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!
This PROTOTYPE two-blade Saddlehorn Trapper features a hand-rubbed Clip Point blade and Long Clip Point (California) blade, both made from CPM 154 stainless steel. Both blades have half stops. The Clip Point blade has a long pull and the California Clip Point blade has a nail nick. Both blade have firm, smooth pulls. The scales are beautiful, richly colored Amber dyed stag, with lots of figure and texture. The bolster is 416 stainless steel, as are the integral liners, pins, and Bombshell shield. Bill has dressed up the handle with some fine file-work on the spines of all the liners. Bill's tolerances, and fit and finish, are second to none. Bill has stamped "RUPLE" on the ricasso of both blades. And inside the tang of the Clip point blade is stamped "PROTOTYPE". Both blades lock up tight with no play, and the blades are perfectly centered between their respective liners. Bill does the "walk-and-talk" like very few can. This is a one-owner knife from a high-end collection, and in excellent condition. A rare piece for the serious collector. Comes in a padded, zippered case.
Condition: Previously owned. Excellent. Never used, carried or sharpened.
