Are there ANY Black Knife Knuts?

My UPS guy is into knives & he's black.

I wonder how he knew that I was into knives?;)

--The Raptor--
 
As for the NYC show, I've seen and met with many a black man and woman. Although not nearly as much as white folks. Recently at my first Blade show I noticed maybe 12 out of thousands of white folks and maybe 30 Asians. This is something I have always though about. My girl's black and she loves a mixed atmosphere and most of our friends and associates are as such. However, we live in a huge city where it's extremely diverse. You have to remember that most knifemakers come from the South and the West. As for the south there are plenty of black folks but as for the west it has been my experience that white folks for out number black foklks and maybe there's a decent sized mexican or native american community here and there. Otherwise after those territories were settled and the native populations decimated or interned by whatever means (you know what means), white folks took power. Anyway, I was discussing this very thing at Blade show with a fellow attendie who has been going for years and he even mentioned that at one time back in the day, vendors and certain makers were selling knives with KKK logo's and racist jokes were exchanged freely and openly, even in Atlanta where the Black population is pretty large. That would certainly keep me away. Check out Paul Jarvis, a totally kickass art knifemaker, he's the only Black maker I see at the NYC show and the only one at Blade as well. A few Japanese, some Chinese vendors and a boat load of White folks, cowboy hats and all. Growing up in the "inner city" myself and being in a "mixed" family sort of... all the fellas I knew loved knives but as it was a poor area the thought of collecting customs at high prices was totally FOREIGN and unimaginable to the average Latino or African dudes I knew. The few I've met though at shows or out in the world are those with the means to do so. Not to metion the men in the armed forces or in law enforcement. When I worked at Paragon was when I met the most. Many black and hispanic men and even women who loved knives and collected knives. From the average Joe to LEO's, Marines, and martial artists. This is all in dribbs and drabs I realize but that's been my experience thus far. I think it would be in everyone's best interest if People like Mr. Smith and Mr. Jarvis could get more publicity so that would inspire those who might feel a bit shy or alone to come out and express themselves along with the rest of us and maybe carry on the knife making tradition. It would be an interesting experiment for the knife community. As well , there are a few fellas on the forums that I know of who are black also. I won't mention anyone as it's probably a good idea to just be a human being above a color that would make all of us feel comfortable with each other and be recognized as just a good man or woman and not the cool "black guy". That statement or thought alone is a signal that you feel seperate and maybe even unequal still. You may be giving him "props" or respect but the thought is dualistic. Anthropologically speaking, the more we search the more we realize that there was far more contact between people and tribes regardless of color or ethnicity prior to the Bible or the Koran or the Vedas or whatever. Whether it was a healthy exhcange or war it was contact. Hence the South/Central, North American Indian - Asian connections that have been made. The Afro-Israeli connections that have been made and the Asiatic connection that are constantly made between all the countries in Africa and the surrounding Asian countries. Lest we forget that Africa is a stones thow from Spain and Portugal. As well, the Caucas mountains aren't too far away either as indicatd by the Chinese,Mongolian,Russian Connections made. Basically we all stem from the same places, atleast that seems to be the most likely scenario. Tribes seperated and people searched for new lands and settled in new and far away places, possibly adapting to the surroundings and the new hibitats over centuries and through evolution developed according to these surroundings. Maybe ? I dunno just a thought.And a long winded preach, sorry to boor you all. Peace.....RDT
 
since we're on a socio-cultural topic, are there any native american/inuit knifemakers or members? I believe their peoples go a long way back with knives, although modern steels were brought into americas by european settlers/visitors.

what knives are associated with native americans?

This is an interesting thread for me, seeing that I live in a very multi-cultural place.

ps: don't mean to hijack your thread, VG...
 
Never heard much about Africans being all involved with blades though, at least not in anything other than purely utilitarian purposes.
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You should give it a little attention. Africa has produced some the most innovative edge weapons of any culture. Some of the 19th century examples are just plain wild. The metal work is usually primitive but well done. I consider traditional African weapons to be a good source of inspiration for new designs.

n2s
 
was a knife knut and he was Black. He was the only man I ever called Grandpa. He gave me his Wegner SAK while he was still alive. I don't know the model but I've only seen one other like it, given to my buddy by HIS Grandfather. Go figure. After he died my Grandma gave me his old Case Bowie, still in great shape. I don't know what happened to the rest of 'em, but I'll keep those two forever. I honestly don't think much about what color people are.

Frank
 
Originally posted by Gollnick
Are there any black knives?

Yes:

venturi1S.jpg


But, the fact is that I have often thought to myself when at knife shows including Bladeshow, "Wow, this is a very white male crowd.... almost like a Luteran potluck dinner."
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I have ZERO interest in balis, but even I must admit - THAT is a beauty! Who makes that?
 
I'm black and I like knives. Damn, It seems like I'm the only black guy on Bladeforums... :cool: :D
 
That would be Darrel Ralph.
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Yes, it would. A black knife by a white maker.

You can read more about it by clicking here

Paul Jarvis also makes some wonderful balisongs.
 
I think I've spent more time over the years in the American Museum of Natural History than some of its curators. In their Hall of African Peoples they display a few of the interesting edged weapons of the area.

