C Gray Taylor Bartender's Knife

Gray is one of the AKI (Art Knife Invitational) knife makers creating some of the most wonderful knives that you will ever see.  he specializes in reproductions of historical multi-blade gentleman folders using steel, precious metals and exotic materials to create his interpretations of classic knives.  I asked Gray to reproduce a fancy bartenders knife pictured in the book Sheffield Exhibition Knives.  This knife has a master sheepfoot blade, a pen blade, a fancy corkscrew and a bartender's bottle blade.  It has beautiful tortoise shell scales inlaid with yellow, pink and green gold.  Lisa Tomlin did the shading and lines on the gold inlays.  gray built the leather case.  This is from an original Joseph Rodgers & Sons knife.

Hidetoshi Nakayama is one talented guy.

Just returned from the ECCKS (East Coast Custom Knife Show) which was a blast.  Sales seemed good for almost everyone.  One of the makers displaying knives was Hidetoshi Nakayama of Japan.  I believe this is the only U.S. show that he does each year.  Hidetoshi has been making knives for 20+ years and is also known for his Netsuke carvings and Blot Action Pens.  I was lucky to acquire several pieces of his art work.

Small Folder

Gekko Folder

Bolt Action Pen

Skull Folder

Octopus Knife

Slip Joint Knives

I am a fan of slip joints.  The development of slip joints goes back centuries.  Some of the best makers of this genre are [IMHO] and in no particular order Tony & Reese Bose, Mike Zscherny, Jerry Halfrich, Bill Ruple, Joel Chamblin, Terry Davis.  Here are some pictures to enjoy;

Tony Bose Lanny's clip with Oosik handles

Tony Bose Muskrat MOP handles & Gold pins

Tony Bose Saddlehorn Stag handles

 Mike Zscherny Amber Stag Backpocket

Bill Ruple Splitback Whittler with antique tortoise handles and gold pins

Bret Dowell Dogleg Jack with pre ban elephant ivory handles

 Jerry Halfrich Lanny's Clip with pre ban elephant ivory handles

Jerry Halfrich Saddlehorn with pre ban ivory elephant handles

 Jerry Halfrich Stag Rounder

Jerry Halfrich Bose pattern wharncliff trapper with stag handles

 Mike Zscherny amber stag trapper

Port Royal professional photo from Chuck Ward

Port Royal Cut & Shoot

Here it is!