- Joined
- Feb 28, 2002
- Messages
- 13,348
I have long admired the work of the talented Brazilian bladesmiths, whose membership includes the likes of Ricardo Vilar, Luciano Dorneles and Rodrigo Sfreddo. One of the highlights for me of the recent Blade show was getting to meet each of these three fine makers in person and examine multiple examples of their work in person. I knew they were good I have owned a few examples of their work before but I was still impressed at the continued and evident level of improvement shown in their work. At Blade Ricardo Vilar became the first of their group to attain his Journeyman Smith rank within the ABS my congratulations to him.
Now, when I think of the Brazilian knives, the terrific forged integral Gaucho knives and Mediterranean dirks spring first to mind and this remains both a staple and a strength of these makers. But of late, I have noticed quite a few very traditional American bowies being turned out by these makers, and one such knife literally stopped me in my tracks at Blade:
The above knife by Rodrigo Sfreddo sports an 11 blade of forged 52100, with an overall length of 16. The Blade displays an elegant and flawlessly executed Scheffield clip. The fine grit hand-rubbed finish is something to behold in person it gives the blade a soft and uniform satin glow that speaks volumes of the attention to detail lavished upon this knife by it maker.
The classic coffin handle is comprised of some very nice stag scales secured by four domed and peened pins around a stainless steel frame.
The guard and three-piece ferrule have been extensively and very tastefully file-worked to add a touch of dressy embellishment that detract not a bit from the clean and purposeful lines.
All of Rodrigos knives come with a first-rate sheath. This one is done in leather, though Rodrigo is also very proficient in turning out scabbards of nickel silver, stainless steel or even damascus, as the occasion demands.
This was one of those knives that just really spoke to me to the first time I laid eyes on it pleasing lines, fabulous execution, terrific materials and a very nice feel in the hand. I showed this one off to a number of top bladesmiths over the course of Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, and all were very impressed by the level of craftsmanship. Rodrigo plans to test for his Journeyman Smith rank next year at Blade and no doubt he will sweat it out nervously like every other JS applicant. But I am here to tell you that with workmanship like this, he has nothing to worry about.
Roger Pinnock
PS Heres a look at a similar piece from Sfreddo, but with ironwood handle and fancy scabbard (knifeart pic):
Now, when I think of the Brazilian knives, the terrific forged integral Gaucho knives and Mediterranean dirks spring first to mind and this remains both a staple and a strength of these makers. But of late, I have noticed quite a few very traditional American bowies being turned out by these makers, and one such knife literally stopped me in my tracks at Blade:
The above knife by Rodrigo Sfreddo sports an 11 blade of forged 52100, with an overall length of 16. The Blade displays an elegant and flawlessly executed Scheffield clip. The fine grit hand-rubbed finish is something to behold in person it gives the blade a soft and uniform satin glow that speaks volumes of the attention to detail lavished upon this knife by it maker.
The classic coffin handle is comprised of some very nice stag scales secured by four domed and peened pins around a stainless steel frame.
The guard and three-piece ferrule have been extensively and very tastefully file-worked to add a touch of dressy embellishment that detract not a bit from the clean and purposeful lines.
All of Rodrigos knives come with a first-rate sheath. This one is done in leather, though Rodrigo is also very proficient in turning out scabbards of nickel silver, stainless steel or even damascus, as the occasion demands.
This was one of those knives that just really spoke to me to the first time I laid eyes on it pleasing lines, fabulous execution, terrific materials and a very nice feel in the hand. I showed this one off to a number of top bladesmiths over the course of Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, and all were very impressed by the level of craftsmanship. Rodrigo plans to test for his Journeyman Smith rank next year at Blade and no doubt he will sweat it out nervously like every other JS applicant. But I am here to tell you that with workmanship like this, he has nothing to worry about.
Roger Pinnock
PS Heres a look at a similar piece from Sfreddo, but with ironwood handle and fancy scabbard (knifeart pic):
)
Lin