My dad (Vernon), my friend (Wade Woodward), my daughter (Ruby), and I visited Ruana Knives in Bonner, Montana last Thursday afternoon (07/15/2010) on the way to Hamilton to participate in Cooper Arms' 2010 One-Shot Competition, and had the pleasure and honor to meet and shake hands with Mike and Mark Hangas, along with their father, Victor. Of course, I took some photos with my Canon PowerShot S90.

Here is the outside of Ruana Knives, with my Infiniti FX35 parked outside:



Here is a mold that is used to cast the aluminum handle onto the blade (the mold is made out of aluminum):

Here is one of their many (old) milling machines, and if memory serves, this one is used to rough-contour the handles after they are cast:



Here is a box of knives that seem to be in need of only final polishing of their blades and handles:

The highlight of the trip was being able to see the blade blank of the CB CK (Custom Brass Camp Knife) that I ordered earlier this year:

Very interesting, Ken, thanks for posting. I always imagined it was a much larger shop.

I have eight more photos, but the forum isn't letting me post them. Maybe there is a "photo whore" filter or something...

Well, that's a CRAPpy thought.

Great photo's of the Ruana shop. Those guys are still doing some remarkable work considering their "old time" knife making equipment. Quality stuff.

Pap

If anyone wants to see the other five photos, which the forum will not allow me to post in this or a new thread, please send to me your email address.

Hi Ken
Thanks for posting Ruana shop pictures, it is always nice to see where and how the knives are made.

Peter

Good show! These knives feel good in the hand. I do not own one, at present, but have in the past...and will in the future. Thanks for sharing your trip with us Ken..."BUT"...(There's that word again) What about the "ONE SHOT SHOOT"??
Best, Capt. Chris