Bill Ruple is a master at making slip joint folders. He has taught and inspired so many knifemakers on how to make folding knives, that it's almost impossible to list them. You have to hold one of Bill's knives to truly appreciate the fit and finish, and his attention to detail. He has been making knives since 1988. The quality of his knives has been consistent throughout his career. He has made knives with from one to five blades. No matter what he makes or what show he attends, he always sells out - and quickly! New and direct from Bill's shop in Pleasanton, TX.
The 3-blade Lock-Back Whittler is one of the most challenging knives that Bill builds. Only a select few select knifemakers would even attempt to build this design - and Bill is one of the best. And he has pulled this off as only a master can - it is perfect in every way! All the blades are CPM-154 steel. The main Wharncliffe blade is the lock-back, and the smaller spear point and clip point blades are slip joints. The design, and the way they fit together requires amazingly tight tolerances. The intricacies of the locking mechanism fitting with the liners and blades took Bill days to assemble properly. The front and rear bolsters are 416 stainless steel, as are the pins and liners. The scales are two gorgeous pieces of Premium Natural Stag, well-matched and highly figured with great color. All the blades lock up tight with no play, and the blade seating of each is dead-on. The two smaller blades have half stops - the main blade obviously does not. Nice large nail nicks all the way around, and the two small blades have firm yet easy pulls. The main blade opens smooth as butter. Bill is the master of walk-and-talk, and this knife is no exception. Comes in a Ruple Knives padded zippered case.
