The intention of this thread: "Which makers have you recently discovered that have generated that excitement" i think is directed at knives that are more 'Art' than 'User'. But to respond to the question as posed, Joe Calton's work (Joe444 on BF) has got me most enthused.
I bought the second knife he posted on BF for $80 (with sheath) as i like to support new knifemakers. I was not expecting what i received which is a knife that instantly compelled me to hold it and then go and find things to cut. I now have 5 of Joe's knives with a 6th on the way.
I have about 150 custom FB's, many from well known, highly respected makers, but none have given me greater pleasure than these knives from Joe. The in-hand fit and feel is as natural as possible regardless of grip and they cut with pleasurable ease. You can read the torture testing he does to every knife before final finishing to see his total dedication to life long performance of his blades. His leather sheaths are heavy duty and have a 'snap in' fit like the best kydex sheaths.
I liken them to those made by Burt Foster but with thicker leather.
These are not knives for the collector, but if you want a relatively inexpensive knife to use (or even abuse) that will give you a sense of excitement and great satisfaction, a knife from Joe Calton will immediately become your favorite user.
roland
I bought the second knife he posted on BF for $80 (with sheath) as i like to support new knifemakers. I was not expecting what i received which is a knife that instantly compelled me to hold it and then go and find things to cut. I now have 5 of Joe's knives with a 6th on the way.
I have about 150 custom FB's, many from well known, highly respected makers, but none have given me greater pleasure than these knives from Joe. The in-hand fit and feel is as natural as possible regardless of grip and they cut with pleasurable ease. You can read the torture testing he does to every knife before final finishing to see his total dedication to life long performance of his blades. His leather sheaths are heavy duty and have a 'snap in' fit like the best kydex sheaths.
I liken them to those made by Burt Foster but with thicker leather.
These are not knives for the collector, but if you want a relatively inexpensive knife to use (or even abuse) that will give you a sense of excitement and great satisfaction, a knife from Joe Calton will immediately become your favorite user.
roland