Mine in no special order

Big Chris
Phill Hartsfield
Jerry Halfrich
Phil Wilson
Daniel Winkler
Joe Kious
RJ Martin

Rick Menefee

He is good!

Dan Thornburg
Rick Menefee
Gene Ingram
Dale Howe
Charles May

I have a bunch of May's and Ingram's they are boring but reliable.

Rick Menefee because I haven't been able to get my hands on one. Winston is my favorite. I really like his patterns and his work is a bargain for the craftsmanship

I Wilson.

Sheffield.

Bang for the buck I have to agree with you. Though he falls in with May and Ingram as nothing really exciting. But you know that you are getting a solid quality knife that will perform.

Sheffield makes some amazing stuff, without a doubt and interesting knife maker.

Who is I Wilson?

Dan Brock, Plowshare Forge

Don't know him, will check him out.

Brett Dowell and his daughter Taylor, great workmanship on both their knives.

Guess i like boring knives. I Keep ordering Winston’s.

I’ve looked at some Big Chris knives on BF. Prices got too high for me.

You must be after some Gil Hibben alien fighter knives.

No fighters never tickled me. I am into solid useable hunting knives. I don't mind boring knives I own a ton of them. But there are some knife makers that just never get boring. The only regular that everyone here likes that isn't boring to me is Rick. Though I am not a fan of swedges. However Rick always has a twist and his knives don't all have the same look as May, Ingram, Winston do. Just my opinion, you are certainly entitled to your own opinion. Sorta why I wrote this tread, as I like hearing others opinions. I know hard to believe here on the Fire right?

Long gone, from Sycamore St.

And some lovely steel.

Ask Rick about them, I believe he is also interested in the line.

Rick does make some very nice knives. I’ve got a couple.

I guess u like a certain style. And just go with that. I don’t think i have the first knife in wood. All g10 or micarta. Wood Just doesn’t do it for me. One day I’ll step out and get a bone knife. Really like Winston’s fluted camel bone.


There’s a guy on BF, Austin Goldman is his handle. Prolly his name. Makes some really good looking knives.

Have you seen any of Winston’s folders? He really shows out on those.

I like many styles of knives. Even boring ones! I use a May and Ingram regularly. What really interest me to be honest is the guys that are really getting the heat treat process. Guys that are cutting edge no pun intended. Phil Wilson and Big Chris fit this bill in my opinion. Though Phil is winding down, his knives are just magic to me. I own 8 knives from him now and owned another 4 from him. I wish I never gave two of them away and sold the other two. Big Chris is more money because he is using more expensive steel, that also eats belts, and requires heat treating properly. His knives are well worth his asking prices.

I have seen a couple of Winston's folders in person. They are nice.

I thought you were referring to the Sheffield knife industry as a whole.

No, I really do have a soft spot for the I Wilson line...in point of fact I value mine own more than I value my Randalls or my Behring.

Pretty much a sucker for a good butchers knife.

I have owned several Randalls, but never really had a connection to them. I still have a small Saltwater and a model 18 my grandmother bought from Bo's hands in person. It's not my style but my grandmother gave it to me and specifically when to FL to buy it for me so it is a keeper.

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.

I woulda guessed, but as I said I'm not on the level with him.... Hank and Dale are straight up badass'....

Those bottom two are Beautiful. Not a fan of mirror finish or Damascus, but certainly can appreciate the craftsmanship.

You just cost me $.....

Here is an Ingram 101 (?) on top of a Phil Wilson for comparison of examples of straighter profiles from each.



Here are a few different profiles from Wilson and Ingram side by side for comparison of profiles. The Phil Wilson in S110V, next to the bottom, is my favorite, but really like the Ingram Bullnose in D2 also.



As for S35V, I like it as well and carry it everyday. Like it. 👍

Did you handle the Fisk Sendero pack or bush model? Really liking the looks of it from inter web pics.

It’s sweet!

Tom Olt
Rick Menefee
Dave Schlessinger
Mark Hill
David Winston

Their 8.5" fillet with cork handle looks awesome.

J. Neilson
Kim Ralston



I have several from J. Neilson. Back before he became a master Smith and before he became a judge on Forged with Fire

Ray Laconico
Dave Wesner aka Kelsey Creek
Scott Gossman
TK Steingass

Do you mean Tim Olt? I like that guy. Does nice work too.

Ray Laconico is amazing. I have never owned one but I have handled a bunch and they are tough to beat.

