott Sawby (and Bailey Bradshaw before he left the knife business) requires very tight tolerances.

Tim Wright is known for his extremely precise takedown folders.

I also suspect Ron Lake's work commands a high premium for a good reason.
 
Since someone had a GTC knife for sale, I checked out their website. Looks like high tolerances, and prices.
 
Stan Wilson does some of the highest tolerance work I have ever handled

-Michael
 
Chefget said:
Stan Wilson does some of the highest tolerance work I have ever handled

-Michael
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let's not forget his next door neighbor, Todd Fischer. They use rather different methods to arrive at a similar destination. You would be quite surprised how "old school" a lot of Stan's shop gear is, whereas Todd is an engineer and a machinery freak.
 
Ken Erickson, Richard Rogers and Grey Taylor.

Des Horn is working to amazing tolerances, and of course the master.......Ron Lake
 
I had also handled some of Stan Wilson's knives and the fit and finish is outstanding. As smooth as a folder could be. Additionally, I would say Larry Newton's knives are on the highest level of precision in fit and finish as are Shane Taylor's.

Also, I have handled his knives many times and eventually was able to purchase one of Howard Hitchmough's folders. His knives are made of the finest materials at the highest level of precision as well.

There are many others, but I have not had the opportunity to handle their knives.

Peter
 
I created a list of about 40 names. On a scale of 1-10 the bulk are a nine. Just super! From my experience, in highest of levels, the below get the ten:

Of these ALL of them have remarkable F&F. Some names are exceptional (fanatical?) in detail and closest inspection: Emmanuel, Lake, Walker, Harkins, Overeynder, Hoel, Jernigan, Kious, Osborne, Steigerwalt (new), Wood, Puddu, Rogers, Bose, Sawby, Hanson, Smith, Lerch, Chamblin, Steinau, Loerchner.

There are MANY others, and it's unfair to not mention these names without pissing off the makers by omission. LOL!

Coop
 
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I think that this subject needs to be broken down into categories seeing as different makers make different mechanisms. Each mechanism type has it's own level of difficulty. Some makers will be in multiple categories.

Lock Backs
Liner Locks
Slip-joints
Automatics
Other
 
SharpByCoop said:
I created a list of about 40 names. On a scale of 1-10 the bulk are a nine. Just super! From my experience, in highest of levels, the below get the ten:

Of these ALL of them have remarkable F&F. Some names are exceptional (fanatical?) in detail and closest inspection: Emmanuel, Lake, Walker, Harkins, Overeynder, Hoel, Jernigan, Kious, Osborne, Steigerwalt (new), Wood, Puddu, Rogers, Bose, Sawby, Hanson, Smith, Lerch, Chamblin, Steinau, Loerchner.

There are MANY others, and it's unfair to not mention these names without pissing off the makers by omission. LOL!

Dudley, Jack Levin is an amazing guy and quite unique, but his F&F isn't in this uber-league, however, his designs are killer!

Coop
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Coop,
I'm happy to see that you put Steve Jernigan in your list. I was going to add his name to this thread but you beat me to it.
 
Coop handles more knives than most, his list is a good one. Only caveat, is "current production". Early versions of every knifemaker shows their growth. Need to update list though, which Hanson and which Loerchner? :)
 
SharpByCoop said:
I created a list of about 40 names. On a scale of 1-10 the bulk are a nine. Just super! From my experience, in highest of levels, the below get the ten:

Of these ALL of them have remarkable F&F. Some names are exceptional (fanatical?) in detail and closest inspection: Emmanuel, Lake, Walker, Harkins, Overeynder, Hoel, Jernigan, Kious, Osborne, Steigerwalt (new), Wood, Puddu, Rogers, Bose, Sawby, Hanson, Smith, Lerch, Chamblin, Steinau, Loerchner.

There are MANY others, and it's unfair to not mention these names without pissing off the makers by omission. LOL!

Dudley, Jack Levin is an amazing guy and quite unique, but his F&F isn't in this uber-league, however, his designs are killer!

Coop
Click to expand...


I agree, and would add Bennica to the list.
 
^^^ Yes, yes, and yes. BS, I've seen early Kenny Steigerwalt's which were clumsy. Probably EVERY maker has done this. :)

Bennica, Hodgson, Rietveld; there are SO many I'm remembering.

Chuck, you're right, too. Hard to quantify an overall scope.

When I think of uber-precision, most of the makers who come to mind have mostly metal knives, not as organic. Just because it is so easy to see precision in fit.

Coop
 
Wow, a lot to peruse. I am also noticing the prices are not too bad for a lot of these makers. I guess I just got too used to seeing five figures for zippers, infi-locks, and tail-locks.
 
In France we have Raphaël Durand. He works in 1/100 mm. The junction blade - spring is impressive...

I have already presented his work here, you will find it in Atlanta, it comes with Samuel Lurquin present the "Spartan Folder"...
 
I handled a Tim Wright lockback and it was incredible. The take-down tool that stored extra screws and an oiler he made was a work of art itself. I couldn't tell the take down tool could be taken apart as well as the junction between the cap and the body was virtually invisible
 
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