A Man's Knives!

waynorth

waynorth

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Nov 19, 2005
Messages
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We often conjecture about Knives telling the story of their lives!! Here is a bit of one of those stories!
He was a master Horticulturist (G). He learned his trade in Edinburgh, Scotland. He did honors apprenticeships in Sweden and Denmark, then he and his Irish wife emigrated to Canada, where they had a ferocious red-headed girl, who eventually married my youngest son!:)
G grew the best garlic in the universe, which was savored by my Sicilian soul!
The "kids" are expecting a boy-child in September-October, G's first grandchild, who G will never get to meet.
G passed away two weeks ago after a short (8 week) bout of cancer. RIP, G!!
He left behind the beloved tools of his trade, which he replaced in 1974, after the airline lost them on the way to Canada. Sheesh!:eek:
Here they are, sharp as heck, the wood worn down between the rivets from his hands.
He taught his daughter how to grow things, and she will harvest that last batch of garlic, I think before her baby is born. I will tell that baby what I know about G, and give him these knives when the time comes!



Gordons knives 1.jpg Gordons knives 2.jpg Gordons knives 3.jpg
 
Those are treasures, and an incredible legacy. Your new grandson is a lucky lad to be born into such a loving family. He is also lucky to have links to the past.

:thumbsup:
 
I am sorry for your family's loss Charlie. Sounds like he was a wonderful person and left much beauty in his wake. Awesome knives.
 
Those knives make me smile. Hard used tools, with a simple and plain appearance. The conditions are perfect for this part of the market to be dominated by cheap overseas imports. Yet Tina has managed to carve out a niche for itself and gained a reputation for making the best knives in class. And people are buying them. We're not talking about collector pieces here with stag or ivory, but rather walnut covered shadow patterns. Remarkable.
 
Those are some Great plain working knives with an incredible family history. I'm glad to see they wound up in your hands Charlie to pass down the history and the artifact to there heirs. :thumbsup:


Dave
 
Sorry for the loss.

What a great history for such a beautiful set of knives. The lines on these knives are just amazing. I especially like the one with a bit of a hawkbill profile.
Are these considered Swayback patterns?

I am sure that baby will be very happy to inherit something so beautiful and tangible like this.
 
It's too bad the youngster will never meet Grandpa G. He'll certainly treasure those knives and the stories he'll learn.
 
What a touching story, Charlie; thanks for sharing it here! :thumbsup::thumbsup:
Reading your post and seeing those well-used knives "makes my heart soar like an eagle!" :cool::thumbsup:

- GT
 
Thanks for the nice words everyone. It shows the kind of people we have here!!:D

There are so many words, customs, faces, recipes and things I remember and cherish from my grandparents! I give whatever I can to my grandkids in memory.
What is more important??
 
Are these considered Swayback patterns?(Lapedog)

Not really, IMO. They are more serpentine than anything, but they are definitely unusual; designed for the task at hand!
 
My condolences and best wishes to your family, Charlie.

There's no better person to be the custodian of the knives until your grandson is ready for them.
 
A sad story Charlie but one filled with interest as well.
Heirlooms such as this mean everything to me, I hope once you have finished educating the young one of G - that they will indeed become treasured knives to him.
 
Grand knives, hand worn by years creative toil, a joy to behold and hold.

I'm glad he didn't have to suffer for long, what we all hope for.

I'd really like to get hold of one of these simple Tina knives, as a gardener it's inspired me! (hope my Shallots are progressing:))

Regards, Will
 
Sorry for your family's loss Charlie, that is a poignant and well-written post my friend :thumbsup:

G clearly bought the best, what a shame his original knives were lost, but he gave the replacements personality. I keep meaning to pick up a Tina. The second one down from the top is particularly interesting to me.

Congratulations to the "kids", and hope all goes well with your latest grandchild :) :thumbsup:
 
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