Curt Erickson "Roman Dagger" - Engraving by Julie Warenski

[betzner]

Here is a Curt Erickson Roman Dagger, which I felt was imminently worthy of display - hope you like it.

 

[peterinct]

WOW!! Is that a recently made piece? Not sure if it is the picture or if it has a white blade.

Peter

 

[betzner]

Hi Peter-

This picture makes the blade appear to be white, but it isn't.

It's hard to believe, but this piece was produced in the late 1980's. Yet it has every bit of the styling you would expect to see in an art dagger produced today - including, of course, the fit and finish Curt has always brought together in his pieces.

 

[RogerP]

Goes to show you - those older pieces don't get stale. It's beautiful Bob - thanks for the look.

Roger

 

[betzner]

Roger -

I agree. This dagger had the full treatment. The blade is O-1 tool steel that was hot blued. The blade was then re-worked on the outer edges so the center of the blade and the blued fittings would match. The rest of the blade satin finished.

Curt did all the carving, pre-ban African elephant ivory handle and pommel button, all engraving and gold inlay, of course, by Julie.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

Incredible workmanship.

 

[SharpByCoop]

Two things: It's spectacular. Especially for his early work. He was clinging to every word Buster taught him.

The photo is upside down. The shadows reveal this.

Who owns this one?

Coop

 

[Marcel54]

Wonderful....I would love to see a better pic of this one.

In the '80 there were a few more makers, like Hardenbrook, who made this type of dagger. Unfortunately there aren't many knifemakers today that focus on art daggers (in any shape or form). It would be a real shame if this part of knifemaking would fade away over time.

Marcel

 

[betzner]

Two things: It's spectacular. Especially for his early work. He was clinging to every word Buster taught him.

The photo is upside down. The shadows reveal this.

Who owns this one?

Coop

Hi Coop-

I have never, ever had a problem sleeping, but these last two days have been an exception (I think you know why, Coop). It may be the early hour, but I can't seem to make the above image come out any better on Blade Forums, and didn't see the upside-downness of it when I worked on it.

As to the dagger's owner, this is one of those pieces where the ownership is unclear or is unstated. It was originally of German ownership, many years ago. One must remember the international appeal of Buster - and Curt. Consequently, sometimes such pieces just simply disappear from the marketplace forever.

Best,

Bob

 

[peterinct]

I was hoping it was one of YOUR aquisitions Bob...and detailed pictures were forthcoming

Thanks for posting it. The artform and craftsmanship are ageless.

In that timeframe, i've seen some spectacular pieces made by Willie Rigney in the W.W. Cronk style and others. Anyone know if Mr. Rigney is alive and making knives?

Peter

 

[Marcel54]

Bob couldn't sleep, so he sent me the pic. I think this way it at least shows a bit more detail.

Marcel

 

[Marcel54]

In that timeframe, i've seen some spectacular pieces made by Willie Rigney in the W.W. Cronk style and others. Anyone know if Mr. Rigney is alive and making knives?

Peter

Peter, Willie Rigney is alive but doesn't make knives anymore. One or two years ago he contemplated starting again, but he decided against it. Why I don't know.

Marcel

 

[Kevin Jones]

That is better Marcel.
Bob, are you aware of the dimensions? OAL~BL etc.?

 

[betzner]

Marcel, thanks very much for posting those images as they present the knife more precisely.

Kevin, Curt seems to recall that the overall length of the piece is about 13" with a blade or around 8", maybe 7".

 

[jklein7401]

Bob,

Another amazing piece by Curt and I would have never guessed it was that old. As Roger stated they are timeless. I am very happy you have taken me under your wing regarding Curt's work and am looking forward to viewing many more of his pieces.

Jon