Toby Hill Stag 5-Blade Sowbelly, Slip-Joint Folding Knife

Toby Hill has now been making knives for more than 5 years.  His knives do not reflect the relatively short time he has been at it.  They have become increasingly more refined, with a higher level of attention to detail and functionality.  They are the work of a much more seasoned slip-joint and lock-back knifemaker.  No wonder, Toby learned to make knives from none other than Bill Ruple, a master at making traditional patterned folders.  Toby's work is clean, and he has a great eye.  Toby has definitely become an accomplished knifemaker in his own right.

This five (5) blade Sowbelly is one of the more challenging knife patterns for any slip-joint knife maker to build.  The tolerances, and fit and finish must be impeccable and spot-on.  This pattern is both time consuming and costly to make for any knifemaker.  All the blades are CPM-154 stainless steel, and they all have half-stops.  The integral front and rear bolsters are 416 stainless steel.  The pins, liners, and Federal shield are also 416 stainless steel.  The scales are two gorgeous pieces of premium amber stag, well-matched and highly figured with great color.  This knife is previously owned from a one owner, high-end collection and is in excellent to near mint condition.  All the blades lock up tight with no play, and the blade seating of each is spot-on.  Tough to make all those blades fit in the limited real estate of the handle.  Remember, when opening this knife, start by opening the blade in the center and work your way outward until you open the most outer blades.  Close the knife in the reverse order.  There's a long pull on the main blade and nice large nail nicks on the remaining blades, all with firm and smooth pulls.  Toby has mastered the "walk-and-talk", and this knife is no exception.  Comes in a padded zippered "Hill Knives" case.