Cliff Parker gem

[dcpritch]

I have been lucky enough to acquire more than a few custom knives by Cliff Parker. I consider him to be one of the best makers I know, plus he’s just a great guy and a pleasure to work with.

Every once in a while I see something in progress on Cliff’s Instagram feed and we start talking about, then invariably I can’t say no and soon thereafter a gorgeous one-of-a-kind knife makes the trek from sunny Florida to snowy Minnesota. Such was the case over the holidays, and yesterday I found this unique slimline trapper in my mail.

The mosaic Damascus is Cliff’s own design, forged specifically to match the unusual, vintage, jewel-toned rag micarta on the handle, carried through on the bolsters. Heat treated Ti liners and hand filed gold screws are a Cliff Parker specialty, as is the Damascus spring. The style is all him.



Exceptional in every detail, I thought I’d share this with the only group of folks I know would appreciate it. I can’t wait to get it in my pocket!

 

[Old Hunter]

That really is a one of a kind work of art. Beautiful! OH

 

[STDK]

Amazing work on that beautiful knife. Congrats.

 

[dcpritch]

That really is a one of a kind work of art. Beautiful! OH

Amazing work on that beautiful knife. Congrats.

Thanks gents, I appreciate it, though Cliff is the one who gets the accolades. Some might consider the steel to be too "busy", but I like the fact he specifically crafted it to match and complement the scales, and in my humble opinion he hit all the right notes.

 

[knowtracks]

BEAUTIFUL piece of the cutlers art!
Enjoy!

Dave

 

[rishma]

Really unique and attractive.

 

[pmek5]

An amazing piece of work for sure. Thank you for showing it off.

 

[knarfeng]

Truly an impressive piece of work.

 

[Will Power]

This is an eye-opener, I admire the overall look which suggests that it's like a recently exhumed archaeological artefact complete with an ancient patina! Yet the very obvious quality of construction and artisan skill makes it contemporary. The only thing I don't care for, and this is of course totally subjective, is the blue liners, it's never a colour I like on a knife Give me green or cream there. Wonderful knife and innovative

 

[abcdef]

Thanks for the picture. I will stare at this one a while.

 

[Peregrin]

I have been lucky enough to acquire more than a few custom knives by Cliff Parker. I consider him to be one of the best makers I know, plus he’s just a great guy and a pleasure to work with.

Every once in a while I see something in progress on Cliff’s Instagram feed and we start taking about, then invariably I can’t say no and soon thereafter a gorgeous one-of-a-kind knife makes the trek from sunny Florida to snowy Minnesota. Such was the case over the holidays, and yesterday I found this unique slimline trapper in my mail.

The mosaic Damascus is Cliff’s own design, forged specifically to match the unusual, vintage, jewel-toned rag micarta on the handle, carried through on the bolsters. Heat treated Ti liners and hand filed gold screws are a Cliff Parker specialty, as is the Damascus spring. The style is all him.

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Exceptional in every detail, I thought I’d share this with the only group of folks I know would appreciate it. I can’t wait to get it in my pocket!

What a masterpiece! There's a lot going on there, but it all flows together so well. Congrats on acquiring such a treasure!

 

[dcpritch]

BEAUTIFUL piece of the cutlers art!

I love the way you put that!

Really unique and attractive.

Thanks, and yes it’s a bit of both.

An amazing piece of work for sure. Thank you for showing it off.

Thanks, I’m generally reluctant to show custom knives for fear of being seen as the opposite of humble, so it’s nice when a piece is appreciated for what it is rather than a gent being judged for having it.

Truly an impressive piece of work.

I sure hope Cliff is seeing these comments!

This is an eye-opener, I admire the overall look which suggests that it's like a recently exhumed archaeological artefact complete with an ancient patina! Yet the very obvious quality of construction and artisan skill makes it contemporary. The only thing I don't care for, and this is of course totally subjective, is the blue liners, it's never a colour I like on a knife Give me green or cream there. Wonderful knife and innovative

After I read your comment I relooked at the knife and agree with your “archeological artifact” description. Opposite from you, I am drawn to the blue liners - sure am glad I’m not a knife maker trying to keep this disparate crowd happy!

Thanks for the picture. I will stare at this one a while.

That’s what I’ve been doing since it arrived!

What a masterpiece! There's a lot going on there, but it all flows together so well. Congrats on acquiring such a treasure!

Thanks, I feel lucky to be it’s current caretaker!

I forgot that Cliff sent me a photo of the steel he put together to make this blade. He used 3/4” accordion cuts left over from different billets, forge welded together