Kerry Hampton Arkansas Hunter Prototype "0" Slip-Joint Folding Knife (SOLD)

Kerry Hampton worked in the late, great Tony Bose's knife shop, along with Reese, learning under their tutelage.  He is also credited with taking photographs of some of the knives that Tony and Reese produced.  I am not sure if Kerry is still making knives today, but his work certainly reflects what he learned in northern Indiana.  His knives are clean, with crisp lines and a high level of attention to detail.  His fit and finish is superb.  This large slip-joint single blade knife is testament to Kerry's talent.

This is Kerry's Arkansas Hunter Prototype, originally a vintage pattern created by the Empire Knife Co. as a deluxe hunting knife  The company stopped making knives around 1930.  The knife features a recurve CPM-154 stainless steel blade with a deep nail nick, marked "K. Hampton, Terre Haute" on the ricasso of the presentation side.  On the "B" side, the ricasso is marked with the steel type and a "0".  Not unlike Tony's prototypes that were marked with a "0", this too is one of Kerry's prototype knives.  The knife also has front and rear stainless steel bolsters, and a stainless Keyhole shield and spring, as well as stainless liners.  The scales are beautiful, creamy "African Goat Horn".  The blade has a firm, smooth pull, a half-stop, locks up rock solid, and is perfectly when closed.  Great walk and talk!  Comes in a padded zippered case.