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JR and Jim,
My knife arrived last Thursday safe and sound. What magnificent workmanship!! It is more beautiful than I had hoped for. Masterfully crafted with fit and finish second to none. You guys really know what knife making is all about. This beauty holds THE place of honor in my collection. Thank you so much, Gary Kleinheim Pueblo, Colorado Received the Skinner with stag handle and compass today. Every style of knife that you have made that ends up in my home is of the highest quality and beauty that one can expect from the forging of metal and materials. The Skinner is unexpectedly heavy/sturdy and is the perfect tool for taking large game apart, or removing the hand of an attacking intruder with a well placed defensive stroke. The Skinner will join the rotation of your knives on my cartridge belts.
Deadman Walking, SASS# 42086 AKA: Kent
A satisfied customer is the best measure of success any craftsman can have. We are appreciative of the time some of our own customers took to let us know how they feel about the knives they've purchased from Treeman, and would like to share with you excerpts from some of letters we've received.
Hi Jim, Just to say, my Hammermark Musk Ox Alaskan arrived yesterday. Everything about this knife is sheer poetry: hammer finish, grinds, stunning handle material, exquisite sheath-work from Jack, perfect fit and finish, hand-feel and geometry of grip to blade for real world tasks.
I'm itching to get it out there. It'll be christened on a wooden sloop up the Thames this weekend then I'm stalking Red Deer hind middle of next month.
I'm hard-pressed to believe anyone anywhere is making better serious users that combine beauty and function like this.
More power to you and the family!
Mike
God Bless, SFC David M. Koch Hello Jim, I just wanted to write and let you know I received the knives yesterday and I am really pleased by your work and craftsmanship of both especially the crotchstag fighter. It will surely be held as one of my favorite, and prized knives and a future hand me down in my family.The combat hunter is one heck of a knife as well I'm glad i was able to get my hands on one (in fact I'm tempted to get one of the combat fighters as well). I Hope to keep in touch with you and get some more of your great knives, I seriously have to say I like them more than a Randall. You and JR keep up the great work and customer service and have a good weekend. Take care. Louis Viera Wow what a knife! Never seen anything like it, ever! My english isn´t good enough to describe what I feel, but im 35 years old and feel like a a kid again. Looking forward to the hunting season even more now. Mattias I received your Combat Knife, (trade for the Astro). I must tell you that this is one of the absolute finest Combat knives that I have ever held, absolutely fantastic. I thank you (both Jims) and hope that the Astro trade meets your satisfaction....it's a good seller. Respectfully, Tim Gudakunst It just arrived and what a beauty !!!! Awesome workmanship and balance. It pays to be well prepared. This is prepared in Aces !!! Thank you for your interest and time to make such a piece of functional art. Col. Sidney B. Jackson, MC, CFS James, I just received the trout and bird knife today. What a beauty! It's the perfect size for fishing and duck hunting. This knife will get plenty of use. Thanks for making the knife. All the best. Steve
James, Howdy from Texas! Here is some of the pictures from my Africa hunt. As you can see we used Treeman Knives on the animals. They worked great! I have a picture of my P.H. when I gave him his first Treeman Knife. I took nineteen animals in all. I had a blast! One thing I can't be without is my Treeman Knife, they slice and dice from start to finish. The skinner was always wanting to use my knife to gut and cape. He said it worked better than any of the knives he had. Thanks again for your hard work on the knives you can't get any better!!! Johnny Warren
I am loving mine, BTW. It's the terminator of knives. A good knife is a tool and can be elegant, beautiful and even art. But I like / need function. and the combat knife I got... well ,if you are going to toss me in the woods or jungle it's coming with me! I have a lot of knives High to low..... I like Kabar's next generation and Becker( which has crossed over with the demise of camilus to ka-bar ...cheap , tough and and like a jeep. ( But they don't hold an edge.) YOUR combat knife is like a tricked out, armored humvee with dual m-2 guns and a grenade launcher.... HELL-AV-U tough knife!!!!!!!!!! AND holds an edge! amazing! But then i think every knife I have gotten from you is pretty amazing : ) Jefferson Jim and JR, Just awesome, awesome. I do not know where to start. The stag is great, the ridge under the handle fits just right, the wide palm spacers are great. The thin blade is perfect for skinning and boning out meat. I love it! So if you have not started the Woodcrafter or the fighter, put them on the back burner and make me the same knife in a 4-1/2" sticker with thin blade and spacers, everything the same. Also, tell Jack he is a great sheath maker. You guys are the greatest. I am going to have to kill something very soon and use it. Thanks again, TK
Hey James, whats up? You remember that big ivory handled camp knife your dad made? This fall, its not going to skin a bear its going to take one! I got good info on one huge mofu black bear that will top 800 pounds live...AND I WANT IT! That will make for some great pics your photo gallery, great PR for you guys, and for me, a huge rug. If a 120 pound Kenyan can spear a Lion, A Canadian can stab a fucking bear! Will keep you posted.
