Dan Farr JS - Camp, Combat and Integral Utility

Thanks to all for your comments - very much appreciated.

Joe P. - I remember you liked the feel of that fighter handle. I sure wouldn't mind if Dan wanted to pound out a 10" version.

Coop - that Hudson reference is spot on - always loved his work. The neat thing about Dan's take is that he retains his traditional blade profile - palm swell, dropped / flared butt, etc. - within the octagon, so to speak.

The other camp knife that Dan had on his table was every bit as gorgeous - that was a fancier piece, with a sculpted, stippled handle and recurved blade with curved plunged cuts and engraved guard - just as elegant as can be. But I kept picking up the octagonal one and couldn't seem to put it down.

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Roger
 
Those are all great looking knives but that Camp knife is really special. I think Mr. Farr has a winner with that laminated English Walnut.
 
Hi David,

I think the curved plunge cuts and (re)curved edge (as on the camp knife pictured two posts up) still define the norm for Dan's current blades. The two large knives that I picked up were the only two (of 8 total) that had the straight plunges and straight edge. They are all flat ground, however.

You are correct about the spearpoint profile in some of the competition cutter designs, but it's not something I've seen very much of since then:

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Also haven't seen too many BIG blades from Dan in years past, though it's not for lack of begging and pleading on my part. :)

Roger
 
Hi David - I don't recall much in the way of what I would call spear points in Dan's smaller blades. Of course, someone could look at a traditional drop point and call it a spear point. The curved plunges and recurved blade again represent the norm in Dan's smaller contemporary pieces.

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Not sure about makers marks - he's used "FARR" in block caps for years. There may have been something different in the very early years.

Roger
 
This knife has always been my favourite of the hundreds or thousands of knives I've seen, (on the screen or on paper).
I just frigging love it.

RogerP said:
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I think one the most striking things about Dan's work (exemplified perfectly at his Blade table this year) is that the materials he selects, the integration of those materials, the meticulous finish he applies - all of it follows form. Not that it's incidental, as anyone that's spoken with Dan will tell you... the form truly does follow function. I suspect he has a pang of regret that many of his knives may never be carried. I know he's got purposes in mind for each and every one of them that he creates, many of which likely involve skinning out tough animals with hides covered in sand and grit. Not light duty stuff, by anyone's definition - the kind of conditions that eat knife edges. It's these conditions that drive him, I'll wager. Hearing him reminisce about one of his hunting expeditions to Africa certainly gives the listener insight into his reasons!

Nice scores, Rog... I'm quite jealous of the octagonal-handled piece - so beautiful, and yet calling to be used!
 
They are a great set of knives by and innovative and talented maker.

I have scratched my brain, and scoured my library to establish if my initial unspoken reaction to the camp knife was correct ..... it was ...... it is the nicest utility piece I have seen and absolutely screams to be used ..... I want two, one for the case and one for the belt!

Cheers

Stephen
 
Any one else try this??? 3 piece handle with the carbon fiber. I'v just used 4 blocks of good handle blocks and junked it all. Just thought I'd try it and now, I'm going to do this and have it turn out good if it takes the rest of my life.
Just wondered if anyone besides Dan Farr has done one???

Thanks, Art
 
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NickWheeler said:
Roger and Dan... that octagonal handle is crazy... the entire knife is off the charts. Totally insane. :thumbup: :cool:
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I agree! One of my favorites. The carbon fiber has almost the same effect as liners used on full tangs. I am a fan of contrasting liners so I really enjoyed seeing how Dan achieved his results.

Paul :thumbup:
 
ArtinNC said:
Any one else try this??? 3 piece handle with the carbon fiber. I'v just used 4 blocks of good handle blocks and junked it all. Just thought I'd try it and now, I'm going to do this and have it turn out good if it takes the rest of my life.
Just wondered if anyone besides Dan Farr has done one???

Thanks, Art
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If they have, I haven't seen it. If you're at Blade, go find Dan and bend his ear - I'm sure he'll have some tips that might save you some time and aggravation.

Roger
 
Saw some of the carbon/walnut blocks he had at Blade last year, really cool, and functional. Dans a thinker, thats for sure:)
 
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