Home Forums Gear Knives and Blades What knife makers most interest you

Another line I particularly like is the Forged Craftsman line that was made in the US...this one is six inch and is particularly thin in the blade and has marvelous steel for use with a steel.







Doesn't look like much but it is a joy to use.

I like that Skinner.

I like poboy's knives the best.

Gene connects dots like nobody else,in regards to patterns,grinds,steel(s),heat treat and an open ear to do whatever one pleases.

I've 500+ blades to extrapolate and he just simply gets it.

'Tis a treat,dealing with him......................

Michael Gavak out of Florida is making some of the nicest custom folders right now.

Bret Dowell ( Even though he’s gone AWOL on my last order)
Rick Menefee
David Winston
Hank Hammond
Gene Ingram

Gene is good but nowhere near the level of Phil Wilson. There is a very good reason you don't see Phil's knives for sale second hand. There is a good reason Crucible asked him to work with them. Phil connects all the dots.

Gime a link.

I've seen me hoard...............(grin)

Nope...wayyyyyyyyyy too much belly.

No thanks...................

Phil Wilson is the pinnacle for edge geometry, steel, and heat treat. Nothing showy, but Phil Wilson’s blades cut and hold an edge like no other.

Gene Ingram - solid designs. Stick, I know you like his S30V, but his I prefer his work with D2 after using both. I still have and use both, but like the slightly toothy edge on a D2 blade of his.

Jerry Busse for his big blades

Rick Hinderer

Have tried lots of blades through the years and sent most down the road.

Design, blade geometry, steel selection, and good heat treat all are needed for a knife to work. So many knives cut poorly, have slippery grips, terrible designs, or worthless heat treat.

Sometimes I wonder if the makers or buyers ever cut anything other than paper or arm hair?

I rather like Gene's S35V...but got it all...................

Have him make you what you want. He will make anything that will work, if you ask nice.

Though he is slowing things down these days. Not taking orders but I bet if you contacted him and told him you were not in a huge rush he would get you what you want.

I have more then a few of Ingram's, May's, and a couple Winston's. More then a few of Wilson's too. I don't buy [bleep] knives.

Kauffman Knives, all handmade and exceptional fit and finish...

This thread could use a lot more pics... Hint...


Edit: thanks Shrapnel!

No doubt Rick Hinderer makes great stuff right there with Martin.

Phil has made some showy knives but tends to keep it practical and durable you are correct.

Gene's stuff is very solid. As far as I am concerned May's is as well.

I would post some but I can't get them to load on here.

No particular order either,

Rick Menefee
Hank Hammonds
Dale Howe
Gene Ingram

Never spoke or texted with Gene, but the other 3 are cool guys, personable, and do great work. Stand up guys.....

Gene is as stand up as they come.

One of my favorites from Shot 2019 is a small family owned and operated company from Michigan. The call themselves White River Knife and Tool.

S35V blades, lots of handle options, and really great designs. Everything, including the raw materials are made in the US. The only exceptions are cork and a couple exotic wood handle options that can’t be grown here.

This one I couldn’t put down.




This one retails for $120. Sheath, fire starter, box, everything.