Dear Jim, I received the knives today, and they're everything I expected. Thank you for making them for me, and I'll try very hard to get some good pictures this season showing your knives in use. Thanks again for such quick service, and I hope I'll be able to make another order in the not so far off future. Jim, I own alot of Knives, and you know that, but have decided to sell off what I have and I'm only keepin' a handful and then there are my six Treeman Knives which I will never sell, I want to be able to leave my son a piece of both history and an even bigger piece of a legacy, to give to him a knife that is handmade with both blood and sweat, and can stand up to all of the abuse and use I myself can dish out. Thank you both, Jim and JR, for makin' such an outstandin' and top notch piece of steel, and I can say this without hesitation. Just visited the site. Saw the "blood and steel" post -- Dayummmm! Hope y'all have a good Doc as a customer - maybe you could trade out a custom elephant handle scapel for a few stitches. A huntin buddy of mine used to work in a chicken processing plant -- he was down to 7 fingers when he realized he needed to find a new career. You guys do great work -- please be careful, we knife nuts need you ; ) George Dear Jim, I recall meeting you at the Parker show in Pigeon Forge in December of 2005, it was a highlight of the show for me. I had purchased a couple of your knives and was very impressed with them. We exchanged the normal how do you do's and engaged in knife talk for a few minutes and then at some point I asked "are you a mastersmith?" I learned -- wrong question to ask Jim Behring! I meant nothing by it, it was simply a nervous question asked by an admirer that hadn't done his homework. Your response was, "I don't need some club to tell me I make a good blade." That question was a conversation killer; you excused yourself and went over to Perry Miller's table. That scene has run through my mind many times now for years. I now know exactly what you meant and I hope you don't hold that dumb question against me. You are the maker that inspired me to go for it, and start making knives. It's been an exciting endeavor for me and I love it! Maybe at some show many years from now I will be asked that same question, for which I will have the answer. Regards, Gary Music Jim and JR,what a beautiful knife. It is gorgeous and will be treasured by us. It is well balanced and feels terrific in the hand.The sheath was extra nice and thanks much.We have several of your knives and this one in my opinion exceeds the others. Your craftmanship is extraordinary and much appreciated. Now into the safe. Thanks again, My Treeman Knife is my Partner. When I walk in woods I can count on my Knife to get me out. On the short list of items that are on a "MUST HAVE" List My Treeman Combat Knife is FIRST........... Hi Jim & JR: Arrived safe & sound, thanks for a tremendous service once again. What a superb knife!! It must surely be the very definition of 'Bird & Trout'. Each of the knives I have from you is a masterpiece in its own right and this one is no exception. It's hard to see anything that could be improved, the knives you are producing at this time must certainly be the best you have ever produced to date, flawless! I have four now and I am sure there will be more to come. Best regards from the UK, Jim & JR, My Most Sincere thanks to you both, another Outstanding Experience with Treeman Knives. You have what this country has very few of, guys who own a very well established business and treat their customers like they are your neighbors and friends and you go above and beyond to ensure the customers satisfaction. Thanx again, I will ENJOY My 4th Treeman Knife as much as the others, and I will be looking to order more. Hello Jim and James, hope all is well! Think it´s time to send greetings from the South of Germany! It’s a nice idea [the Workshop pages] to show your customer how much work has to be done to finish a knife. I feel lucky to have known about your work for a couple of years now. The first Treeman I bought is on your archived design page, second row, second from right. The design development and quality of craftsmanship is fascinating. I think you have moved from Scagel’s style to your own Treeman style, but always remembering your roots. That’s old school, along with the trust with which you run your business. That mixture of tool, art and personality make your knives objects in high demand, a piece of the Old West in a cyber age. It’s not only the knife, it is the whole package. A very good knife has to be carried in a very good sheath, so the sheath maker also has to be commended. A Treeman knife and a Mosher sheath are an unbeatable package. Please send Mr. Mosher my greetings, too. Now I hope you both will find some time for vacation, besides all the work. Thank you for helping; each time I need a knife urgently, you manage to get one for me. Best regards, Stefan Dear Jim - Just received your 5 3/4" fighter with the premium stag and compass and it is gorgeous. I have been a Randall collector for years and I can honestly say that your knife