All About Pocket Knives

I was curious if the AAPK members like the Michael Prater Painted Pony knives? And does anyone here have one / some? I know some are incredibly expensive.

Not something I'm interested in but some folks love them. I've never owned one and have no desire to do so.

Ken

I have always thought the Painted Pony knives were factory knives that were modified by Michael Prater...did not think it was a unique knife "brand" per se.

This is the only one I have...a 2002 Case 6107W Wharncliffe Mini Trapper that was modified with Abalone covers, scrolled bolsters and fancy file work. I've had it for about 10 years...and it was expensive even back in 2011 when I bought it...although it's no GEC, I do wonder what it would sell for now? (Not that I would ever sell it, just curious. )

I don't own any. I've seen some that I like, but most are "overdone" to me.

QTCut5 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 26, 2021 10:12 pm I have always thought the Painted Pony knives were factory knives that were modified by Michael Prater...did not think it was a unique knife "brand" per se.

I believe that is correct - Michael Prater (Painted Pony) does not manufacture knives. They embellish knives made by others, which are then resold to customers.

Ken

Full disclosure, I like Painted Pony customized knives. I have a few custom Painted Pony knives I bought in the aftermarket, and they are valued pieces in my collection.

And there is another side to Micheal Prater and Painted Pony Knives. I have sent at least a half dozen knives to him over the years. A couple were nice knives but had outgassing celluloid handle covers. One had dermastid damage to the Buffalo Horn handle covers.. And on a couple others I just wanted a custom handle design. In every case, Michael Prater/Painted Pony did a high quality job at a very fair price. I had no complaints, as is obvious by the fact I became a repeat Customer.

Just thought I would add those facts to the discussion.

I’ve noticed on the TV show Cutlery Corner, that they offer a lot of Painted Pony knives done on the inexpensive Hen and Rooster frames. The knives that no longer say “made in Germany” but now say “made with German Steel”, those Hen and Rooster knives. I think it’s a way of making the price more reasonable by using China made knives. So for me, the Painted Pony knives that are made on good knife frames like Case or Buck would be desirable, but they are just too expensive for a fancy looking knife.

I've been to his shop and had a tour. He has a nice setup with quite a few employees. They are not a knife factory, as was earlier said. However they do make some of their own handle materials, and buy knife skeletons from other makers. They also customize finished knives from other makers. They mostly work on Case brand, but have worked on GEC and Queen and many others. Lots of fixed blades as well as folding knives.

Ive seen a couple Id spring for but his name scribbled on the main blade ruins them for me.. I consider them more of an art knife. he does a lot on Queen winchester frames and now the weed & Co brand.

I don't like any of them. They are factory made knives that have had handles replaced. So what. There are a number of top notch 'knife mechanics' here on AAPK who can put on nice handles for you using jigged bone, stag, ivory, mammoth, etc. I like these knives. They always are an improvement over the original.
I don't understand why people pay high prices for an average knife with handles installed by "Painted Pony" aka "Phainted Phony".
kj

Well, as my grandmother used to say … “That’s why there’s chocolate and vanilla”.