Based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, this 26-year-old slip joint knife maker has been crafting custom pocket knives since 2022. Producing 150–200 handmade knives a year, Grayson's work reflects inspiration from legends like Tony and Reese Bose, Tom Ploppert, and Don Hanson.

Mentored by respected makers, Evan Nicolaides and Daniel Keown, he brings a thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation to every piece. Alongside classic patterns, Grayson also designs his own, including the Southeastern Trapper and Skinning Spey, pushing the craft forward while honoring its roots.

Ben Champagne is a part-time custom knife maker based in Texas, crafting traditional slip joint knives with a focus on precision and durability. He began making knives in 2020 and shifted to slip joints in 2022, drawing inspiration from respected makers like Phil Jacob, Craig Brewer, Stanley Buzek, and Tim Robertson, all of whom generously shared their knowledge and guidance.
Ben builds each handmade pocket knife using premium steel and carefully selected natural or vintage materials. His work blends heritage-inspired form with refined execution, resulting in knives that are built to be used for years to come.

Noah got his start in knife making in 2017 thanks to a chance connection between his mom and Tom Ploppert’s wife. Tom generously took Noah under his wing, guiding him through the process of building his first fixed blade and folder that same year. Noah also became a full-time machinist that year, a trade that continues to shape his approach to knife making today.

Since then, life’s been busy for Noah, especially after the birth of his first son in 2020, but he still makes time for the craft when he can. He doesn’t rush the process. Every knife he finishes has to meet his own high standards before it leaves the bench. 

In addition to making his own knives, he also supplies bushings to many traditional makers working today. With a strong foundation in machining, Noah brings a level of precision and care to each piece he builds, crafting knives that are as reliable in hand as they are refined in detail.

With a lifelong background in metalwork, Jim spent 12 years as an ironworker with Local 584 in Tulsa before taking a job as an industrial mechanic at a steel mill in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he worked for 27 years. About 15 years ago, local slip joint maker Gary Crowder introduced him to the craft of traditional pocket knives. From that moment on, he was hooked, slowly gathering tools and building skills until making knives became a daily pursuit.

He credits Bob Dozier with helping him develop his blade grinding technique and is grateful to the many makers who’ve shared patterns, answered questions, and offered support along the way. After years of part-time work, he’s been making knives full time since 2021,  and is known for clean lines, precise craftsmanship, and a dedication to doing things the right way.

David Carroll is a slip joint maker based in Cushing, Oklahoma, where he was born and raised. After high school, he built a long career in the pipeline industry as a mechanic and crane operator, but in January 2020 a new passion took shape. Inspired by a young maker he met at a Tulsa gun show, David bought his first belt grinder and began building fixed blades.
Early guidance from respected maker Stanley Buzek accelerated his growth, and David continued refining his craft with help from experienced makers like Charlie Bell, Jim Dunlap, Grayson Jennings, and Tim Robertson. Although he started with liner-lock folders, slip joints quickly became his obsession and today they’re the only knives he wants to make.
With a blended family of five, and nine years of marriage, David’s life is grounded, focused, and dedicated to turning traditional slip joint patterns into clean, reliable working knives.

Tim Robertson is a highly respected traditional knife maker from Oklahoma known for his clean craftsmanship, premium fit and finish, and exceptional multi-blade knives. He has built a strong following among collectors for producing traditional folders that combine classic styling with outstanding precision and functionality.

Tim’s work is especially recognized for its crisp walk and talk, smooth operation, and careful attention to detail throughout every build. Drawing inspiration from old Remington patterns, his knives carry a timeless traditional feel while maintaining the high level of refinement collectors expect from a modern custom maker.

Collectors particularly appreciate Tim’s lock back whittlers, Barehead builds, and thoughtful use of materials like stag, jigged bone, mammoth, and vintage micarta. His knives are built to be both functional users and heirloom-quality collectibles.

With a reputation for consistency and craftsmanship, Tim Robertson has become one of the premier names in today’s traditional knife community.

Luke Swenson is a traditional folder maker known for clean, functional builds and a deep appreciation for classic slipjoint patterns. Originally from Texas and now based in Idaho, Luke has earned a strong reputation among collectors for his precision, smooth operation, and timeless style.

His passion for knives began early after receiving a handmade knife from his older brother as a child. That interest eventually led him into knife making, starting with fixed blades before finding his true passion in traditional folders. Influenced heavily by legendary maker Bill Ruple, Luke developed a style rooted in classic American craftsmanship while still distinctly his own.

Collectors value Luke’s work for its excellent fit and finish, strong walk and talk, and thoughtful use of traditional materials like stag, jigged bone, mammoth, and micarta. Whether building Muskrats, Trappers, or Lock Backs, Luke consistently produces knives that blend everyday usability with heirloom-quality craftsmanship.