feels better in my hand than any of the Randall knives do. I was so impressed that I bought two more of your fighters from dealers in Arizona!! I can not put them down. Works of art, all of them. Thanks, Blair Jim, I really do appreciate you taking the time to write me back, as I know you are very busy. I usually get home at 6pm and spend time with my son (he's 7) and check my computer last after eating dinner with the family. I thank you for offering to email me when you have a bird & trout ready, I understand that you probably get a lot of people trying to contact you, so I’ll try and purchase through that channel and get lucky before the next batch is bought up. I make knives myself, (pretty much as a hobby and a way to use my hands creatively). I spoke with you on the phone about a year ago, and you helped me with my 01 tempering method. Thank you, that really did help. I have recently starting forging but work only on weekends. It's a little hard to make knives when I'd rather be spending time with my son. As a result, I only make 20 to 25 knives a year. And some of those, I give away to hunting friends. I admire your philosophy and you are a real inspiration (hope you don't mind me saying so). I'm glad there is someone else who believes you don't have to own a “Master Smith title in some club to produce nice work and make other people happy. If you're ever up my way, (Killingworth, CT) give a shout; my family likes to throw steaks on the grill and open some beers when friends come knockin'. All my best, Chris Jr. - Your knife was waiting for me at the post office after work today. WHAT A FUCKIN FIGHTER!!!!! Dude, this thing fits my hand like you cast the handle from my own grip!!! Take a bow, my young knifemaker. You did GOOD!!! Thanks, Kevin Atkison, Seattle P.S. When I grow up, I want to be like YOU. You're my hero. Hi Jim - I received your knife late Saturday and, as expected, it was spectacular. I have a lot of knives, but most are beautiful combinations of metals, other manmade materials and natural components. Only a few have the "feel" and seem to possess their own "soul." I now have two of yours and both have those qualities. I think it tells me a lot about the maker. Thank you! Larry Jim - I got the Camper...all I can say is WOW. It is one heck of a knife...I love it, you are a great maker. Thanks for a good trade, I hope you really love the Ruana. I can tell you, I really like this big one alot...I might have to have you make me one even BIGGER! I'll start saving my coins for that one, because we are more than square. God Bless, and if I dont talk to you, good luck hunting this coming winter..I am going out with a recurve all winter...no guns. What the heck, I figure I'll give it a shot. Gene Thanks Brother - I printed a couple of examples of your knives and showed then to some of the guys here in the unit. We all agree that they are hands down the best looking knives on the market. I really appreciate you squaring me away. Just let me know if you need anything else from me. Tim Hello Jim! Got both the fighters on Tuesday - They are AWESOME! I've been buying, selling & collecting for almost 20 yrs now and I have to tell you that these are two of the best made knives I've come across! No one makes em' like this anymore!! And you were right; that larger compass in the handle of the 7" fighter is really neat! I haven't seen any like those except in some of the old Randalls! This is a message for James junior. Hello again. You may or may not remember the first tine I emailed you with lavish praise for your superb craftsmanship. Anyway now I've gone and done it again with another purchase from Miles Welze which I can barely afford! You will no doubt already be aware of a certain number of your recent 6" fighters which carry the blade stamp upside down?! I must confess that I will shortly be the proud owner of one of them, and it is safe to say that it is quite easily the most beautiful and awesome blade I have ever seen - bar none. Thank you so much for your superb smithing, styling, design and finish - I can't find the right words to convey to you just how excited I am about this one. As I said last time, if by any remote chance I am ever in your neck of the woods I would consider it an honour to visit with you and take the tour of the family workshop. Treeman knives are in a league of their own, believe me. With warm regards to you and Jim senior, Marcus Lidell
Knife just came in the mail! All I can say is WOW. I really think this is the nicest knife that I have EVER held!!!!! Not to big or too small, just right! I dont know how you could top this one! Later, John
Guys, this knife has got to be the coolest damn squirrel cutting knife I have ever seen. I can't wait to cut my deer steak with it tonight. Thanks so much, I really love it. So long for now, TK I got my knife last night. O MY God. The friggin thing is beautiful! Incredible. It is more than I expected. Thank you very much, I consider it a true honor to own one of your knives. You are a master craftsman in my eyes. And as I suspected, one knife from you will not be enough. Again, thank you. Rocky H.
