Rusty Preston – Texas Custom Knife Maker and Slip-Joint Specialist
Rusty Preston may not have imagined, during his long career as a pilot for Continental Airlines, that his retirement would lead to acclaim as a custom knife maker. But his lifelong passion for craftsmanship and creating things by hand eventually took flight in a new direction — as a celebrated Texas slip-joint knife maker.
Rusty focuses on traditional slip-joint patterns, adding his own interpretations to the classics. He primarily uses CPM154 steel, valued for its strength and edge retention, and prefers stag, bone, and fossil ivory for handle materials. His knives combine durability with elegance, resulting in functional art that appeals to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Among the custom makers he most admires are his mentor Bill Ruple, along with Jonny Stout, Harvey Dean, and Tom Overeynder. Rusty explains his appreciation for these craftsmen simply: “They all strive for excellence in their work, and most of the time they are successful!”
Rusty is a proud member of the Texas Knife Makers and Collectors Association (TKCA) and regularly exhibits at major events including:
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The Blade Show in Atlanta
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The Antique Arms and Custom Knife Show in Las Vegas
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The TKCA Central Texas Knife Show
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The A.G. Russell Knife Show in Arkansas
His work has earned widespread recognition. He received the A.G. Russell Best Value Award at the 2007 Arkansas Custom Knife Show and won Best Folder at the 2009 TKCA Central Texas Knife Show. Rusty was also featured in a multi-page article in the September issue of Blade Magazine, highlighting his growing reputation in the knife-making world.
Current delivery time for a custom Preston knife is approximately two to three years, a testament to both demand and dedication. We’re proud to include several outstanding examples of his work in our collection — and if you love fine slip-joints, you’ll find much to admire in Rusty’s craftsmanship.
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