Of course, going back far enough, the very first cutting tools of the human race were produced in Africa by the first true-human ancestors of the modern human race ... stone, but knives. Closer to modern times, one of the advantages of the Bantu spreading across Africa was their proficiency with iron, pretty likely developed independently of any outside influence.

Actually Anthony Cheeseboro is also academically qualified to speak on Africa, and should be draggged into this discussion to tell us what they do use over there :D
 
Back on topic, I don't think about it much. I think out of 100 of us... 68 are white, 20 are Hispanic, 10 are Asian and the other two are Black. Keep in mind, only 12% of the population of the U.S. is African American.
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I think if you hang around the bali forum, the percentages you listed will change.
 
I'm black and I like knives. Damn, It seems like I'm the only black guy on Bladeforums...
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Congratulations K.Williams, and thanks for playing our game! :D :D :D
 
Hello everybody.

I've been on the Bladeforums a couples of years now I guess. One of my earliest posts was a question "Art there any Black Knifemakers?" And man, did I get thrashed for asking the question. Yeah the racism issue came up, I was told it shouldn't matter, the knife is what is important, You shouldn't be asking those questions, etc. It degenerated so much that the thread had to be shut down. It was a question born out of observation and curiosity, like vampire gerbil's.



Well all said and done. yes, there are some black knifemakers (and extrememely high end one's!)ont many and there is no documented tradition of knifemaking as a craft in the Black/Negro community in the United States.

As for Black knife nuts, yes, not many I have met at least one on the forums (Anthony Cheesborough) and a couple in my area. I'm sure many more are being born as they encounter the craft/hobby.

Now as for the social commentary/implication. I discovered tht there are those of the white commmunity that dont like the idea of blacks in the knife or gun circles. Like it's "our." Please dont flame me another foruimite already alluded to the fact that at a gun show he felt that some white people acted like they were glad "just to be among their own" I cant go back and find the exact quote.

The thing itself "knifenuttiness?" is free from prejudice and racism, so there's no stopping anyone interestedd in the matter. The knives don't care. What happens is that the knifenuts themselves become elitist and cliquish, and harm others and themsleves thereby. Thant happens on the issue of race/ethnicity, and even about types of knives. The evolving socio-economics of the black community also factors in the practical aspect of why no more collector/nuts.

Funny, I think it was presumed on my thread that I was black. I did feel that that was why the question was attacked. Vampire, if that's your picture on your avatar, that may be why you're getting off so easy, and the responses seem lighthearted.

I dont have the names and links handy, if you search my thread, you'll find some kind and honest replys to my question about knifemakers, and be wowed by what they produce. There's nothing wrong with asking this type of question born out of observation and curiosity. Truth is the answer may be one now and different later on. Such is life.

The bladeforums asd I understood them and accepted was about the commeraderie and community of (any) individuals with and interest in blades. For sure some have joined it thinking it was about being in another clique of us against them, but that too is inevitable.

Vampyre, good question!
 
Originally posted by Matches
Congratulations K.Williams, and thanks for playing our game! :D :D :D
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Thanks. No problem. So where's the prize? OK, OK, I'll settle for a Hossom fighter! :D
 
I discovered tht there are those of the white commmunity that dont like the idea of blacks in the knife or gun circles. Like it's "our."
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Where do blacks (and Asians, Hispanics, Native Americans, etc.) who are interested in guns or knives go? Do they have their own "circles?" Is there a separate "Black Bladeshow" that I'm not aware of?

The concern I have is for the future of our hobby/business. Are we in some way excluding whole segments of our society? That can't be good in the long run.
 
I had the pleasure at Blade of meeting a black knife collector and discussing knives with him a bit. However, you're right, I didn't see many. I wonder why?
 
I love black knives.

By the way Gollnick, nice DR. Very classy!

VG- I really liked a fixed blade knife that was black, and it had a round handle, with a safety pin on the side of the hilt. Can't remember the name of that knife? :p Ever seen one?;)
 
There is a black gentleman that is a good customer of mine that has an extensive gun, and knife collection. As far as knives go, he collects mostly the old Remington Bullet knives, and Case pocket knives. I did manage to sell him a Spyderco Delica II, and it was clipped in his pocket the last time I saw him.
 
Just passing through and thought I'd add a few words.

I'm Korean by decent, born in the U.S.A. (Indiana, if you're curious). I was raised partially in Korea (cultural formative years 6-17). For the most part, i've noticed that most of the people who collect knives and shoot guns are white, although here in the bay area, there's a large percentage of asians also. Haven't seen that many African-American folks at the gun store (Sorry VG, I'm not comfortable with "black", mainly because I wouldn't be comfortable with people calling me "yellow"), but I've seen a few.

That aside, practically all of the people I've met in gun and knife circles have been more civil and courteous than other circles (even church!). (Issues concerning the merits of Glocks vs. HK's or hollow vs. flat vs. convex grinds are another matter. :D ) I don't think I've ever felt uncomfortable or out-of-place because of my race.

Of course, the traditional Korean/Confucian view of knives is "things you use in the kitchen" or "things criminally insane murderers use to kill people". Heck, it's against the culture to even give knives as a gift because if the knife might cut the receiver. So I'd wager that there's even fewer Korean knife collectors. I myself am not a knife collector (yet), just a budding knife knut.
 
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