Curt Erickson Masterpiece Fighter - Dynamite Coop Images

Status
Not open for further replies.
Outrageous acquisition Bob. You are a lucky man for sure. I learned about Curt Erickson somewhat recently. Obviously he is a telented man and learned well.

Buster Warenski was one of my favorite artists/knifemakers and the previous team of Buster and Julie was incredible. The way things evolved for Julie and Curt is also pretty amazing and they now create incredible knives together and yours is stunning.

Congratulations,
Peter
 
i find the parts i like most about this knife are the parts erickson didn't even do. this is knice workmanship but something about this knife just doesn't do it for me.
 
I dont think the knife itself is all that special but Wow the engraving sure is. That girl has some skills I never get tire of looking at.
 
at this point, the embellishment and the object are one, and the two will never be separated. So, with that being said, this knife is a rare beauty and the attention to detail all around, is among the best I've ever seen. Now, with THAT being said, I can only speculate that from the photo. Unless, Bob, you'd like to send it to me for a perusal so I can legitimize my comments;).
This knife will definitely be good company for you in the afterlife. That is, until I dig up your grave and do a little ole fashioned looting:eek:.
:)
 
I would suggest that anyone who wants to know how well the knife is made simply ask Coop. I imagine that anyone discussing the knife's actual quality has not handled any of Curt's work.

Coop has handled many, many of Curt's knives and it would be interesting for his commentary.
 
This is why I love democracy. We can all have a legitimate differing opinion. :p

Bob, I sense no one was challenging the quality, but perhaps the style of the fighter in general. For them.

In terms of Curt's knives quality, he is in that uber-league of Loveless, Johnson, Young, et al: with stock removal fitment and sense of flow. There is no one better. In terms of his flow, and how it applies proportionally (especially to collection knives), this is a subjective area, but I tend to think in sports terms: Advantage = Erickson :)

Put it this way: How many knives have we seen that had extraordinary embellishment , and yet the knife's design diminished the impact. In this case, the knife's proportions and build are every bit up to Julies showstopping embellishment.

Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV) :) (I now expect STeven to arrest me. It's going to be a struggle. ;))

Coop
 
SharpByCoop said:
This is why I love democracy. We can all have a legitimate differing opinion. :p

Put it this way: How many knives have we seen that had extraordinary embellishment , and yet the knife's design diminished the impact. In this case, the knife's proportions and build are every bit up to Julies showstopping embellishment.

Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV) :) (I now expect STeven to arrest me. It's going to be a struggle. ;))

Coop
Click to expand...


I like Bob Betzner....he has discerning taste, a strong idea of what he likes, and he keeps to it....Not going to bag on his knife choices, or much of your statement, Jim.

I don't find this knife design to be an IMPROVEMENT of Loveless style knives. The guard is too "fat" for me, and have discussed this with Bob. It is simply a design choice.

Julie does American Banknote scroll engraving about as well as any human ever has, and does so with a unique flair. Phil Lobred picked up a carved black marble handled dagger last year at the AKI that is compelling and exceedingly well executed. Buster and Julie were phenomenally well suited partners...and I hope this remains the case for Curt and Julie.

http://www.sanfranciscoknives.com/knives/2007aLG.html

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Last edited:
STeven and Coop, always glad to hear everything you guys have to say, always. I can't think of an opinion out there that I respect any more than yours'.

On this particular fighter, I decided to switch to a reverse curve on the guard, rather than a straight one, though not change size. Below is an image of a fighter with the straight guard - and much less adornment.

If it were not for differences in opinion, style, taste, etc - we would be living in one dull world.


orig.jpg
 
Last edited:
betzner said:
STeven and Coop, always glad to hear everything you guys have to say, always. I can't think of an opinion out there that I respect any more than yours'.

On this particular fighter, I decided to switch to a reverse curve on the guard, rather than a straight one, though not change size. Below is an image of a fighter with the straight guard - and much less adornment.

If it were not for differences in opinion, style, taste, etc - we would be living in one dull world.


orig.jpg
Click to expand...

This one I like. The embellishments dont overpower it or try to make it something its not. This is as close to a perfect knife as I've seen for awhile.
 
Bruce Bump said:
This one I like. The embellishments dont overpower it or try to make it something its not. This is as close to a perfect knife as I've seen for awhile.
Click to expand...

This knife was made a couple years ago and I had not thought of posting this until I read your post, Bruce. It is exactly the same platform, without the added sheath and adornments of Julie's. I figured it might just be what the purist might appreciate, moreso than the "over-the-top" art fighter. As you can appreciate, I love 'em both!

When you take out all the bells and whistles and just look at the Curt's fits and finishes, I suppose that is a reason some ABS mastersmiths have talked with Curt to figure out just how he does what he does. At Solvang, I was working a maker-friend's table, which backed up to Curt's, so I was always hearing what was going on. Three mastersmiths, separately, were asking Curt how he was able to get the mirror finishes he gets. Not one of them were aware that he had been trained, in total, by Buster Warenski. Another one was marveling at the way he fit the guard and tang (no solder).

Then there were the guys who had out their loupes, looking at the engraving....................

Bob
 
Last edited:
Bruce Bump said:
I dont think the knife itself is all that special but Wow the engraving sure is. That girl has some skills I never get tire of looking at.
Click to expand...

I would disagree Bruce.
Though the embellishments are exquisite and I agree with you in regard to Julie's talents, I feel the blade profile, grinds and overall fit/finish carry the knife.
IMO, the engraving and inlay are icing on the cake.
 
betzner said:
This knife was made a couple years ago and I had not thought of posting this until I read your post, Bruce. It is exactly the same platform, without the added sheath and adornments of Julie's. I figured it might just be what the purist might appreciate, moreso than the "over-the-top" art fighter. As you can appreciate, I love 'em both!

When you take out all the bells and whistles and just look at the Curt's fits and finishes, I suppose that is a reason some ABS mastersmiths have talked with Curt to figure out just how he does what he does. At Solvang, I was working a maker-friend's table, which backed up to Curt's, so I was always hearing what was going on. Three mastersmiths, separately, were asking Curt how he was able to get the mirror finishes he gets. Not one of them were aware that he had been trained, in total, by Buster Warenski. Another one was marveling at the way he fit the guard and tang (no solder).

Then there were the guys who had out their loupes, looking at the engraving....................

Bob
Click to expand...

OK Bob, I just might be somewhat jealous because Curt was taught by Buster and that he has Julie to engrave his work. If only I could be so Blessed :)
 
Bruce, I read all of your comments more as a matter of personal taste than anything else. Before I got that sheathed fighter, I think I would have felt the pure fighter would have pleased me more. But man, oh man, was I wrong.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top