Well Dave Wesner does some fabulous work for sure. I have a few of his knives. He maybe one of the most underrated or unknown makers out there! Another one you don't see for sale from second hand sellers.

I don't know Scott Gossman

I like TK Steingass work that I have seen posted here.

There are two makers who I would like to own one of their knives.
Bob Loveless.
Ed Fowler.

I will not pay today's going price so guess I will have to just reminisce of past overlooked deals.
And maybe copy them a little.

Throw me in the boring column as well, fits my personality.

Wouldn't we all MRK!

There is nothing wrong with boring. They work and in the end that is what matters most.

Very nice set of wilson's you have there. Sure just tease us with the Hinderer!

I'm partial to Joe Kious, Warren Osborne, Jerry Halfrich and Jelle Hazenberg. I'm on the books for one from Salem Straub and am excited to see what it winds up being.

I like
Mike Miller
G.L. Drew
Rick Nowland

Exactly.

Gene Ingram
Brett Dowell
Charles May
Rick Menefee
Fifth spot is an open position. There are probably at least a dozen makers I could plug in here at #5. Leaving it open lets me off the hook and when I see the next shiny thing not from one of the named makers on my list I can say "hello number five!"

A friend at work is buddy’s with Ken Coats. I’ve got him making me a two blades trapper to go with this single blade version he made me a couple years ago.

I. Wilson was a famous knife company in Sheffield, England, during the 19th Century. They made knives, packed them several gross to a wooden keg and shipped them to America. The mountain men and fur trappers carried them and also used them as trade knives to the Indians. They were used in hundreds of thousands of kitchens as butcher knives.

The one at the top of the picture is an original I. Wilson, and according to my mother, was used by her, her mother, her grandmother, and great grandmother. It is about 140 or 150 years old. Still cuts as well as when it was new, so long ago.

The lower butcher knife is about 75 years old and my father bought it for our kitchen, It was from John C. Primble Co. I've used it on many a deer and elk camp.







L.W.

<

You have great taste my friend!

Thanks. Tony Baker, who worked very closely with Warren, is really turning out some nice knives of late. He moved to Oklahoma and has really stepped up his game. I believe that he is headed to the show in Arkansas with some nice pieces.

I like Mike McCarter out of Tennessee. He makes some very nice knives in a variety of patterns, and the fit and finish is great. He is in the February issue of Knife Magazine with his Kephart pattern knife.

Yes Mike makes some very interesting knives. His creativity covers a wide range of styles and design. I would like to get my hands one to put to use.

I have one of his Kepharts and a knife that is his version of a Canadian Belt Knife. Both are really well made and finished. I processed a deer with the Kephart last fall and was impressed with it. Works great in the kitchen too. The CBK is new and I have not done anything with it except cut summer sausage and tomatoes.

Going back to the title of “interest” rather than use, there are a few more to add, but with the caveat of not having used them enough to comment meaningfully on performance, but they are of interest for the sake of history or art.

Randalls have caught my interest of late, but the jury is out on performance.

Studying them has been interesting to see how some of his then new designs influenced so many makers who came later.

Tyanko Ivanov is a gifted artist knifemaker and engraver in Bulgaria. He makes his own Damascus steel in very interesting and unique patterns.

Every knife he makes is unique and a work of art.

He mainly displays and sells on Facebook, and occasionally on bladeforums.

I picked up this knife from him last year. That is his hand in the video, not mine.




Vojta Destensky in the Czech Republic is producing beautiful Loveless inspired work.

I have not purchased one, but am watching and thought others might find his work of interest.

http://www.vdknife.cz/Noze-na-prodej (multiply prices by 0.045 to convert to US Dollars)

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/knives-in-loveless-design.1640388/#post-18755968

Still hard to beat Ingram or Wilson for actually doing the job.

Here is another of Tyanko Ivanov’s work. He has more videos on YouTube and some of his best past work is on Facebook.

Never personally handled any of either maker's knives, but two who have a lot of designs that I like are: Jim Coffee Knives of Norton, OH and Crawdaddy Forge of Greenville, TX.

Darin Hunter with Hunter's Forge, he's a good friend of mine and is extremely talented! You can see his work on Facebook

I just bought my first Cross Knife by Pete Winkler and am really digging it. Fit and finish is awesome and the design will lend itself well to my hunting needs. Just still not convinced on full convex, but I guess time will tell

You will not be disappointed.

