All About Pocket Knives

Looking at the bottom picture from L to R, Buck 118, 103, 105, 119, 121 - I'd have to see them closer (better photo) to tell you the approximate age (especially with the 121, it has changed a fair bit over the years). Nice knives - the Buck 118 is the best deer hunting knife I've every owned and (shudder at the thought) but I could hunt the rest of my life with a 118 and be well served. OH

Scales drilled, countersunk, shaped, fitted, and now the sanding begins.

I-man, your customization project is coming along well! OH

Those teak scales are lookin' good Ivoryman! Can't wait to see the finished product!

Me Me Me

Just acquired an original mint knife by Rudy Ruana. Long deceased tho his family carries on the work. The original price sticker sitll on the knife is for $35.50; this from the 1960s!

Quick Steel wrote:Just acquired an original mint knife by Rudy Ruana. Long deceased tho his family carries on the work. The original price sticker sitll on the knife is for $35.50; this from the 1960s!

That's a beauty!

Thanks Producer. For years I've wanted knives from 4 coustom makers that I never thought I'd be able to afford. Sort of my "grail" makers. Evidently due to the sad economy 3 of the 4 came within reach; Ruana being the latest.

A beauty for sure QS! And one that should retain it's value........

gmusic: Thank you sir. Coming from someone as gifted as yourself, I really appreciate your comment.

love that blade

What a fine acquisition, QS!

I'll bet it cost you more than $35.50!

Very glad you guys approve. Sasquatch, with tax and shipping just over $600 which I consider reasonable for a mint Ruana of that size.

Becker BK9 before/after black coating removal, switched out Teak scales, boot lace lanyard, Walrus tooth bead.

Nice work on the teak handle tweak, Ivoryman...looks way better after your mod. Do you remember making this little bone fixed blade talon for me?

~Q~

Of course, liked the way that one turned out.

That's a beautiful treatment of that Becker. And that teakwood!!

Thanks Quick, very cool Rudy R there too.

Quick Steel wrote:Thanks Producer. For years I've wanted knives from 4 coustom makers that I never thought I'd be able to afford. Sort of my "grail" makers. Evidently due to the sad economy 3 of the 4 came within reach; Ruana being the latest.

I heartily approve of your Ruana; I have some knowledge of that maker. Who are the other three makers to whom you refer?

Refurbished early GEC Fixed Beaver Tail - This was in a sad state when I got it ... Polish, Stag Handle, Frog Sheath almost 'like new'. I wasn't confident I could fix the Beaver Shield to the Stag neatly so used it on the Sheath.

Nice save on the GEC. I have a new fixed blade by working with Pete Winkler, owner of Cross Knives.
It's O1. a little over 9". The handle is Nickel Silver, Elk horn, Birch bark, resin and leather. Pete is a true gentleman and knife making artist.

Very nice job on that BK Ivoryman!

I like the work you did on that Cross, Tank. Looks real good.

Here's a little inexpensive knife I picked up. It could be a candidate for re-handling, depends on how much I end up liking it.

Great handle modification Tank. Beauty.

tongueriver: My first grail maker was Jerry Fisk. Was lucky enough to snag an early damascus bowie of his a couple of years ago. Felt sorry for whoever had to let it go at a low price...for about 5 seconds.

Number two: was Phil Hartsfield who made using knives and swords with A2 steel. Years ago the Seals carried his fixed blades then asked him to make folders for them. He declined but referred them to an up and comer named Earnest Emerson. Emerson agreed, asked Phil if he could use his blade design. Affirmative response and the rest as they say is history.

Number 3 was the recently acquired Ruana. The 4th is Robert Terzuola. No real practical hope of getting this one. As you may know he is often considered the originator of tactical knives. His knives were designed for and used by "good guy" operators during various excitements in Central and South America.

And how about yourself? Any grail knives or makers?