Hey gang,

As stated in the title, I am new to the knife world. Sure, I have some hunting knives. I've always looked at them as simply a tool.

Squirrel Nut here on AR is a good friend of mine and has always had an appreciation of fine knives. Frankly at the time, I could not have cared less.

I recently have been watching the new show, "Forged in Fire." It has given me a real appreciation for the art that is a fine knife. I have discussed this with Squirrel Nut and we agree that the art and craftsmanship involved in this is equal to that of a fine double rifle.

Personally, I love the look and character Damascus steel.

To my point; I am probably going start collecting some of these beautiful blades. But where to start?

I know there are a plethora of knife makers at SCI, which I attend from time to time.

Who to see, and maybe more importantly, who to stay away from?

I will appreciate any and all input.

Thanks,

Steve

If I were looking to collect damascus bladed knives, I'd start with two gentlemen that post in this forum... Jerry Fisk and Mike Williams (posts as lost okie). They could also be a great resource for your pursuit.

Lee

Check out Marvin Winn.

http://www.maxcutterknives.com/themaker.htm

Let the buyer beware.

Not all Damascus blades are quality.


Not all makers forge their own Damascus. Some buy damascus blanks and their knives are "stock removal" rather than forged by them.



Here is my "trifecta" of knives from Mike Williams, AKA Lost Okie who posts here......









and the Quillon Dagger is the capstone to that trifecta




Mike might weigh in, but IIRC both the handle and the blade are forged in the leaf pattern. Mike sent it in a hand fitted walnut presentation case fashioned from a Walnut tree that grew in his back yard.
The sheath is by me. I call the combo the Dragon's Kiss!


BTW,



they are serious tools!




ya!


GWB

Thanks for that GW. I just today committed to Mike to purchase the knife he put in his new thread.

Just what I was looking for. Hope I didn't just start a new habit.

Thanks,

Steve

Prolly more like an obsession.



next thing ya know you'll be scouring for








exotic woods






horn







hamons







then asking makers to re-create copies of originals that cost more that a trophy elk hunt!





you might even go so far as to start messing with leather and blanking out blades!

















Ask me how I know!


You've been warned.


ya!


GWB

Nice stuff!! At least they don't cost what a double rifle does

G.W. is that cocabola wedged into that cacti?
I keep hoping to run across a Johnson knife in a yard sale but it ain't happened yet.
The little armadillo guy looks like he approves.

Mike,

No,

that is presentation grade desert ironwood by the same guy as this one!



TK Steingass!


a few more!



Ingram's




Ken Honeycutt




Howe Mountain (Dale Howe)


Some cocobolo





Honeycuttt



EDC, hafted by Vince Mazzei



Menefee




Don't know which I like most,

Irowood or cocobolo!


ya!


GWB

I out to rob him of his wood stash but it's pretty dang far up there.
Good ironwood is becoming as bad as stag.
m

Steve, you will like Mike's knife. I have one from him in Damascus. Mike's knives where used as the performance level to set up the ABS cutting contest many times.

G W , I really like and enjoy the cross draw sheath . So much so that I've modified several of mine .--- That's that leatherwork you referenced.

This is not a good thread.

Now I want to buy some custom Damascus steel knives too.

Mike

Mike. Yea, I have been collecting since 1987. I prefer Damascus also. Life is too short to have a ugly knife or gun.

Everybody has their own likes,taste and dislikes !
Ive been collecting long b/4 1987 and I do not own a Damascous knife.
Ive always looked at knives as I ascertain girlfrinds and dogs, function over form ! It is not ok for them to just look good, they must work . Now If they work well and look good, even better !