The knife arrived today, no problems, don't really know what to say about this one except to thank you sincerely again for offering me the chance to own it, it's one hell of a knife, really superb, something to be proud of, outstanding quality! Best Regards, Tim
They always go so fast! Looking for one of your creations with a 3" or lesser blade length, trout/bird style. Handle balanced to blade size. The knife I bought from you a few weeks back went through a U.P. whitetail like a buzz saw, & ready for more! Made my 3-5 Randy look like a butterknife. Thanks, Pete
Hi Guys, [just received] another masterpiece, I think these fighters are more than likely to become little pieces of history.
Dear Jim, Jim Jr., I just wanted to say thanks again. The Trout and Bird knife is a beauty. I gave it to my son and though you may be horrified to know it, he's been using it for everything from digging up worms to whittling down sticks. He even throws it into his hockey bag and uses it to cut the old tape from his stick. But it seems to come through it all with gusto to spare, none the worse for the wear, and takes an edge like there's no tomorrow. I hope you'll be happy to learn that it will be used for more suitable purposes in a few weeks when it finds its way around a few cottontails. To my mind, you just can't find a better workmanlike knife than a Treeman. A Treeman knife is all you'll ever need. All the best and thanks again for another wonderful tool, Gary
Hi JR, The 3 works of art arrived on Monday andI have been ogling them ever since. I opened your knife first JR, and I could not be more pleased. Super job! Thank you! Next opened what I will call the bigger, badder Tom Selleck special - WOW! Finally, opened the 6" Hunter w/cocobolo & fossil walrus ivory - YOU WERE'NT KIDDING WHEN YOU SAID THIS WAS SOMETHING WE HAVE NOT SEEN BEFORE! AWESOME!! Like the subject of this note says " Great, Greater & Greatest "!!!! Thanks to you and your Dad. You are the " GO TO " Guys of the knife world ! Hi J & J, You guys are probably getting bored of my hymns of praise to your work but I got my fossil ivory hunter today. When I get one of your knives, there's no greater impulse but to use it, the thing no less than hums in the hand with hand-forged life. Those hollow grinds have sheer purpose and the fit in the hand is so sweet that it instantly makes me feel wrong for holding it out the package and not on the moor. I've been using your knives for a few years now and they are the best hunting knives I've ever used and I've used a few. This year I'll make my annual stalk of the noble Highland Red Deer with my old friend. We'll find him, we'll stalk him and we'll kill him. My friend and I had blood on our heads a long time ago but we never feel less than the same respect we did when we were kids. You guys make a beautiful and solid tool that transcends the description. The only one I haven't got yet is one of James' Bird and Trout. Save my pennies and I'll be back soon. Good luck and God bless, Mike
I have just purchased my first Jim Behring jnr. knife (from Miles Welze on eBay) and I am so impressed with the craftsmanship I wanted to say so in person. It is a 3.75" bird-and-trout and I have never handled a more lovingly hand-crafted piece - it is just beautiful. The heft and balance are second to none in my experience and it will be the centrepiece of my (small) collection from now on and also my carry-of-choice. This email is a token of appreciation from a UK knife enthusiast who knows enough to recognise the real deal when he sees it. My thanks to Jim junior, and my deep respect to his dad for passing on his own legendary skills almost like an old-fashioned apprenticeship. And you know what? The boy has graduated in style and is now every inch a contender in his own right! I hope I am not boring you with this stuff, but you know if I was ever in your neck of the woods I would consider it a great honour to take a guided tour of the Behring workshop - if that were possible. Thank you again for everything. Your friend in West Cornwall UK, Jim and Jr., I used one of your 5" skinners this season. I just could not resist. Got tired of looking at such a great knife and just had to use it!! The knife held an edge like none I have used and resharpened with very little effort. I would like to have a small one in a 3" blade. If you have any available save one for me at the blade show. Look forward to seeing you both.
