Bob Ogg slipjoint...

SharpByCoop

SharpByCoop

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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Oct 8, 2001
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I was interested in an Ogg slipjoint that was offered on eBay a couple weeks ago, and when the knife closed without meeting reserve, I emailed the seller and made my offer. Well, I took the plunge and have this fine folder in my collection. It is surprisingly large, heavy and STIFF to open!! The closed length is 4 3/8" with a 7 1/4" OAL. It is a 'slipjoint', but WOW, I don't think it will ever 'slip'. Of all the knives I own this has the most stout backspring in the chest. More so than my Laguiole's.

IT has that signature 'Ogg' bolster shape, and someone did some very nice engraving on them. Also, what really appeals to me is the hand-checkered scales. Now THAT'S something that I don't see too often, and I like it.

The serial is #1323 and I'm told it is about 20 years old. This one is in very fine condition for it's age, and only shows a wear pattern around the pivot of the blade as the blade is opening and closing. There are other Ogg's that comeup from time-to-time, but I don't often see them with the extra engraving and checkering that makes this one so special. I am quite pleased at this purchase.

I want you to note the clever use of engraving at the pivot pin. The engraver circled this and made it disappear!

I am going to chase a note to Max Burnett on this, and see if he has a record of it's birth. (He is the son-in-law who is continuing the Ogg Knives namesake.)

While the rest of the world was at Blade, I was working on this. We ALL did good!

(Ogg Photo's taken at only 1200 resolution then cropped down and sharpened up a bit)

Coop

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That's got to be the nicest Ogg I've seen. I really love the work that went into those scales; it really compliments the engraving....:)
 
Wow! That's really a nice folder. I like the checkered scales too. What's the handle material? Great buy!
John.
 
I have to admit that's one of the most beautiful folders I've seen in a good while. Bob was a master and that's for sure and for certain.

The scales are Ebony and the engraving was most likely done by James Stewart. It was finished on May 23, 1980. Don't hold me to this but I'm almost certain that Bob did the checkering on the ebony scales himself. He ordered a checkering kit from England not too many years before that. That's quite a find Jim. Thanks for posting this. It almost brings tears to my eyes to see such a beautiful work of art from the man that taught me to make knives. Each of his knives are equally precious in my eyes. But, this one is exceptional. Thanks again for the post Jim. If you ever want to sell that one please let me know. And I'd trade you one of my forged neck knives just for the opportunity to hold it. What a beauty!
 
Coop, you done it again, nice score!
I always look at Ogg knives when they come up for sale and that is the prettiest one I've ever seen.
 
Well, this story continues, and gets more intrinsic as time has passed. Fortunately!

I have been in private dialog with Max Burnett, and I took him up on his offer to make me a fitting pouch for this fine knife, as a trade for the opportunity to admire it and handle it for a spell. Max was clearly overwhelmed by it's beauty once in hand, as was Max's mom--she was VERY emotionally smitten by this piece as it was such an outstanding example of her late husband's fine work. They both graciously let me know that *whenever* I might be ready to sell this jewel, to please think of them first. Because of the uniqueness of it, it would become the centerpiece of their own minimal collection. Max allowed that his mom's anniversary to Bob was actually coming up the next day, and what timing to have been afforded this chance to handle his work.... Well!

I said nothing and mulled it over, taking the time to talk to one of my buddies over coffee in the morning about the whole scenario. When I got back home I wrote Max and his mom a simple email with this as the subject: "Happy Anniversary!"

I told them how beautiful this piece was, and it had all the correct ingredients for my own collection. It's a star. But to me it's just another well-made knife by a fine maker. To THEM, it's an heirloom. There's a difference, and one that I could not deny. I could not enjoy this knife nearly as much knowing how much more valuable it would be to someone else--The Ogg and Burnett family.

So--I told them that knife was now theirs. Enjoy it as a gift on Bob's anniversary! But, give it away??? Nope, I wanted something in return. I asked for a knife! Max had offered in the past to 'horse trade' me if I was inclined, and I thought that a handmade knife from Max would be something that I could look forward to in the future.

Max and his mom couldn't have been more surprised and happy, and somehow it has all worked out the way it needed to. According to Max, his mom cried some real tears of joy at the coffee table on her anniversary, handling her newly returned husband's creation. You gotta love it! It's a four-way win-win encounter. I'm pleased to report that Knife Knuts are some *very* quality folks to be involved with! (As if you needed to be reminded! ;)) Max is geared up to create something "real special" for me, and you folks will be the first to know when it's done!

Coop
 
Coop, you done it again, nice move.
That knife is where it belongs and there's not a doubt in my my mind that Max will make you a knife that will make you feel you got the best of this deal. I don't know if you've ever seen the video of Bob Ogg making a folder, with the camera work by Max's Mom, but it's a classic. Make it a part of the deal and you'll not only learn a lot about making a folder, but you'll get the feeling you know Bob and the special bond he had with his wife.

With all of the stupid stuff that's been going on with different threads, it does your heart good to see one like this. Because this is what it's all about, this is just a sterling example of how Knifenuts deal with each other.

Bravo!
 
Coop, your well on your way to becoming a legend around these parts. You add insight to your posts that is welcome and refreshing. You also take the time to dwell on the experience of obtaining some of your pieces and the history behind them as well. Your love of knives and collecting obviously goes WAY behind the simple accumulation of hardware. To some, that is what this hobby is about. They value the latest and the greatest and are solely in this for the joy of handling new blades, and not to take advantage of the wonderful personal experiences that this hobby affords. We are a very small community overall, but the opportunities to form lasting friendships and memories are plentiful.

This has got to be one of the classiest moves I have ever seen. Everyone is happy, everyone wins. You put the values of others above your own. It's acts like this that prove knifeknuts are really some of the nicest and caring people you will find anywhere. If we ever get the chance to meet, the beer is on me :cool:
 
Just when I think there's no good in people in this day and age, someone goes and does somethin like this. Thanks! I needed that!
 
Another example of why you're so high on my list of quality people, Coop. :thumbup:
 
(Thanks Dan. :))

Let me close this book on this older thread. Here is the return that I got from Max later in the year. This will surprise ya...

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I forgot that the story continued. Max and I had many a nice conversation on phone and email. After finding out more about him and his skills, in the end I allowed him to make me something HE was good at. At that point it didn't matter much, just that he'sd be happy making it and not out of his league. (Making a delicate engraved folder is WAY out of his league, and he told me so. :))

I got a Big Honkin'© Camp knife and sheath out of the deal. A rustic finish and a REAL grippy rubbery handle. Max told me he put his heart into it, and I believe him. That was most important. That inset is a combo of his mark on the blade and on the sheath.

I'm *very* pleased with this. :D

Coop
 
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