Have an M4 blade on order from Tim Olt, a Woodsman Nessmuk from Lucas Forge and am hoping to get one from Phil Wilson. That would make my year. Finally found a WC Davis drop point and a Geno Denning semi-skinner, both last year. Had looked for the Denning for a few years. Here's the Denning and WC Davis.

Just received this Large Clip Point Hunter from Tim Olt. Quickie phone camera pic doesn't do it justice.

Here it is with a new Ontario Rat 1 in D2 I'm going to try out for edc + a vanity pic of it by itself.





Must get some better pics of Tim's knife.

What's that top ingram in that bottom pic? Thanks

Rhino First and maybe only one he made.

Both very nice. Good luck with getting a Phil Wilson, they are hard to come by. Post pictures for sure when you get one.

Yeah that MRK guy makes some nice knives.

I have not finished moving all my stuff to Montana. So these are only the knives I have here. The rest are stored at my fathers house back in CT. And I have a few up at my uncles house in Alaska. I'll post more when I can.

Montana Creek Hunter, if you don't mind me asking, what was your location prior to your move to Montana? And what were the contributing factors that made you make the move?

The reason I ask is, many people are considering moves these days. Often, political reasons are part of the decision. Some areas are turning blue faster than people can get situated in new jobs in some of these areas. To their horror, they are often quickly affected by the politics. I have a good friend who was a lifer in the Army that chose Virginia as his dream retirement spot. He bought a beautiful piece of property with area to do some farming, with plenty of great hunting on and around his property. If you follow the news, you know what has been happening to Virginia. And it hasn't taken very long!

I was seriously considering a move to NC. But, in the past few years NC has gone crazy with blue politics. The urban city voters, many refugees from liberal northeatern schitholes that will remain unnamed, are quickly outnumbering the rural families of voters that have been there for hundreds of years and have always voted conservative. Unfortunately, these liberal refugees are bringing they're liberal politics with them from the [bleep] they are running from.

I would be grieve to make a move, thinking it was the last one I'd make in my life, only to realize that I had moved into the middle of a blue schitstorm. That has caused me to look elsewhere , rather than NC. But, I am taking my time. I don't want to make a mistake like I believe it would have turned out to be in NC.

To make my position more clear, i personally have a problem with some 19 year old snot nose who's never worked a day in his life, (but may have $150k in student loans he wants communicated), telling me that after I put myself through college swinging a hammer, and worked like a slave all my life to get what I've got, I suddenly need to contribute 70-80-90% of my income to support illegals, those who do not have the penchant for work, or the Green New Dream in the fall and winter of my life.

Your comments and opinion are greatly appreciated.

LD...Curious too. I’m considering Utah or Wyoming. Idaho would be an easy move for us, but a lot of people are expressing a Blueness taking residency in fast numbers. 😎

Montana, I hear some bitchin, but not as much. Here’s a list of the top 10 most liberal cities in MT ranked by some bullschit web page.

Here are the 10 most liberal places in Montana for 2019:

Whitefish (Photos)
Livingston (Photos)
Bozeman (Photos)
Columbia Falls (Photos)
Belgrade (Photos)
Missoula (Photos)
Helena (Photos)
Kalispell (Photos)
Havre (Photos)
Lewistown (Photos)

Basically 3\4 the population of Montana right there,

I've been told a Montana Liberal is more conservative than a NY Republican

Oh, and I will have this one in my hands soon from Mr. May

Godogs57...Hank has done right by me. He’s working on my 6th and 7th blade right now, another combo set. 😎

I guess you are asking my history. So here it is. I was born and raised in Connecticut. My parents divorced when I was in sixth grade. My dad moved to Alaska, so I spent my summers in Southeast Alaska. This is were I got my handle for here on the Fire. Montana Creek is a creek I grew up on fishing and duck hunting. There are some better places to hunt and fish but being a kid I could walk or ride my bike easily to Montana Creek. I have a lot of very fond memories there. I actually spent more time with my uncle while in AK than my father. Did a bunch of commercial fishing and running the Taku River with my uncle. Anyways seven days after graduation I shipped off to Marine Corps Boot Camp. At that point I vowed never to return to CT. However family and jobs prevented that from happening. While stationed in Kaneohe Bay Hawaii I met my best friend, he was from Montana. After the Corps I wanted to move to MT but just couldn't make the money I wanted to make. So I chased Helicopters all over the world making the almighty dollar. In 2004 to 2005 I was working in Al Asad Iraq as a contractor. My grandmother was slowly declining in health, so after my year contract I came back to America and spent her last days with her up in Alaska. While I was with her she asked me to promise her I would get the hell out of CT. So I promised her I would as soon as I could. After she died I returned to contracting in Iraq. I worked in Balad for about 2-1/2 years supporting the Med Team there. I saved a bunch of money and starting looking for a place in MT. Originally I wanted to live in Bozeman but lucky for me I had a chitty realtor. My buddy here in the Bitterroot said move here. I said I would give it a look. He hooked me up with a good realtor and I bought a place here. But I was still chasing Helicopters around the world. As I still am now, but now I have a 90 on, 90 off gig. So I finally in January 2019 officially moved here. Yes I live close to the most liberal town in MT Missoula. I am close enough to get some city life when and if I want it, but far enough away that I am in a very conservative area. So anyways a lot of my things are still in CT. The plan is to get my father out here by the end of the summer. He will spend his final years on earth here. This is the cliff notes version.

