1. Jon Chapman

Guardian Angel Knives 

First maker on this list is bittersweet. Mr Jon Chapman from the great state of Texas is not only synonymous with fine crafted edged weapons, He's also mastered the skill of using them as an accomplished martial artist. I personally knew Jon rather well and am blessed to own a few of his knives. In a tragic moment a few years ago we lost Jon in a motorcycle accident doing what was probably his third favorite thing in the world. Those that knew Jon would tell you he loved martial arts and fostering that passion into anyone who wanted to learn. He was an absolutely outstanding human being and although you can no longer purchase his blades his name is still ringing bells throughout the edged weapons community. Godspeed good sir, may you ride eternal, shiny and chrome. 

2.Chad Eason-

Eason Bladesmithing

Chad Eason has a particularly unique style and design aesthetic that creates a perfect hybrid of old world dependability with clean distinct features. His blades have excellent edge retention and his offset grinds might quite possibly make you excited in ways that would be construed as unnatural. His work exemplifies synergy between modern standards and old school beauty. The blade featured in this photo is a Preacher's Coffin Nail "Envy" EDC Throwing knife. Be sure to check out all of Chad's outstanding work.

https://www.facebook.com/eason.bladesmithing

3. Jeremy Boulder Valentine 

Valavian Edge Craft 

If you're discussing fine bench born knives then Jeremy Valentine should always be a conversational highlight. In a world of based NPCs carrying the same "me too" manufactured paperweights, Valavian Edge Craft steel is absolutely legendary. The contrast he brings pulls shades of old cowboy flare into a mashup of modern beauty. Factor in his commitment to quality and excellence and you have hands down some of the best knives you will ever own. Bump heads with Jeremy for more details. 

https://www.facebook.com/valavianknives

4. ORIGINAL PREACHER'S COFFIN NAIL

Despite being one of the most infamous, intriguing and apparently controversial every day carry designs in probably a decade. We were able to unearth very little information as to the man who originally created this design. It's inception is accredited to a man known only as "Preacher" who seemed to amass a very private and distinguished cult following. But that hasn't stopped it from being a trending topic in the bladecraft community time and time again. Even core fans of the design who managed to aquire one won't disclose it's origin and claim the design has been stolen and recreated by several other makers for financial gain historically. We were able to locate quite a few people who own a Preacher's Coffin Nail and all of them had made repeat purchases. But only a handful were willing to talk, full disclosure these were some of the most disearning and outspoken customer testimonials I had ever heard. Core support of this brand is unreal and two out of the twenty owners I spoke with actually have Preacher's Coffin Nail tattoos.

photo anonymous 

If that doesn't demonstrate 100% support and commitment to a brand I don't know what does. The Preacher's Coffin Nail is 9" in OAL, Full razor sharp edge and was designed specifically as an EDC CQC/throwing knife. Testimonials claim this knife can be thrown repeatedly while still retaining an edge and remaining in tact. We were specifically instructed that if it does not say "Preacher's Coffin Nail" that it is not the real thing and we can honestly say we did find many knockoffs while researching this brand. So good luck finding a real one and caveat emptor of the fakes.  

5. DENNY FUREY

FUREY'S URBAN COMBAT KNIVES 

As a former law enforcement officer and highly accredited and revered combatives instructor Denny Furey's pedigree is pretty clear. He has accumulated a lifetime of experience in dealing with weapons and armed threats.  So adding badass bladesmith to his resume was well within his wheelhouse. Denny Furey has a outstanding ability to bring a classy almost 1950s car, clean,  beautiful aesthetic to something so potentially deadly. His blades are synonymous with quality and his reputation for innovative designs has solidified his spot as one of the best in his craft. Be sure to swing by and check out his work next time you're considering a purchase.

https://www.facebook.com/FureysUrbanCombatKnivesUnlimited