Daniel Keown is the skilled craftsman behind Keown Fine Folders. His passion for knives started from wood carving. Not satisfied with commercially available knives, he set out to build his own knife. As a specialty pipe welder, he built his own belt grinder and the rest is, as they say, history. Building slip-joint knives became his new passion. He has been fortunate to have several mentors as he has fine-tuned his knifemaking. He attributes a great deal to Tom Ploppert, and strives to reach Tom's level of quality.
Of note is the fact that Daniel won Best Custom Slip Joint at this past year's Blade Show, for a complex build of a custom traditional Sheffield pattern knife. Daniel is one of those new slip-joint makers to watch!
This is Daniel's two-blade Wharncliffe Trapper model. This slip-joint folding knife features CPM154 stainless steel blades and springs, Ebony wood scales, stainless steel pins and Bombshell shield, and 416 stainless steel front and rear bolsters integral to the liners. Please note that per the original owner this was a custom order from Daniel. He had not made many knives with Ebony, perhaps as few as three (3). In addition, the previous owner disclosed that the Ebony used for the knife came from inventory Daniel received from Tony Bose.
The blades have nicely cut nail nicks, with a smooth and even pull that won't break a nail. The blades have half-stops, and nice "walk and talk". The blades lock up tight and sit centered between their respective liners. Also noteworthy, is that Daniel gold plated the inside of the backspring - a nice added classy touch.
The Trapper comes with the pictured Keown Fine Folders leather slip and Daniel's padded, zippered case. This knife came from the original owner and was new from Daniel in 2024.
Condition: Excellent. Near mint.
Never used, carried or sharpened.
- Overall length: 6 1/2"
- Blades lengths: 2 3/4"
- Closed length: 3 3/4"