Take care, Rich
By the way, did I ever tell you how SHARP your blades are? Why can't other makers get their knives sharp. Sometimes I buy knives that have such mediocre edges, I have to touch them up before using them. Your knives, however, can be used to shave with right out of the mail. Some makers need to get the word and work on that part of their art.
Have a great day...
Tom
Just to qualify - I've just got back from I thought I'd break out the ivory camp that had been itching to get out of the sheath for months. The knife went through heavy, dense Scots pine like matches for firewood - it sliced through a few unlucky saplings to knock together a quick shelter and incidentally neatly sliced up a venison backstrap and a few carrots for my dinner. The knife is not only a work of art but a properly serious tool. I've used dozens of camp knives from some of the best and ended up moving them on when they didn't quite perform. That ivory is never going anywhere. After four days out chopping and slicing I got it home, gave it a few swipes with a DMT fine hone and a good wipe with a Tuf-cloth, it looked like it had hardly left the shop and is sharp as a whispered curse all over again. I had to move a couple pieces from my collection to get that knife but it was well worth it, they don't come better than this. All the best guys, keep 'em comin.... Mike
Hello Jim, I just had a look on your page and saw this 9" Studebaker knife. Really a very very nice knife. Congratulation! It´s,by the way,exact the knife I´m waiting for. It seems to me it´s a knife for hard use and not for cutting plastic water bottles.(In the latest issue of Knives Illustrated, the only American Knife mag.available here, I read about these contests and I was astonished,because I did not know,that there are such contests. The last Treeman knife, a 5 7/8 hunter, I bought from Jerry Hagman, for which Jack Mosher made an extra sheath, was used in several outdoor and hunting activities, and you can still shave your forearm, if you need to do this, without resharpening. Thank you for creating such useful and good looking knives. Best Regards from Stefan I've got one of your skinners that I used to skin 4 whitetail this year. It's the best skinning knife I've ever used. After the 4th deer, it was finally dull enough to where it wouldn't shave hair. A few minutes with some 1200 grit paper I have taped to a mouse pad and it was shaving sharp again. That's what I really like about the convex grind, it's simple to resharpen. Hi again Jim: Got the camp. Wow! A quantum leap in Treeman's work - same classically functional blade geometry and sweep but that ivory is gorgeous. I can't wait to get it out to the camp. Thanks again, Mike Hi Jim: I got the camp knife yesterday. Another beautiful knife! The spacer configuration is perfect. I don't know how you keep it straight. You are a real artist. I especially like the way you always finish the stag with a buffed look that is almost mirror like. Gentlemen, What can I say...Bravo!! Got the mini in the mail today and I love it. I've smiled so much today my face muscles are sore. Thank you. My five year old son yelled out "a wittle Tweeman just my size" when I opened it. It looks great in his tiny hand. I sent a j-peg to Big Dad and he called me immediately. Maybe a touch jealous!!! You guys are Kings among men. Thanks, Robert Jim and James: You guys are the best. This is one bad ass knife. The balance is perfect, the stag is outrageous! This is the best feeling knife I have held. Thank you so much. I'm very thankful you took the time to make me this knife. And thanks for the hat, I will wear it to the Blade show. All I have left to say is WOW! "Dear Jim and James: WOW!!!!!!! and GOLLEY!!!! You have made this man very happy. The knife is a work of art and I couldn't be any happier. The Mosher case is also super. I will call Monday to say this again. Thanks for the letter, patch, and case. Class Act all the way. Thanks... Thanks... Thanks. This will replace your first knife I have as my computer wall paper!!!" Andy "A million thanks for the absolutely beautiful knife. I really will cherish it. I know Gordon collects Marbles, but I was never interested in any knife until I saw the beautiful work you do." Thanks again, Willo "I wanted to let you know that I used one of your knives this year to clean and skin a pronghorn antelope that a buddy of mine bagged. Your knife was a pleasure to use, effortless balance. incredible edge holding ability even after cutting through tough antelope hair. I was amazed at what a