I suggest if you are serious make a plan. Save as much as you can. Then make the move as soon as you can. I wish I was here before my buddy had his TV show. Now I don't get to spend as much time with him as I would like. But he has a great thing going and I support him in every way I can. Like dog sitting while he gets to go to SHOT Show!

This is the recent Cross knives drop point I got. Nice knife, just unsure of the full convex grind. That's lime green burlap micarta, pretty cool stuff

Not true. However the liberals outside of Missoula, Bozeman, Helena are more conservative than NY Republicans. The problem is the liberal Newberg's, Renilla, and the BCHA douchbags.

Looks great! I wouldn't have a single problem with that edge. Built to be used!

The sharpening is different than what I'm used to, that's all

Why are they a problem??

The strop is your friend. Use a mouse pad under it for sharpening, barbers strop for keeping the edge. Super simple.

Downstate yes, upstate hell no

They got Tester elected because dumbazz liberal hunters buy into the crap. I think a lot of young hunters also fell for the BS.

Anyone that doesn't think Tester isn't the enemy is no gun loving, hunter, outdoorsmen.

Couple of Halrich’s. One I bought from MCH





Lots of Kious’



Fiddleback Forge’s that I bought and used this year.

As soon as I saw that picture, I thought hey I sold that to you! Love the Kious!!!!!!! So jealous.

Geez o Pete. Now I'm jealous!

White handles, too! Wonder who I got that idea from. 😁😎

Yes he does.

So... he isn't the enemy? Almost nice work on the triple negative.

JL, That Kious is cool!

As far as I know that carbon fiber handled drop point hunter is the only one of its kind that Joe made. I know he did not enjoy working with the carbon fiber.

ive just discovered the benchmade 535 and it really has me horned up. best pocket knife ive carried in terms of ergos, weight, utility. still getting used to S30V, the spyderco sharpener doesnt seem to phase it.

I have several Benchmade knives, and several have the same S30V steel as yours (and presumably the same heat treat). Holds an edge a LONG time - harder than woodpecker lips but doesn't chip.

I think you need to use diamonds to sharpen that blade, as I found.

If you otherwise like the system, you can get diamond rods for that Spyderco.

John

thanks! ive gotten some helpful advice on this. also looks like sending it in to benchmade when its finally dull isnt as onerous an option as i previously thought.

The medium grey hones on the Sharpmaker sharpen S30V just fine. Just make sure you are actually hitting the edge with the hone. You have to match the factory angle. Use a Sharpie marker on a small area on both sides of the blade to see if the angles on the knife edge and Sharpmaker are matching up. If they are you should have no trouble sharpening your S30V.

https://www.mcgowanbladeworks.com/

Dale Howe makes a nice knife.

Dale Howe
Tim Olt
Rick Menefee
TK Stienglass

Jeffbird,

What are the models of the Phil Wilsons in your Picture?

Thanks.

Frank

This is always a great discussion topic. Found several great makers from these discussions over the years. Funny thing, when I look back to the last one I participated in on here it's sad how many of my favorites from back then have either died, retired, gone broke, or gone off the deep end...

The constants though are Gene and Phil. Can't say the good things as well as others have said about Gene above, but wish to add a big "plus one". I probably have more of his, and have given more as gifts, than any other maker, and the performance to effort, (ie sharpening/care/etc.) are the reason. Plus he's always a pleasure to deal with.

Phil's also a super guy. His knives though, are not for the casual user as said above, but they ARE the pinnacle in performance.

