Ernest Custom Knives

I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to a very special person and friend, Ralph Freer.

Besides being my best friend, Ralph was my teacher, mentor, inspiration and idea man.

Ralph and I met in 1999. We immediately clicked and became close friends. Ralph's family accepted me as a family member and treated me like Uncle Phil.

Ralph grew up in San Gabriel. He was intelligent and motivated. He loved music and was an accomplished surfer, athlete and musician. Ralph had the ability to play almost any stringed instrument.

As a young man during the era when surfing really hit big, Ralph and his father started the Sunshine T-Shirt Company with international sales. He was directly responsibility for many of the popular t-shirt designs of the day and the company enjoyed great success. Unfortunately, due to insurance fraud and failing health, Ralph lost everything to the many Drs and hospitals he and his wife had to go to. He thought he was insured by an ethical company which turned out to be fraudulent and left him owing many hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills. This led to the demise of his company.

Ralph and his family moved to a small home in Seal Beach where he started his knife making carreer. He is still known for his fabulous and ornate folders.

Ralph Freer Passed away in March, 2008 oif a massive heart attack while helping his mother. He is survived by his lovely wife, Kim, son Randy and daughters Nichi and Alesha.

I will always honor and cherish the memory of my friend Ralph.

Ralph M. Freer