Ploppert, Tom

Tom lives in Cullman, Alabama and runs his own business, on top of making some of the finest slip joints available. Tom bought his first custom slip joint from Pat West, and Pat suggested Tom buy a grinder and start making knives. A few years later he met Bill Ruple, who is the inspiration behind Tom's knife passion. Tom made his first slip joint in April 2009. Later that year he attended a slip joint class instructed by Bill Ruple and Rusty Preston. Tony Bose has also been a big influence on Tom's knife building. Without Tony's help, Tom would have never been able to build a lock back whittler. Tom has won many awards, including Best New Maker at Blade Show 2013.