Les Blevins was a custom pool cue maker from Ashland, Kentucky, known for crafting high-quality cues that often resembled those from the renowned South West brand in both appearance and playability. He began his cue-making career by repurposing old house cues into “sneaky petes” and progressed to more intricate designs, learning the craft from fellow cue maker Joe Blackburn while they repaired cues together in the Ashland area. Blevins was self-taught beyond that collaboration and never formally apprenticed with established builders like those at South West.
His cues featured distinctive elements, such as handmade brass pins with 3/8x10 threads (differing from South West’s 3/8x11), a unique bumper system secured by a screw into the weight bolt, and tapers similar to South West or DPK styles. Due to these similarities, Blevins’ cues were sometimes mistakenly or fraudulently sold as South West products, leading to persistent rumors of an association—rumors debunked by South West’s Laurie Franklin, who confirmed he never worked for or built cues for the company. Collectors value his work; for instance, a “Les Blevins 96” cue (likely made in 1996) was discussed for its potential trade or sale value in billiards communities. He produced notable pieces like an 8-point cue with red, white, and black veneers, which was one of his last before retiring.
Blevins retired from cue making and passed away in 2023. His cues remain sought after by enthusiasts for their craftsmanship and hit quality.
A couple years ago Joe Young completely restored this cue and installed a matching extension.
If you know anything about Les Blevins Cues, 1994,1995 in 1996 were probably his best years. Specifications for this Cue or within the pictures. Included will be a CF shaft.
Priced to move $1000.00
No trades - no exceptions
His cues featured distinctive elements, such as handmade brass pins with 3/8x10 threads (differing from South West’s 3/8x11), a unique bumper system secured by a screw into the weight bolt, and tapers similar to South West or DPK styles. Due to these similarities, Blevins’ cues were sometimes mistakenly or fraudulently sold as South West products, leading to persistent rumors of an association—rumors debunked by South West’s Laurie Franklin, who confirmed he never worked for or built cues for the company. Collectors value his work; for instance, a “Les Blevins 96” cue (likely made in 1996) was discussed for its potential trade or sale value in billiards communities. He produced notable pieces like an 8-point cue with red, white, and black veneers, which was one of his last before retiring.
Blevins retired from cue making and passed away in 2023. His cues remain sought after by enthusiasts for their craftsmanship and hit quality.
A couple years ago Joe Young completely restored this cue and installed a matching extension.
If you know anything about Les Blevins Cues, 1994,1995 in 1996 were probably his best years. Specifications for this Cue or within the pictures. Included will be a CF shaft.
Priced to move $1000.00
No trades - no exceptions