"Double Whammer" set from Phil. Sorry mine aren't very pretty anymore...it ain't the years it's the miles...

Meadows semi skinner on the bottom?

They both look fine to me. What steels are they? You want to sell them? You know his blades are hard to come by right?

L,

It's actually smaller than the Meadows. I had one of those in hand for a while in 10V that I sent on down the line because it was too big. I asked Phil for something smaller to more closely pair with the B&T. Actual correspondence from him says "I put you down for a semi skinner, full tang, rounded butt handle, proportional to the Sprig."

It's 4-1/4" handle plus 3-1/2" blade including finger choil. If I recall you have/had a Sprig so imagine that with thicker micarta handles vs the rounded G10.

Funny, this got rolling when I got hold of him, after you told me he had a batch of B&T's in the works. I wanted to get one for my nephew for graduation but all he had left was a 4-1/2" bladed one in Elmax. Easy pass all around, so I told him I'd just gift one of mine, which is what the kid wanted anyway, even though I had a couple of big hunts coming up, and asked him to put me on his list for a replacement. But...Phil got back with me in a couple of days, said he'd really been thinking about the situation and wanted to make the semi for me to use and test and had it to me 3 weeks before I left.

Like I said above - SUPER guy!

The semi is S110V and the B&T S30V. If I sold those knives I'd have at least half a dozen guys I hunt with each year and two heirs who'd disassociate me...

Longest I've waited for one is about 7 months, but last we were in touch Phil told me though he had no plans to quit making, he'd probably quote " just slowly do less and less production." Said since they lost the house in the fire he had to drive to the shop from town vs walking out the door. Can't imagine how much it would suck to be retired, happy, enjoying life and have something like that happen. He said he lost 30 or so personal knives among everything else. Bet they were something...what a loss.

Yes same thing he told me. My comment wasn't meaning hard to get from him, hard to find his knives on the second hand market. I got a bunch of his goods. Been a customer of his for a long time. He is a great guy. His knives are the pinnacle for sure. I have used them hard and they never fail.

How do Charlie's blades stack up against Gene's?

Outta my knife pile... I’ve the most Winston’s. Several May’s. And a few Ingram’s.

I like Winston’s knives the most. I’d say may and Ingram’s are neck in neck. 6 of one / half dozen of the other. Both use same steels and materials.

I don’t have one, but from looking at pics. May has the Scandi market cornered.

Al Warren in Roseville,CA, He's in the knife makers guild and makes most of his knives of s30v. I go through around 30-40 elk per year and nothing I have used holds an edge or re-sharpens like his knives. I own 4 and have another on order. Their for using not just for lookin at.

Curious he only runs his S30V at Rc58. Most makers have settled on 60-61 Rc for their S30V knives.

Easier sharpening.

And less edge holding ability.

And less edge holding ability.

But enough to do multiple animals, depending on how you use a blade.

MRK sorta beat me to it. S30V at RC58 is still better than a lot of other steels at high RC's. The lower RC will also be less likely to chip. So it is all trade offs depending what your wants and needs are.

I remember back in 1992 talking to Phill Wilson at his little storefront about RC and how so many knife makers get it wrong. They think because a steel is able to get a specific high RC that is where they should be treating for. When in all actuality their blades would perform at a much better level with a lower RC or Differential.

Then a few years later I have the exact same conversation with Phil Wilson. Phil told me and I do not remember if it was S30V or S90V that he could get it a few points higher but the trade offs were not worth it.

What Rc does Phil Wilson run his S30V at?

I know I have one marked 59 and two marked 60

I am just guessing but would say his range is 59-61???

58 would not scare me in the least

I believe and I could be wrong it's been a while but when he was using S60V I believe he was getting 62.

59-61, and this is what people gloss over: DEPENDING ON THE SERVICE.

Super thin filets, with lots of flex to the bottom. Hunter/Skinners optimized for edge holding to the top.

Phil's earliest 440V was to 57ish. After he built his new ovens he pushed the crap out of it and was able to kiss 60ish. I was working with it hard at the time as were lots of heat treat nuts. I could hit 60, but it was WAY too brittle. When Spyderco picked it up they found the same. I spent a lot of time talking to Sal, Phil and others and EVERYONE was convinced the sweet spot was 57ish.

Then...Crucible introduced 420V (S90V) and it became a moot point...

