- Joined
- Sep 28, 2003
- Messages
- 1,235
Most of you guys have probably seen this, but let me just extract a couple of paragraphs from a Bill Bagwell article from December 1987....
" XXXX is a relative newcomer to knifemaking, but this does not mean you should sell him short. His knives may lack the spit and polish of Crowell or Faucheaux, but if you're looking for a solid, well made battle blade with good workmanship - a blade with outstanding strength and cutting qualities - this is a good place to start. XXXX is a serious muzzleloading hunter and carries a bowie on a regular basis. He knows what it means to need a serious knife for serious work, and the knives he forges are first rate combat equipment. They are a bargain as well, as he will presently deliver a hand forged combat bowie for $295, and with a waiting period of only six months or less. A XXXX knife is a good knife and good value for money."
Of course in this case XXXX = Fisk.
I think of 3 things when I read this.
Firstly, everything has to start somewhere, the greatest and longest journey's start with a single step.
Secondly, Bill Bagwell knows knives, and knifemakers, he also references Jim Crowell, Howard Faucheaux, and John Smith in the same article. (The extract is actually taken from Bill Bagwells excelent book Bowies, Big Knives and the best of Battle Blades).
Thirdly .... who the hell is Bill Bagwell recommending as good value for money at the moment for Bowies, I want some!
" XXXX is a relative newcomer to knifemaking, but this does not mean you should sell him short. His knives may lack the spit and polish of Crowell or Faucheaux, but if you're looking for a solid, well made battle blade with good workmanship - a blade with outstanding strength and cutting qualities - this is a good place to start. XXXX is a serious muzzleloading hunter and carries a bowie on a regular basis. He knows what it means to need a serious knife for serious work, and the knives he forges are first rate combat equipment. They are a bargain as well, as he will presently deliver a hand forged combat bowie for $295, and with a waiting period of only six months or less. A XXXX knife is a good knife and good value for money."
Of course in this case XXXX = Fisk.
I think of 3 things when I read this.
Firstly, everything has to start somewhere, the greatest and longest journey's start with a single step.
Secondly, Bill Bagwell knows knives, and knifemakers, he also references Jim Crowell, Howard Faucheaux, and John Smith in the same article. (The extract is actually taken from Bill Bagwells excelent book Bowies, Big Knives and the best of Battle Blades).
Thirdly .... who the hell is Bill Bagwell recommending as good value for money at the moment for Bowies, I want some!
No question Bill could spot talent. But then again, Fisk's talent was likely not hard to spot - even back then.