Who makes great sub-hilts?

Mr.BadExample

Mr.BadExample

Joined
Sep 11, 2002
Messages
3,548
Okay, I'm sure a lot of fine knifemakers make a subhilt.
I've been browsing and I see a lot of art subhilts that are very beautiful.
I'm looking for a good-looking user that can be relied on. I know the subhilt is typically thought of as a fighting knife, but they make great users (if you need a large knife) because of the control.
Collectors, who makes a strong, reliable (and purty, in that order) subhilt? :D
 
Les Robertson's Vanguard series had some very nice sub-hilts in the past. Probably one of the baddest ones I have seen is the Centurion from RJ Martin. I have one and it is just an awesome knife. You might be able to talk RJ into making you one similar down the road. Broadwell does some fine ones and you can find examples with Micarta handles and simple fittings. I have one on order from one of the ABS guys with a forged blade and stag handle that should be done next month. Look for pics :D . Should be a beauty. GenO denning also offers a simple version and his work is very nice and the price is more than fair. You generally don't see a whole lot of them around on dealer sites. The good ones feel great, the not so good feel horrible. It's all in the curves as they say.
 
Thanks for the input, guys. I was looking at the Broadwells on Les's site, but they are a tad "short" for my tastes. The Vanguards are all beautiful designs, but they are sure hard to get!
And true, they are the kind of knife you really want to handle before buying. I have a feeling I'll be scouring the NYC show looking for one. RJ Martin will be there, I'm looking forward to meeting him and seeing his knives in person.
 
How about Jim Siska, awesome sub-hilts. Ricardo Velarde see my Avatar. Some guy in California named Loveless.

Win
 
Well if I could afford to use a Loveless or Brend daily I'd have a few of them :)
Rob Brown, RJ Martin, and Jim Siska are more in my price range. Thanks guys.

Joss, Rob Brown has a sub-hilt Bowie listed on his website. I think I'll be contacting him about one.
 
Schuyler Lovestrand makes beautiful sub-hilts. His model F-2 is awesome.
 
Anybody know a bladesmith that makes a Big Bear style fighter. I am interested in getting a forged version of this knife. One smith I talked to stated that he had made a couple of these and didn't find it enjoyable. He will not make any more.
 
I can vouch for the quality of GenO's knives (though I don't have a subhilt).
 
Wow, just checked out the bowie from Rob Brown. That thing is awesome and the price looks RIGHT! Not a big fan of Buffalo horn though but it sure looks nice.
 
Another maker that has reasonable prices is Rob Davidson.

subhiltthuya.jpg


www.rocketknives.com
 
Keith Montgomery said:
Anybody know a bladesmith that makes a Big Bear style fighter. I am interested in getting a forged version of this knife. One smith I talked to stated that he had made a couple of these and didn't find it enjoyable. He will not make any more.
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I actually looked into this also and since most big bears are hollow ground, many ABS smiths wont consider the job. Bill Caldwell used to make a big bear style knife, but he is pretty much off the market.
 
Anthony Lombardo said:
I actually looked into this also and since most big bears are hollow ground, many ABS smiths wont consider the job. Bill Caldwell used to make a big bear style knife, but he is pretty much off the market.
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I am looking for a smith that can forge in the hollows instead of grinding them in. That is how Bill Caldwell did it. Actually Bill is back making knives, but I would have to save for a real long time to be able to get one from him.
 
dredd8 said:
Schuyler Lovestrand makes beautiful sub-hilts. His model F-2 is awesome.
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I own one of Schuyler's awesome fighters and I agree that his subhilts are amazing.

Here's an example of his work.
 
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