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Custom Knives by Alan Davis

Thought I would start a blog here to showcase the work of my favorite knifemaker. I stumbled across Alan Davis, a knifemaker from Boerne, Texas, in late 2012. I was blown away by his knife designs. Even more astounding was the fact that they were virtually all one of a kind creations. Alan didn't just make one or two patterns and then just outfit them with different materials. Each and every one was pretty much different. While he did have a few designs that people seemed to like and ask for, even those were made a little differently to make them unique. Alan works with all types of handle and blade material ... but does prefer Damascus blades. I currently own 67 of his knives (mainly his linerlock folders, do have a few frame locks, slip joints and fixed blades) and jokingly told Alan that I would love to have owned 100 of his knives before I die. Wasn't sure that would happen (while I sell many of his knives, I have been known to give a some away to close friends, so that they understand why I keep praising Alan's work!) ... but, that milestone was reached on April 19th, 2021, when I hit that 100 goal. He is the only maker who I would have no problem asking to make a knife for me and leaving everything (material/design) up to him ... and be confident that I would be thrilled with the results! I have done this twice .... and thrilled both times!

To start things off, here is one of my favorites that I picked up in 2014 (though I have so many I love, that picking favorites is a very difficult task!). It is a beautiful linerlock folder with amber Sambar stag scales and M3 composite bolsters. The blade measures 3.375" and is made from Damascus by Zoe Crist (in his Blackhawk pattern). Pocket clip is also Zoe's Damascus. Backspacer and liners are nuggetized and anodized a sort of plum color. All in all, a beautiful knife that feels super nice in the hand and is not too large or heavy to carry around clipped to your pocket all day. Hope you like it.

Stay tuned ....

Tags: Alan, David, Knives

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Comment by Dennis Hibar on December 3, 2016 at 4:25: Most of my Alan Davis knives are folders …. but I thought I owed it to myself to have one of his fixed blade hunters. Problem is, I have no need for a very large blade. Since Alan doesn’t make very many fixed blades anymore (compared to the number of folders he makes), it took some time to find just the one I wanted to add to the collection. This one came via another Davis collector. The blade is 2.875” with a flat grind and made from 1084. Despite its small size, it’s a stout blade … a hair over .2 inches thick with a distal taper. Handle is made from some nice looking Koa and feels great in hand. Alan also makes his own sheaths. This knife is often riding my hip when I am taking care of summertime yard work!

Comment by Jan Carter on November 29, 2016 at 14:10: Dennis,

I can see why this one immediately drew you in! The talent Mr. Davis displays, as a master, in this knife is exceptional

Comment by John Bamford on November 26, 2016 at 6:55: As you say Dennis that is a jewel , it's no wonder you were keen to buy it !

Comment by Dennis Hibar on November 26, 2016 at 4:26: Okay ... we are back to my regular Saturday posting. I have a a few Alan Davis knives that are so special to me that they will never see any serious pocket time. Oh yes, they do get to fill a role as pocket jewelry on special occasions … but that’s ‘bout it! This is one of them. This small gent’s folder features some drop dead gorgeous blacklip mother of pearl scales. Alan also inlaid pieces of blacklip into the textured back spacer. Bolsters are bronze TextureTech. The blade is some of Del Ealy’s lion pattern Damascus and is 2.5625”. This was one of those knives that I didn’t have to think more than a nanosecond to know I wanted it. Fortunately, I noticed it immediately as he listed it for sale. I claimed it less than a minute later!

Comment by Brian Battaglia on November 25, 2016 at 20:05: WOW how awesome is that :)

Comment by Dennis Hibar on November 25, 2016 at 19:12: Okay ... should be obvious by now .... but Ricky is the winner!!! Knife goes out to him tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow, I will be doing my regular Saturday post of a Davis from my collection. You won't want to miss this one ... it is a real beauty!

Comment by Ricky Ray on November 25, 2016 at 18:12: WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Comment by Jan Carter on November 25, 2016 at 18:09: Congratulations to the winner and Thank you again Dennis Hibar! OK, now I cannot wait to know who won!

Comment by Carl Bradshaw on November 25, 2016 at 17:47: Congrats to the winner, and Thank you Dennis for the generous opportunity!

Comment by Syd Carr on November 25, 2016 at 16:42: Since I haven't gotten a message from you I have to assume I wasn't the winner, but I offer hearty congratulations to number 24, whoever that is. Thanks for the opportunity Dennis.