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 acquired directly from Tom at the 2017 Blade Show. It is a large 3-blade Stockman slip-joint folder. Tom's grinds are clean and symmetrical. The tolerances that he is able to maintain are outstanding! The main blade is clip point Bowie-shaped, and there is also a pen blade and a Sheepfoot blade. All the blades, as well as the springs are PM154 steel. The liners are Integral - meaning no seams - much more challenging and time consuming to build. The liners are heat treated and tempered 416 stainless steel. The slant bolsters, pins and arrowhead shield are also 416 SS. The front and rear bolsters are 416 stainless steel, and they are integral to the liners. The scales are two pieces of reddish brown Culpepper 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 pivot around 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.
