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 F1 lock-back is brand new and direct from Tom. The blade is CPM 154 stainless steel, with a hand rubbed finish and some textured jimping on the blade spine. The bolster and liners are 416 stainless steel and are of integral construction. The Federal shield is also 416 stainless steel. The scales are beautiful, smooth, vintage Bakelite, that have the appearance of highly figured wood. There's also a lined lanyard hole, and Tom's included a black leather lanyard with some matching beads. 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.
