Criswell Waki, Help Identify

D

Divega

Joined
May 12, 2010
Messages
47
Well, this is my fist post in this section, but something has been nagging me for years. Purchased a Rob Criswell Waki years ago (90's). Was told it was A2 steel, paracord wrapped handle and multi-piece kydex sheath. Fast forward to last few years....doing some research online and noticed that my Criswell Waki has a different butt end to the handle. My waki has a circular end like a donut, cord wrapped. Anyone ever seen this or has any info. Is this an early version? Is it a fake? The guard has "Criswell" etched into the steel and the sword looks like his other waki's except for that donut wrapped end. Any help would be appreciated.

- Steve
 
I used to be an avid Criswell sword collector. Rob Criswell's swords went through a variety of changes. The handles were cord wrapped much like a Strider knife and there were a few different types of pommels and guards along the way. The later models had a G-10 pommels but the earlier models had a ringed style pommel at the end and the cord from the handle wrap extended around the ring. The tsubas (guards) were laser cut initially then went to a scalloped style cut around the edges and later to just a basic solid tsuba and some of the later models had the musashi style tsuba. Criswell swords were made from A2 steel that was vacuum heat treated to give a slightly softer spine and a harder edge. I would say what you describe on yours is real and I have never seen any fake Criswells. The earlier guards had a nice "Criswell" machine etch on them and later Rob just kind of engraved the word "Criswell" on there by hand as if he just wrote/etched it by hand.

If you do a search for "Criswell Collection" and scroll down the list until you see the one posted "Criswell Swords Any Feedback For Me?" by Ren the Devil's Trailboss about Criswells you will see an old pic of my collection and there are about 3 of the ringed style pommel versions towards the top of that pic. I cannot copy and paste the link from the work computer I am currently using.

Edit: I added the picture I was referring to...............
 
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I see the ring pommel in your pic. That's what I have! Simple cut tsuba and machine etched "Criswell," not in script format. So you say these are earlier models? Any idea on years when these were made and value for such a waki?

Thanks for your help!
 
I have that waki you speak of as well, Divega. Just bought it on this forum about a month ago. Range is 300-550ish. Mine is exactly as you explain: ringed pommel, cord wrapped, and tsuba is machined with Criswell on the tsuba not the blade. I did not know the steel type, but if it is A2 that is great :D I actually like the multi-piece kydex sheath too... If you are looking to sell.. contact me? cheers!
 
i've been wanting one of those for a while now, but the price new is a bit out of my budget.

you've got a nice one there sir.
 
Thank you all. It's nice to know a little more about the waki. Sorry, I always think that someday I may sell that knife, sword, axe, etc. when the price is right, but I can never seem to part with the item. Terrible obsession!
 
well, if you ever get around to selling it, shoot me a message... i wouldn't mind getting my hands on that little gem
 
Triton said:
It's my understanding that Criswell is no longer making swords.
Click to expand...

He did stop making swords............but I have heard a few rumors that he is making a few these days but I have not been able to confirm this. He has a son that is an MMA fighter (Rob Criswell, Jr.) I saw a youtube video of his son and at the end it flashed up a website for criswellswords.com but that is an older website and I don't think they are selling any blades at this time.
 
Appreciate you guys discussing this, been hunting for a few days for info on a Criswell Waki I just picked up on Craigslist for about $150 in cash & trade... I too had seen pommel variations but not the ring pommel I have until this this post. Thanks for helping more than one here, keep it up!
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Nice score. Rob made good swords and gave me lots of advice even though I was kind of a competitor. I really wish I had a few myself. Never get rid of it - IMO.

-M
 
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