Knives Illustrated|December 2016

Bill Ruple Uses Stunning Craftsmanship in His Award-winning Designs

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Let’s turn back the hands of time a bit to the 2013 SHOT Show.

I had a chance to spend what little downtime I had, having lunch with my good friend and knifemaker Luke Swenson. While doing so, we stumbled into his friend and mentor, Bill Ruple, who was sitting at an adjacent table. It was immediately apparent that Bill was a true Texan through and through—donning a cowboy hat, beard, moustache, thick Texas accent and manners you would expect in an old Western.

My friend affectionately referred to him as Maestro whenever he addressed him. At that time, I had not been around the custom knife circuit too much, so I had no idea just who it was that I was meeting, but he had a kind and welcoming demeanor.

They were both in town for the Vegas Invitational Knifemakers Show at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, which was taking place directly after the SHOT Show. I was fortunate enough to spend time with both of them.

The Maestro

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