Don Hanson III Bowie - Take Two

RogerP

RogerP

Joined
Feb 28, 2002
Messages
13,348
Here’s another look at a terrific bowie by Don Hanson III. Yes, that would be the maker of those ultra-fine gent’s folders and automatics who seems to re-discovered the joys of the fixed blade, much to my particular delight. And apparently I am not alone. In addition to claiming the “Best Folder” prize at the recent Badger show, Don also collected the award for “Best Fixed Blade”. I’m going to guess that it’s a fairly uncommon occurrence for one maker to claim those particular two awards at any show.

But onto the kife. I managed to wrestle this one away from resident knife-guru Danbo. The blade is 9” of clay hardened 1084 and displays a terrific hamon. The bade is also scary-sharp and demands your full attention when handling the knife. The handle is comprised of gorgeous amber stag scales, mortise fit.

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Don is certainly well-known for the wonderful mosaic damascus that he lavishes upon those luxurious folders of his, and this bowie didn’t leave his shop without that signature touch. See that non-descript looking grayish-toned oval guard in the photo above? Here’s what it looks like up close:

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There’s a lot of detail here in the “goblins” mosaic damascus: ghouls, goblins, ants, bugs, assorted creepy-crawly critters and even the maker’s initials.

Finally, here’s a shot of the flip-side:

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Here’s hoping that we continue to see some more of these great fixed blades to complement those fancy folders. Great work Don!

Roger Pinnock
 
Take two, take three, take four... I could never get tired of looking at this beauty!

Nice photos, too, Roger.
 
Roger, that's enough!
You're going to force me to go out and buy another Bowie and I'm going to tell my wife that it's yours and Keith's fault! :D

I'm really trying not to spend so much money this year on knives.
I'm in recovery, so to speak. But, coming to this forum latetly with these great pictures of gorgeous knives is like a recovering alcoholic walking into a bar.

Man, that's beautiful.
 
Danbo... what ever possessed you to let that one go????

Roger, very nice score... at first glance I wasn't sure if I liked it as much as some you've posted, but after looking at the guard detail... and then scrolling down to look at the other side... Well, I think I like this one very much! I've said I wasn't much of a stagg fan, but between that particular piece, the details AND the blade shape/hamon treatment... I guess you can understand why I had to open my comments by addressing Danbo's momentary lapse in letting that one go!!! :eek:

:D
 
Wow that's gorgeous. That guard is seriously cool. Love the blade shape and overall finish of the knife.

Although many love stag, I'm not one of them but I have to say it really works for this knife.

Sean
 
Beautiful score congrats! the lines on that blade are so sure.
Enjoy that knife I think it may have been the catalyst for Don's Fixed blade revival.

5-2 says that Danbo prolly has another something coming from Don :cool:
 
Oh great, now Don is going to read this and I will have to explain why I sold it. ;) :)

There is only one reason why I sold this knife. My big hands. This handle was simply not long enough for my big honkin hands. I hope Don forgives me.
 
Oh Danbo, Danbo, Danbo. What are we going to do with you.I am so hurt :confused: We are going to have to come up with handle extension for all your knives. Really though, you are forgiven. I am glad it found a good home, hope Roger likes it.
Roger and all, thanks for the kind words.

Don Hanson
 
See, I told you he would read this! Now, I get sarcasm from a cat with some kind of lime helmet on his head. :D
 
I know that you guys would never expect me to say this, but...I just love this knife. :p The hamon is stunning. It has a stag handle and a fantastic mosaic guard. The only thing missing is the sheath. Roger, did you get a sheath with this knife? If so, could you post a picture, please.

You certainly have my full agreement that I would like to see more of these great fixed blades from Don.
 
Thanks for the comments guys!

Don, since I am not possessed of hands the size of baseball gloves, the knife fits me just fine.

Keith - no sheath. Hey that rhy... oh, never mind.

Cheers,

Roger
 
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