I've always felt that when the top knife makers settled on a specific Rc level and heat treat for a given steel it was for a good reason. Never could understand why a guy like Chris Reeves would use a heat treat level 3 or 4 points lower than everyone else for the same steels. Yeah, I get the easier touch up aspect. But a $400 plus knife should be a premium performer and the steel can't do that at such lower levels. And quite frankly, it's hard to understand an outdoorsy hands on kind of guy that can't sharpen a knife.

The tactical knife makers do not want their blades to break when used like a crow bar, so to some makers
premium performance means will bend before chip or break.

There are a ton of guys out there who can not sharpen a blade.

Can't imagine using a Sebenza for a crow bar. But I get what you're saying. Flip side of that is guys who understand such things aren't interested in paying custom knife prices for a butter knife soft blade.

I wouldn't call RC58 butter knife soft blade. There are many things to consider when buying a knife. If you can't live with RC58 or whatever than the knife isn't right for you. But it may very well be right for someone else. Obviously more outdoorsmen than not can't sharpen a blade, Looking at all the different knife sharpening systems out there proves that. But my comment of easier sharpening wasn't really targeted at that. More on the lines of a guy that does actually know how to sharpen a knife will be able to do so a little easier. To me the RC is just one part of the equation.

Sebenza's used to run about 57 on the scale. Too weak in my opinion. But hey, people love them and if it works for them good deal.

Not a favorite of mine but I wouldn't turn one down if it was free or the price was right. Which would need to be well below MSRP for me.

If my luck holds I'll be getting a Smoke Creek in K390 from Phil Wilson himself in about a month. Also have an M4 caper coming from Tim Olt made on the Kestrel Caper pattern. Should RC at 63-64. That's why I had a few knives up for sale recently. I'll post pictures of both when I receive them. Pretty excited about both.

A lot of sharp looking knives here....

The knife makers I like are like the gunsmiths I like .....dead.

Morseth knifes what I like. Father and son both long gone. Russel copied a few , Maybe Loveless made 'em. Russel just slipped away also.

K390 is good stuff. If you don't like it I'll buy it from you!

I have owned several Morseth knives. A few Loveless, a few Randall's and a bunch of others that are long gone now. Morseth never impressed me.

Phill Hartsfield made a wicked blade that was not high on the looks level but functionally few can compare to. When I was in the Marine Corps stationed in Tustin CA I would go to Phill's shop about every week. He was only there one or two days a week so I would make it down there to talk to him. He was a very interesting man with even more interesting customers. He would never tell you their names, but he would tell you the stories. He backed his knives 100%, above and beyond any other maker out there. He may not have been so concerned on looks, but his concern of function was second to know.

Hard to beat the Brusletto laminated steel original Morseths, for sharpness, durability and holding an edge.

Maybe that's why they are so expensive and hard to find.

My gal bought one for me in Eddie Bauer , on Wabash Ave. in Chicago in 1969 for $ 35.00 . That was a time when you could buy a rifle or handgun in Chicago. VL&A was down the street a bit.

You can find them they aren't that expensive. I nice one will go around $500

As for hard to beat Brusletto, Plenty of steels beat it easily.

I really love my Zenmeister, sadly he passed away many years ago, I met him a knife show and bought 2 of his knifes # 86 folder and a fixed blade hunter both unused and still in mint condition. I read about his death several years after purchasing these knifes, and checked the value, which is skyrocketing. marking on the fixed blade knife reads handZmade #119. will post photo's If I ever figure out how to do that here, lol. its the only true custom knife I own, I do have several from big name company's like bark river, case and schrade.

Any Ruana fans out there? I thought I'd toss a few Montana made blades in the mix. The hatchet knife combo was my late Fathers.

Just got these two. Top one is a Phil Wilson Smoke Creek in K390 at Rc64, tan micarta with orange insert. Bottom one is a caper by Tim Olt, 0.10 thick M4 at Rc 63-64, green linen micarta with red liner. Anxious to try them both. Had another M4 by Tim and was super impressed with the steel at that hardness. Have wanted a Phil Wilson for a while.

Damn nice fshaw.........love that Smoke Creek

fshaw you won't like that Smoke Creek. You should just sell it now to me!

I like the ones who answer your emails or texts, for starters.

In no particular order:

Scott Gossman
Ray Laconico
Dave Wesner aka Kelsey Creek
Carothers
T.K. Steingass
T.M. Hunt
Tim Olt aka MRK

Lon Humphrey

A few worthy of checking out for sure!

Triple B Handmade

KKnives_switzerland

Shannon Steel Labs

Marauder knife n tool

BRT Bladeworks