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, single blade, slip joint Trapper. Tom's grinds are clean and symmetrical. The tolerances that he is able to maintain are outstanding! The clip point Bowie-shaped blade, as well as the spring are PM154 steel, and so marked on the blade ricasso. The liners are Integral with the bolster - meaning no seams - much more challenging and time consuming to build a knife of this construction. The liners are heat treated and tempered 416 stainless steel. The bolster, pins and arrowhead shield are also 416 SS. The scales are two slabs of Silver Twill - a very cool look for a slip joint trapper. There is also a 416 SS lined lanyard hole. The blade has a half stop, locks up tight with no play, and the blade seating is dead center. The blade pivots around an Aluminum Bronze Bushing. Nice large nail nick, with firm pull. Tom has definitely mastered the walk-and-talk, and this knife is a great example. Comes in a padded zippered case.
