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. The Arkansas Hunter folding knife was an original vintage pattern created by the Empire Knife Co. as a deluxe hunting knife. The company stopped making knives around 1930. Tom has taken that vintage slip-joint pattern and turned the knife into a lock-back! And it works - it looks and functions flawlessly. The knife features a clip point saber blade made from CPM 154 stainless steel, with a hand rubbed finish. The bolsters and liners are 416 stainless steel and are of integral construction. The scales are rich, dark Ebony wood with a Gimp shield on the presentation side. The knife is brand new and direct from Tom's table at 2022 Blade Show Texas. 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 lock releases smoothly and the blade closes with a resounding snap. 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.
