Friends-

It seems that Gene Ingram and Charles May are the "Go to guys" for fixed blade knives; who are the "Go to guys" for folders?

I like folders, especially ones that follow a "heavy trapper" pattern.

Thanks in advance.

Kershaw....blur...

For pure utility this might be a good choice:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/sta...=cat20891&hasJS=true

I was wondering the same thing. My dad is a fan of folders, and his old Gerber is about worn out from repeated use and sharpening (not much blade left). I was considering a nice custom folder to replace it on his 60th birthday, which isn't too far off.

Forget custom....look to Kershaw. Their after buying service is unbeatable.

Check out this guys work. The people I know that have his knives rave about them. In custom knife
circles, he seems to be "The Go-To Guy.

Todd Davidson Knives

Wink:

Nice knife to mention. I don't care for the saw/guthook feature on that particular model, but I have ordered several of the Cabela's AG serires 110s with S30V and given them as gifts. They are superb albeit a bit heavy. It is a real bargain for using folder IMO.

That Alpha looks like a good knife, I'm ordering one today. Thanks.

PS:

30 Cal Mag Fan:

I admire both men's knives, and would buy more of their knives in a second, but Gene Ingram and Charles May are NOT the "go to" guys for fixed blade custom knives. I'm not sure there is one or two "go tos", as a custom knife is as much about customer preference as it is true utility, but there are so many more extremely competent makers out there than just those two. Dozier is just one more easy choice that readily comes to mind and is still reasonably priced. David Winston is another that makes knives very similar to Ingram and May. And I'm sure there are dozens more that could be named.

I daily carry a SOG folder ,but DUANE DIETER designs are very good too.Juan

There are a number of fine folder makers. Daryl Ralph is among the very best ... is pricey but superb!

http://www.darrelralph.com/1mainframe.htm

Many of the better folder designs have been made for public consumption by Bench Made and are quite reasonable compared to the customs their designers make.

high$=Carlton Evans, low$=Benchmade

You might try Allen Elishewitz.
http://elishewitzknives.com/default.asp
Mine is SMOOOOOOTH and tight.
Thanks, Doug

I carry a Benchmade. Have had several and gave one to my PH on my last hunt.

I carried a McBurnette all over the world for fifteen years, but since Harvey died, they've gone off the scale, so I relegated it to the safe and carry a benchmade.

It's a Ritter design, S30V, and really holds an edge. Comes out very quickly in the event of an emergency. Not a bad knife at all, and prices go from reasonable to ridiculous.

A Dozier folder would be a good choice for a using folder. He is also known as Doctor D2 due to his knives holding a superior edge. His Ht is done in-house.

I have been carrying a Kershaw with a pocket clip for several years. I really like that method. It rides in my back pocket, I don't know it's there until I reach for it.

I have wanted a Damascus blade folder for years. Every DSC or gun show I went to, I browsed the tables. Lots of beautiful knives, lots of money.

I browsed Kershaw's site and found a damascus bladed folder and I bought it. I really like the assisted blade opening and it taken it's place in my right hip pocket! Right knife, right price for me.

Spyderco makes the best commercial folders if you care about performance/price ratio.

If you want something commercial and strong you may look to Zero Tolerance folders.

If you want something better for material and finish you may look for a Chris Reeve Sebenza.

Starting from there you enter the custom folder world and choice may depend more on what you like.

I would suggest RJ Martin and Rick Hinderer knives.

quote:

Originally posted by 30 Caliber Mag Fan:
Friends-

It seems that Gene Ingram and Charles May are the "Go to guys" for fixed blade knives

I would check Busse Combat knives !

For everyday, hard-use carry, I'd suggest a CRKT that fits your hand and cutting purposes. I have several and rotate them depending upon anticipated use. Haven't worn one out yet. some can be tightened after considerable use.
For a higher end, and super-durable knife, call Northwoods Knives (906) 789-1420 and ask for Dave. He is currently making Scagel folders in their original patterns. These knives "walk and talk" with the best. Damn good looking too.
Google Northwoods Knives and you should hit their website.
Mike