3 new bladesmiths...same last name

R

RonNewton

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Aug 2, 2000
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Thought I would introduce 3 new bladesmiths from Alabama all with the same last name. Ray Fincher, his brother Jack Fincher and 15 year old son John Fincher.

These guys just got bit by the forging bug in March 2003. They took the ABS Basic Intro To Forging Class in March of this year under Jim Crowell and Bert Gaston....and just finished up a Handles and Guards class at my shop this past week. We covered a lot of ground in just about all departments of guards and handles. We even did a little gunblueing and engraving on fittings.

I'm going to post some of their knives they finished this week. Some of the knives still needed a little more grinding and sanding but you'll get the basic overview of their accomplishments.

I believe you'll be seeing more of the Finchers in the future. They are a bunch of good ol' boys too. If they keep hanging out at Batson's Bladesmithing Symposium every spring there's no telling what their talents may evolve into.
 

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YES!
The "basic overview" is actually what I like most...
Hunters and Bowies!
Waiting a year or two and there are great things on the way :-)

Are they working as a three-man team or is each of them going its own way?

I will keep this Fincher name in mind for sure (even here in Switzerland!!!)
 
There is definitely some real potential there. These knives are already very nice, especially considering the time they have been making knives. I really like that big Bowie.
 
Wow - they're a couple of naturals, huh? Although, I'm sure the fine tutelage they received had a lot to do with it too.
 
Thanks for the intro Ron - those are some nice looking knives all right. I look forward to seeing more in the future.

Cheers,

Roger
 
I have to agree, the Finchers are threesome we will see in the future. And watch out for John, he is a hammering fool. Bert Gaston nicknamed him the hammer kid. I was in the intro class with them and they are really nice people. Heres to seeing more of their work in the future. John can make really quick work of a pile of frog legs too.
 
Beautiful work. I especially like that smaller drop point with what looks like ironwood scales.
My kind of knife.
-Paul
 
After 3 days of fun, serious, and enjoyable work with Ron Newton, Jack, Jon, and I reluctantly pulled away Saturday night with a brand new satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment. Our eargerness to learn was matched by Ron's attention and expert guidance. Thank you Ron, for your generosity and hospitality.

We would also like to thank the many members of the A.B.S. and Alabama Forge Council who have shared their knowledge and comradry.

Good to hear from Brion Tomberlin again. We'll try to stay in touch.

In reply to Swissdagger, Jack, Jon, and I work separately most of the time but often share the same equipment.

We look forward to the time when experience and knowledge gained will enable us to make a serious contribution to bladesmithing. In the meantime, we can use all of the help we can get! Thanks for your encouragement.
 
Ron, they sure got off on the right foot, went to the best to learn. And I agree, those fellas make real fine knives. Nice work, both you and them.
 
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