Anyone know Bonnard Batte?

D

Dave Bowen

Joined
Feb 12, 2007
Messages
155
I'm wondering if anyone knows a knifemaker from New Mexico named Bonnard Batte.

I rented a trailer from him in the mountains of New Mexico about 18 years ago, and found out we shared an interest in knives. Mr. batte was the person who took the time to teach me how to make knives, and is still an influence on my knifemaking techiques today.

He made some truly beautiful folders, as well as fixed blade knives. His makers mark is simply a bat (flying mammal) in a circle.

If anyone knows him, or if you read the forums, I just want to thank you for everything, and for getting me addicted to knifemaking.

I would love to show him the difference between my first knife that came out of his shop, and the ones I now make in my own shop.

I only hope someday I can create a memory like this for some youngster and he looks me up in 20 years.

Thanks for listening, and for any help anyone might be able to provide in locating this wonderful man.

Dave
 
Bonard Batt is his name, he still makes beautiful knives. He sells them at a couple of shops in Cloudcroft New Mexico. He still lives in that area, the Copper Butterfly store in Cloudcroft would know how to get in contact with him. I haven't heard from him in many years, not since my Great Grandmother's funeral service in Sixteen Springs canyon.
 
Thank you the information Galid! I'm glad to hear he's still around and making knives. I learned from friends in the area that that section of Cloudcroft has burnt down, but I'm sure they'll recover. If you happen to run across him, please let him know about my post and shake his hand for me.

Update: Just spoke to Bonard on the phone. Doing great, still making knives and tickled to death that I am still grinding away. This made my day! Sending him one of my best knives as a gift. :)
 
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Hi! I know Bonard Batte, he is my husbands grandpa. We live around the corner from him. He is still making knives and lives in the same spot :) just read your update! Thats awesome!
 
Knife, Fixed Blade made by Bonard Batte, New Mexico, Used: This knife is in excellent condition. We don’t believe that it has ever been sharpened. There are a few small dings on the brass rear bolster. The front bolster and guard are also made of brass. The handle appears to be made of red stag with inlays at both ends. BATTE is acid etched on the blade and “Bonard Batte Maker La Luz NM” is stamped on the back of the sheath. From our research it appears that Bonard Batte is still making knives and lives near Cloudcroft, New Mexico. We don’t know if this is an early or late made knife. One person on the Internet said that he learned knife making from him and that Bonard Batte’s maker’s mark is a “bat in a circle”. There is no such mark on this knife. This is a beautiful knife in a crude sort of way. It is short and stout (9” overall with a 4” blade). It fits and feels great in your hand.
 
Hi Dave,

not sure your still getting post from here. Bonard just recently passed away. His son Frank is on facebook. I use to go to Bonards and learn to make knived. in the 79 to 85 time frame.. Sure loved going to his place
 
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