Don Hanson III, MS ~ Rob Connally's Four "Goldies" Collection

Caleb Royer

Caleb Royer

Photographer
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About five months ago Rob Connally sent four knives which would be the center piece of the largest photography project I've ever done. Rob will chime in on this thread with more about his collection. There really aren't sufficient words to describe these knives that Rob has managed to collect so look at the images and be amazed by Don's immaculate skill.

Maker: Don Hanson III, MS
Website: http://sunfishforge.com/

Specs are as follows using first, fanned group picture as a guide:

Top, small warncliff: Blade: 2 1/2" Overall: 5 9/16" Closed: 3 1/16”

2nd from top, fluted rounded butt: Blade: 2 7/8" Overall: 6 3/8' Closed: 3 1/2”

3rd from top, stippled rounded butt: Blade: 2 7/8" Overall: 6 3/8" Closed: 3 1/2”

Bottom, angular butt with damascus “skull crusher” (skull denter based on small size): Blade: 2 7/8" Overall: 6 3/8" Closed: 3 1/2”

18Kt Rose Gold & Blacklip Pearl with Damascus Gentleman’s Folders. Linerlock folders with Mosaic Damascus blades, fileworked & anodized liners, and carved 18k Rose Gold thumb studs. Scales are 18Kt Rose Gold with a combination of carving, fluting, and stippling. There is a window in each scale that displays an inlay of presentation grade Blacklip Tahitian Pearl. The spines are inlaid with 18k Rose Gold and Blacklip Pearl.



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What an outstanding assembly of fine cutlery, and the fine details are so beautifully - and clearly presented. Hats off to all involved and big congrats to Rob!
 
I've been waiting to see this. This is an enviable collection of knives and my hats off to you Rob!
 
Pure artistry in custom knives.
I don't know that I've ever seen a finer grouping of custom folders captured more beautifully.
Rob, my hat's off to you Don and Caleb.
 
Rob told me about this project. Great Job, Caleb!!! I mean WOW!

I don't really remember making these, you guys sure about the maker? :o
 
Don, you're makin' me nervous! :eek:

I acquired the first one 7 years ago in 2008. It was the smallest of the bunch. I clearly remember calling Don when I saw it on a purveyor's site. It was the most expensive knife I'd considered purchasing at that point and when Don told me there were others out there I almost passed out. I knew I had to assemble them together into a collection. After much hunting the last one came home about a year ago. It's a pretty cool saga with some twists and turns. Might make for an interesting story for Blade or Knives Annual. Obsession and perseverance at it's finest!

Caleb, thanks so very much for your work with these knives. You managed to bring out great details from each and the group shots show how they relate to each other. The amount of communication and effort that culminated in this set of pictures is a saga in itself! Thanks for your tolerance!

Next??? I know there are full damascus variations of this design out there. So begins another 7 year hunt :D
 
A great collection and quite the job at acquiring them all. It would be a great article for either Knives Annual or maybe something DDD would like to work with in a future book. I know I would love to hear/read the story as would others. It is really nice to see some collections come together and this is one great collection of fine knives so congrats to all involved.
 
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