I just had a custom drop point made from D2 and with the handle from an elk I shot in 2000 by Jay Fisher. He specialises in tactical and does a ton of work for spec ops. But he also does great custom stuff as well. His quailty is exceptional and I plan on him doing some future knives for me.
I have been extremely happy with my W.C. Davis drop point hunter. ATS34. Perfect grind lines. Mine is a bit fancy with elephant tusk handles. But you can get a skinner with Micarta for a couple hundred bucks if you want.
My favorite is Ernie Grospitch - www.erniesknives.com , he's made a couple for me. My "Kansas Bowie" is on his site, mines the second one. Had him go as far as to put my initials "RW" on the handle. I'm a big fan of "curly maple", so he went that handle material for me. He's also made me a drop point with curly maple handle and initials. He will work with you on style, blade material and such. His site is worth checking out. Also have a drop point from Billy Watson, a fine little knife. Another maker I like is Randall, that's going to be another one I'll own someday.
Sorry that last pic of my Jay Fisher knife didnt come through. Here it is again. The blade is D-2 steel with a Rockwell hardness of 60. The handle is from an elk antler from an elk I shot in 2000. I have owned some nice blades but this one is a work of art and a great tool also.
Posts: 3156 | Location: Rigby, ID | Registered: 20 March 2004
I got the bigger knife pic posted. You can see it much better now. I carry this blade almost daily. The blade is one I designed using the best features on several differnt knives I have owned in the past. jay was very quick in making the knife for me. I just wish that gun makers I use were as dedicated to project completion and customer satisfaction as Jay is. I have the Kydex sheath that I use when I am in uniform since it is more appropriate with the Army BDU's. I also have a leather sheath that is very nice also and better for public wear at the range and such. I also own a Steve Brooks custom damascus but I like my Jay Fisher much better. My next knife I am having him build for me will be a 5" heavy duty drop point without bolsters and have Micarta scales and a bead blasted matte black finish. My wife thinks I am crazy to carry a knife like this one every day but it is perfect for me.
Posts: 3156 | Location: Rigby, ID | Registered: 20 March 2004
M1Tanker that is one nice knife! I'd post a picture of that drop point Ernie made for me but I'm not seeing how to do it on this site? Wish someone could help me out.
Quigley, If you go to the "Hunting Reports - Afica" forum on this site he lists all the ins and outs in the very first thread. Check it out. I would enjoy seeing a pic of your knife.
Thanks for the compliment on the knife. It is the first time I have ever owned a khife that felt "perfect" to me. And I have owned a bunch of quality blades. None of them even come close to this one though for me personally. Jays craftsmanship and attention to the finest detail amaze me. He is a true artist. PLus he was great to work with. He respected my thoughts about what I wanted the knife to be and was very courteous when he made suggestions and thoroughly explained why he would reccomend those suggestions. It seems most of the knife makers, especially the Master Bladesmiths lke Jay, have the "my way or the highway" attitude and could care less if you know or understand why things are done cetain ways. Not with Jay. I have a couple future projects in the planning stages for him alerady.
Posts: 3156 | Location: Rigby, ID | Registered: 20 March 2004
My favorites are Chris Reeves, the SOG, and Spyderco. Each for different reasons and I confess that one of the reasons I got the SOG was, at that time, the official knife of the Navy Seals.
Good luck,
Shannon gotogirl3
Posts: 660 | Location: Texas | Registered: 28 June 2003
Southpaw, I have to second most all of that. The Finnish pukkos from Kellam are scarey sharp and stay that way. I have a "Wolverine" that I use in the woods routinely. My stepson would cut your hand off if you reached for his.
Posts: 1275 | Location: Fla | Registered: 16 March 2001