Tom Ploppert 3-Blade Diamond Edge Cattle Knife, Leather Punch (SOLD)

Tom Ploppert is a part-time maker from Cullman, AL.  He credits his inspiration behind his knife making passion to Bill Ruple - a master at making slip joint folders.  Tom built his first slip joint knife in April 2009.  He later took a slip joint making class taught by Bill Ruple and Rusty Preston (another Ruple alum).  Tom has certainly been a good student.  You can see his passion in his work, and tell it from speaking with him.  Tom's fit and finish, and attention to detail is obvious once you hold one of his folders.  He's also a humble and personable guy. 

This knife is brand new, and was recently acquired directly from Tom.  When I picked it up from Tom, I referred to it as a 3-blade Stockman.  Tom calls it a Diamond Edge Cattle Knife, featuring a leather punch.  Tom's grinds are clean and symmetrical.  And check out the chisel grind on the leather punch - particularly the tip...outstanding!  Both the main blade and smaller blade are clip points.  All the blades, as well as the springs are PM154 steel.  The liners are "Integral" - no seams - much more challenging and time consuming to build.  The liners are heat treated and tempered 416 stainless steel.  The bolsters, pins and "diamond shield" are also 416 SS.  The front and rear bolsters are 416 stainless steel, as they are integral to the liners.  The scales are two pieces of dark green Tozaki Jigged Bone, well-matched with nicely figured texture.  All the blades have half stops, lock up tight with no play, and the blade seating of each is spot-on.  The blades and punch pivot around an Aluminum Bronze Bushing.  Nice large nail nicks all the way around, with firm pulls.  Tom has definitely mastered "walk-and-talk", and this knife is a great example.  Comes in a padded zippered case.  Offered at Tom's direct price.

Condition:  New from the Maker

• Blade length (main):    2 3/4"
  
• Blade length (small clip point and leather punch):  2"
  
• Closed length:  3 3/4"