I paid Scott Cook a visit on Monday, August 18th, given that I was in his area for a couple of days. He was gracious enough to show me his shop, and some details about how he crafts his superb knives. I am hoping that this thread will help to provide more information about the man behind Scott Cook Knives.

First, for those who have not met Scott Cook, he is very pleasant and personable. Here he is, holding one of his favorite knives:



Here is a close up of the knife he is holding:



What you see in the background is a machine that is working on several Lochsa handles:



Speaking of the Lochsa, here is a box of Lochsa handle blanks, with the holes drilled:



The next two photos show one of my Lochsas (one is my EDC) next to four handle blanks, showing all four sides:





People must wonder where the handles come from. They begin their life from a half-inch thick sheet of titanium, shown below with one of my Lochsas for scale:



The handles are water-cut from the sheet, and this is what it looks like afterwards:



For those who are not aware, Scott also makes excellent fixed knives, specifically the small and large Owyhee Hunter. Here are some of them that are in production:





Here is a small one, with blasted Black Linen Micarta handles, that is being prepared to be shipped to its new owner:



The blasted treatment gives it a slightly rougher texture, and at first I thought it was Canvas Micarta.

What I like about Scott's fixed knives is that the precision that is necessary to execute the Lochsa folder is clearly evident in them. The seams have no flaws, and the handles, and bolsters for those with them, fit perfectly.

In speaking with Scott, he showed me some other knives. Apparently, this one served as early inspiration in his knife-making career:



When he was in Alaska, this was the first knife he made, and it was done using only hand tools:



When he had access to machinery, he created this knife:



In any case, it was a pleasure and honor to meet Scott in person. When you have a chance, visit his web site: http://www.scottcookknives.com/

Great thread Ken! I hope someday to make my EDC a Scott Cook Lochsa.

Ken, wow, great thread!
It's so very cool to see how my babies were born.

Did Scott mention if he was amping up production on the Lochsas? That box of blank Ti Lochsa handles has my mind reeling.

What a great photo essay ! Beautiful knives.
I love the christmas cookie cut-out shot .
(too bad he can't roll the dough & punch out a few more knives)

Ken,

If you had to guess, how long do you think it will be before Scott begins taking orders on the Lochsa?

Nice write up. Very interesting, and thanks.

Nice pics Ken.

very interested in a lochsa when can we buy them!

Thanks for taking the time to put together your write-up. It's always great to learn more about the "man behind the knife."

That's one reason I love knives... there are real people behind each work of art, and they still act like people - not a business.

Nice write up Ken, IMHO Scott Cook makes one of the nicest folders on the planet.

quote:

Originally posted by Underworld2086:
very interested in a lochsa when can we buy them!

Unknown. Best to keep your eye out in the secondary market for one.

With regard to when Scott is likely to start accepting Lochsa orders, I have no idea. With that said, the photos clearly indicate that he is making Lochsas, to fill existing orders. Considering that many who have Lochsas on order intend to sell them, because the secondary market will give them a profit, keeping an eye on the usual venues is Prudent. But, one should expect to pay close to $1000 for a plain one.

Excellent report! Thanks, Ken.

Dear Ken,

It was your Sig Pro FAQ page that led me to SIGForum years ago. I appreciate your taste and talent, but FOR CRYING OUT LOUD stop posting beautiful photos of incredibly cool stuff!! My wallet can't take it. I got the SigPro, then I had to get an M8, then you... you... you and your Busses! I even bought the point & shoot camera you recommended. I've seen your pics of your daily carry knife and was able to resist temptation... until now.

I hope you're satisfied, Mr. Tasteful/Utility because I'm... well... I guess... I'm gonna give Mr. Cook, here, a call... Get on the list. He... uhhh... takes VISA, right?