‘Simple’ but exquisite knives

[Jack Lewis]

I’m interested in learning about makers who put a great deal of thought into their designs and work — but not ornamentation.

I put “simple” in quotes because there’s nothing simple about Tim Wright’s knives, for instance. But they’re not art pieces. They’re for using. I’d say the same of Scott Sawby’s knives. Those are both on the astronomically high end of the market, but I don’t think knives of this type have to be. I think of Hiro Ohta’s unadorned friction folders: thoughtfully made, but not filigreed in any way.

Who else might fit this category? Who would you say make the *finest* knives without tipping into the art market?

Curious to hear. Thanks! (Originally posted this in the general forum, then realized it makes more sense here.)

 

[dondford]

• TK Steingass

 

[Scott Hanson]

There are hundreds if not thousands of makers that could fit that description. I think as long as you are already here in the forum, I would take a close look at the Knife makers for sale area and look at the folding knives for sale by makers. There are many very good folding knife makers there that could make what you are looking for.

 

[Jack Lewis]

[Accidental double post]

 

[Jack Lewis]

There are hundreds if not thousands of makers that could fit that description. I think as long as you are already here in the forum, I would take a close look at the Knife makers for sale area and look at the folding knives for sale by makers. There are many very good folding knife makers there that could make what you are looking for.

Thanks, Scott.

I’m curious, though: Do you truly feel there are thousands of knife makers working with the level of skill and precision of, say, Tim Wright?

(Also, I accidentally posted this reply in the main thread and cannot for the life of me figure out how to delete it. Ha.)

 

[Dawkind]

Do you truly feel there are thousands of knife makers working with the level of skill and precision of, say, Tim Wright?

No, but Tim doesn’t make knives for a living….

 

[Jack Lewis]

No, but Tim doesn’t make knives for a living….

That’s okay by me. I understand the economics involved — I get it — but I’m curious to learn about anyone working with that kind of exactitude, whatever their circumstances.

 

[Scott Hanson]

Thanks, Scott.

I’m curious, though: Do you truly feel there are thousands of knife makers working with the level of skill and precision of, say, Tim Wright?

(Also, I accidentally posted this reply in the main thread and cannot for the life of me figure out how to delete it. Ha.)

In your original post you stressed "simple" but exquisite, but not ornamentation. To me that simply means a very well built knife, no frills knife. I looked at some of the knives from the three makers you mentioned, the work they do is very different form one another as is the price range between them, anywhere from $79.00 all the up tp $3000.00. All I'm saying is there are a lot of folding knife makers out there that are capable of making a knife of that description, including several makers on this Forum.

 

[Jack Lewis]

There are hundreds if not thousands of makers that could fit that description. I think as long as you are already here in the forum, I would take a close look at the Knife makers for sale area and look at the folding knives for sale by makers. There are many very good folding knife makers there that could make what you are looking for.

Fair point — I think I’ve really sort of asked two questions here. One about exceedingly high quality, and one about simplicity.

I suppose, after some thought, I’m trying to find the place where those two ideas meet. I’ve put together a pretty short list, so far: Tim Wright, Scott Sawby, David Lespect, I think.

I’m sure there are more. But as another commenter pointed out, it’s hard to make a living turning out knives like those.

(Edit to add that someone also mentioned Stoil Manchev, a Bulgarian maker whose work I wasn’t familiar with, but who seems to be outstanding.)

 

[Scott Hanson]

Fair point — I think I’ve really sort of asked two questions here. One about exceedingly high quality, and one about simplicity.

I suppose, after some thought, I’m trying to find the place where those two ideas meet. I’ve put together a pretty short list, so far: Tim Wright, Scott Sawby, David Lespect, I think.

I’m sure there are more. But as another commenter pointed out, it’s hard to make a living turning out knives like those.

(Edit to add that someone also mentioned Stoil Manchev, a Bulgarian maker whose work I wasn’t familiar with, but who seems to be outstanding.)

Stoil Manchev has been sell here fairly recently, but I have only seen fixed blades from him. I have not seen David Lespect here. Seems to me a lot the knife makers here are part time or retired, I'm part time myself still a few years out from retirement. but as far as knives go check out the custom knife maker forums both fixed and folding knives, the guys are doing some really top notch work for a really good price.

 

[Lorien]

I’m interested in learning about makers who put a great deal of thought into their designs and work — but not ornamentation.

I put “simple” in quotes because there’s nothing simple about Tim Wright’s knives, for instance. But they’re not art pieces. They’re for using. I’d say the same of Scott Sawby’s knives. Those are both on the astronomically high end of the market, but I don’t think knives of this type have to be. I think of Hiro Ohta’s unadorned friction folders: thoughtfully made, but not filigreed in any way.

Who else might fit this category? Who would you say make the *finest* knives without tipping into the art market?

Curious to hear. Thanks! (Originally posted this in the general forum, then realized it makes more sense here.)

this is the type of knife maker that I want to be.

 

[Jack Lewis]

I think I’d include another French maker, Raphael Durand, here. He seems to pay a great deal of attention to craft, and interprets simple, traditional knives in new ways.

 

[TK Steingass]

Scott Hansen
Alan Warren
Carl Colson
Michael Townsley

 

[Jack Lewis]

Scott Hansen
Alan Warren
Carl Colson
Michael Townsley

Thank you, Mr. Steingass. These are some very fine makers — and some inspired by you, I believe!

 

[chumaman]

Manchev

Two blades CPM S110V....63,6 and 63,9 HRC......its hardening is exceptional and grinding not to mention
Stoil thank you for these and all other projects

 

[Ironic]

John Doyle

 

[SharpByCoop]

Steve Hoel and Jess Horn easily fit in the original post category. Joe Kious and Warren Osborne's folders are legendary, and they lend themselves to engraving, but NOT necessarily needed.

My choices reflect much of the OP's taste: clean interframe folders. There are SO many names who fit.

View my KnifeLegends dealer albums on www.KnifeGallery.com for inspirations.

 

[Jack Lewis]

Steve Hoel and Jess Horn easily fit in the original post category. Joe Kious and Warren Osborne's folders are legendary, and they lend themselves to engraving, but NOT necessarily needed.

My choices reflect much of the OP's taste: clean interframe folders. There are SO many names who fit.

View my KnifeLegends dealer albums on www.KnifeGallery.com for inspirations.

Thank you! Steve Hoel’s undecorated knives are just unbelievably clean and spare. Incredible.

 

[Win Heger]

Since we are adding names, W.D. Pease is an all time favorite of mine.

 

[stevewest]

Ray Laconico made and sold alot of fixed blade knives here on the Makers forum. I purchased 9-10 of them along with a couple of his first folders. I always liked his clean, well executed designs. He did not embelish his work and his knives always stood on their own. He seems to be having alot of success with his folders which is great to see. Ray was always very good to deal with and I always seem to have one of his knives out on the desk as they are so nice to handle.