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 is Tom's 80% F1 Pro, lock-back folder. The only difference between the F1 and the Remington R1306 is the blade profile. The F1 has a drop point blade, whereas the 1306 has a clip point blade. The blade on this F1 is PM 154 stainless steel, with a hand rubbed finish and some textured jimping on the radiused blade spine. The liners are 416 stainless steel. The scales are beautiful, figured black Cape Buffalo Horn. There's also a lined lanyard hole pictured with the included Little Buffalo Braiding lanyard, and a stainless steel Federal Shield. Nice comfortable nail nick, with a smooth and even pull. The blade locks up tight with no play, and the blade seating is centered. The blade pivots around an Aluminum Bronze Bushing. Tom's grinds are clean and symmetrical, with tight tolerances! Comes in a padded, zippered Ploppert Custom Knives case.
