- Joined
- Feb 15, 2002
- Messages
- 1,705
These two could not be much different from each other.
I have a lot of respect for collectors who are disciplined and focused enough to pursue one area dilligently. I've never been that way. If you went through my collection you'd see something from virtually every area of the knife world; from funky Mexican switchblades to high art custom knives with gold and jewels, oriental pieces, military bayonets, old antiques, fantasy blades, spikes, spears, hawks and period pieces. You name it and I've probably got one laying around somewhere.
David Mirable (Alaska) has had some really interesting stuff on his table for the two years that I've been to the Reno show. Most of his work seems to be influenced by the native cultures who historically inhabited (some still do) the coastal areas in the North West - Eskimo or maybe more accurately Aleut, Inuit etc.
I haven't yet had a chance to get one of his more significant works, but this year he generously donated the item you see below for auction. Before the auction everybody gets to see and handle each item. Most bidders will make a list of things they're interested in and bid when they come up. This one was on my list and I was not the only one interested. Bidding was actually pretty aggressive and I feared the price would quickly get out of my range. As fate would have it though - I won!
Both sides of the wrapped handle contain old bone harpoon points David has found in his wanderings up where he lives. (click to enlarge)
Rick Eaton was a new discovery for me this year, I'm embarassed to say. Now that I know who he is I realize I've seen images of his work in the past. fortunately "my attractive wife" sat next to Rick on the plane to Reno, as it was so full we weren't able to get seats together. When we got into the show on Friday morning she said, "Come on, you gotta see this guy's work."
I was blown away! The larger piece he'd brought involved a two sided battle scene from the French tales of "Coeur de Leon" - Richard the Lionhearted. It was absolutely the most incredible engraving work I personally have ever seen! Foolishly, I let that one slip away from me and into the hands of someone who collects Rick Eaton's work.
But I would not go home empty-handed. This folding dagger is so beautiful - and colorful too. Unfortunately the various shades of blue and purple that shimmer in the ligtht like a dragonfly's wing as you turn it over and over in your hand are almost impossible to photograph. The situation is not helped by the overall darkness of the layered steel. Still, I wanted to share at least some version of it here.
I have a lot of respect for collectors who are disciplined and focused enough to pursue one area dilligently. I've never been that way. If you went through my collection you'd see something from virtually every area of the knife world; from funky Mexican switchblades to high art custom knives with gold and jewels, oriental pieces, military bayonets, old antiques, fantasy blades, spikes, spears, hawks and period pieces. You name it and I've probably got one laying around somewhere.
David Mirable (Alaska) has had some really interesting stuff on his table for the two years that I've been to the Reno show. Most of his work seems to be influenced by the native cultures who historically inhabited (some still do) the coastal areas in the North West - Eskimo or maybe more accurately Aleut, Inuit etc.
I haven't yet had a chance to get one of his more significant works, but this year he generously donated the item you see below for auction. Before the auction everybody gets to see and handle each item. Most bidders will make a list of things they're interested in and bid when they come up. This one was on my list and I was not the only one interested. Bidding was actually pretty aggressive and I feared the price would quickly get out of my range. As fate would have it though - I won!
Both sides of the wrapped handle contain old bone harpoon points David has found in his wanderings up where he lives. (click to enlarge)
Rick Eaton was a new discovery for me this year, I'm embarassed to say. Now that I know who he is I realize I've seen images of his work in the past. fortunately "my attractive wife" sat next to Rick on the plane to Reno, as it was so full we weren't able to get seats together. When we got into the show on Friday morning she said, "Come on, you gotta see this guy's work."
I was blown away! The larger piece he'd brought involved a two sided battle scene from the French tales of "Coeur de Leon" - Richard the Lionhearted. It was absolutely the most incredible engraving work I personally have ever seen! Foolishly, I let that one slip away from me and into the hands of someone who collects Rick Eaton's work.
But I would not go home empty-handed. This folding dagger is so beautiful - and colorful too. Unfortunately the various shades of blue and purple that shimmer in the ligtht like a dragonfly's wing as you turn it over and over in your hand are almost impossible to photograph. The situation is not helped by the overall darkness of the layered steel. Still, I wanted to share at least some version of it here.
