Rusty Preston 3-Blade Amber Stag Sowbelly Slip-Joint Folding Knife (SOLD)

Rusty Preston found knife making in 2003 after retiring from a long career as a pilot with Continental Airlines.  He made his first knife – a fixed blade – that same year.  In 2004 he made his first slip-joint knife under the critical and careful eye of Bill Ruple.  By then, Rusty had the bug.  He went to his first Blade Show as an attendee in 2005, and by 2006 he was a Blade Show table holder.  I don’t think Rusty planned on having a very successful and famous career as a Texas slip-joint knifemaker, but that is exactly what happened.  As a craftsman who liked working with his hands, knifemaking came naturally.  Rusty’s focus is on traditional slip-joint patterns.  His work is clean, and he uses the best materials available.  Rusty has received multiple honors and awards for his work, and his knives have been published on numerous occasions.

This 3-blade Sowbelly is a testament to Rusty’s skills as a slip-joint knifemaker.  The knife features blades and springs made from CPM154 stainless steel, and bolsters and liners made from 416 stainless steel.  The bolsters are fluted, each with a shadow line, and the front of each bolster is "pinched".  The handle is two richly colored and beautifully mated, amber stag scales.  The spines of all the liners have some very tasteful file-work, done by Rusty.  When the blades are open, you can hardly tell where the blade ends, and the spring begins.  There are ample, nicely cut nail nicks on each blade.  The blades have half stops, lock up tight when opened and sit properly aligned in the handle when closed.  This knife has been in my personal collection since it was purchased directly from Rusty at a Blade Show several years ago.  It is in the same condition as when it was purchased.  This is one of the nicest examples of Rusty’s work.  Comes in a padded zippered case.

Condition:  Previously owned (my personal collection)

                    Came new from the maker

• Clip point blade length:              2 3/4"
  
• Sheepsfoot blade length:           1 7/8"
• Spey blade length:                     1 7/8"  
• Closed length:                            4 1/8"