perfectly designed cutting tool it really is. I'm so proud of it though that I spent a large amount of time making sure it was clean and spotless when I got home. It was a tought decision to actally use what I consider to be a work of cutlery art, but after seeing it in my hand covered in antelope blood and hair still looking as beautiful as ever, I'm glad I had the opportunity to see not only the beauty but the functionality of this impeccable piece of steel. Thanks for doing what you do, I admire your skill a great deal. If you are ever out in the New Mexico area please look me up, I'd love to show you some of our wild high desert country and share some coffe and hunting stories." Regards, Tom
I received the knife Saturday, but didn’t get a chance to open the package until today, and I am immediately moved to send you this email. This knife, your 9” Treeman Camp, is by far the nicest I have ever held. I have about 30 Randall Made knives and dozens of assorted others (De Leon, S&M, Chris Reeve, AG Russell, Queen, Case, etc.) but your knife tops them all, easily. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful piece of cutlery I've ever owned. The knife is clearly a work of art and frankly, blows me away. I couldn’t be more delighted—it is all that I expected (from the pictures) and so much more. You and your son are artisans of the highest degree and I am elated and proud to own such a great piece of American Art." Sincerely, Gary H.
"Jim, I got your knife yesterday. This is the best knife I ever put my hand on. It's like shaking your best friend's hand. The quality of workmanship is excellent. Thank you very much. I will treasure it forever, then I will pass it on to my grandson someday. Thanks." Royce Gregory
"I got the knife and man, you sure make a beautiful knife. It's beyond words. Dr. Lucie can't hold a candle to you. Thank you, my friend, and I'll see you in Tenn. at the Parker Show. Thanks again." Bill C.
"Finally got ahold of one of your knives. Had to pay a bit of a premium but it was all worth it. Picked it up on Ebay through Steve Peters. Your work is exceptional, but I've always thought that. I got a 5" hunter all dressed out in nickel silver with some serious crown stag on the end. I almost don't even want to use it. Bottom line, you are a master at what you do, turning hot metal into such beauty is a true gift. Regards." Alan "I took my Bark River to our knife club meeting last and it received pretty favorable reviews from all quadrants. Most of the guys who favor users really liked it and several of the dealers were impressed also. You may be getting some inquiries in th near future." Mike M.
"Just wanted to let you know that I received your Scagel Bird & Trout. Great knife. I'm so glad I stumbled on your site at the right time. Your skill should be commended, and your customer service is top notch. Thank you. I'm sure you'll hear from me again." David Tran
"This has got to be the fastest order response in history. I love your website - easy to use. If found it doing a web search for De Leon knives. I notice that you have a couple of them on ebay also. I think Mr. De Leon is one of the best makers in the country. I met him here in Houston at the Houston Gun Collectors Show where he had a table. I have several of his knives already. Thanks for carrying his knives." Larry Altman
"This De Leon knife is even nicer than the pictures. You weren't kidding about superior fit and finish. I'd say the polish is a bit smoother than my Randall model 1. Perfectly balanced. Outstanding work. And did I mention it's sharp? In other words all the things which are impossible to judge in a picture on the web are all top-notch. Thanks!" Jeff Marlin
"I was fortunate to be able to meet you and acquire one of your knives at the knife show in Cambridge, Ohio last November. I must tell you it is my favorite knife (and I have many knives, including a half-dozen Randalls, a couple of Ruana, plus others), as the quality and balance place it above the others. The only ones I have that come close are an M-stamped Ruana sticker and a John Etzler cable damascus camp knife. I also enjoy your web site and look forward to adding more knives to my collection from those you have yet to sell (or make!). Keep up the good work." Dan Campbell
"Just wanted to let you know that I received one of your 9" camp knives... great piece of work and I feel honored to be the new owner of one of your knives... keep up the great work and I'm looking forward to my next one." Steve E.
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