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 Pro lock-back is brand new and direct from Tom, and this configuration is definitely one of my all-time favorites. The blade is A2 tool steel with a blackened or deep blued finish, and some textured jimping on the radiused blade spine. The spring is also black/blued A2 tool steel. The bolster and liners are 416 stainless steel and are of integral construction. The Keyhole shield is also 416 stainless steel. The scales are premium Stag, well-mated, with beautiful color and texture - some of the nicest I've seen! There's also a lined lanyard hole. Tom's included a green leather lanyard with some stainless-steel beads, made by Little Buffalo Braiding. 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.
