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 Zulu shadow pattern folding knife is brand new, and was acquired directly from Tom. The Zulu is a pattern popularized by Tony Bose. The blade, as well as the spring are CPM 154 steel. The liners are black G10. The pins and bowtie shield are 416 SS. For the scales, Tom was fortunate to have some original antique Westinghouse Micarta. It is gorgeous - wish he has a whole lot more - they are a butterscotch color that will develop a rich patina as they age! 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 comfortable nail nick, with an appropriate pull tension. Tom's grinds are clean and symmetrical. The tolerances that he is able to maintain are outstanding! Comes in a padded, zippered Ploppert case.
