Tom Ploppert "Jess Horn Fighter" Stag Lock-Back Prototype Folding Knife (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. 

Tom made this "Jess Horn Fighter" as a tribute to the legendary Jess Horn.  This lock-back folding knife is approximately 80% the size of a full-size Horn Fighter.  As such, Tom has marked this knife as a "Prototype".  It is brand new and just in, direct from Tom.  The blade is CPM 154 stainless steel.  The oversized bolster and liners are 416 stainless, and are of integral construction.  The pins and lanyard tube are also 416 stainless.  Tom's included a leather braided lanyard with a red bead.  For the scales, Tom used some very nice slabs of natural stag.  The blade locks up rock solid tight with no play, when opened.  Please note that there is a bit of lateral play in the blade when it is closed.  I have had a lengthy discussion with Tom regarding this, and he has explained that this is "the nature of the beast" when dealing with the oversized bolster, aluminum bronze bushings, and the necessary tolerances.  Tom is more than willing to field questions about this, if you care to contact him.  I'd suggest doing so before purchasing the knife.  Nice comfortable nail nick, with a smooth pull.  Tom really nailed the grind on the fighter blade.  It is clean and symmetrical.  Comes in a fancy padded, zippered cowhide case, provided by Tom.

Condition:  New from the Maker. Mint.

• Overall length:    8"
  
• Blade length:      3 1/2"
  
• Closed length:    4 1/2"