- Joined
- Nov 21, 2005
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The joy of the custom knife industry, in my opinion, is the people, the process and the story. I was writing this down for my own records, and thought I would share here, also.
Thiers, France is the capital of French cutlery. It is also the home of Raphael Durand. Many here on the custom forum are familiar with his work. He was awarded Blade Show 'Best New Maker' in 2015.
I met Raphael through my friendship with Sam Lurquin. The two have shared their great talents with each other in many ways over the last few years. Design and build, in different capacities.
I pounced on a folder on Raphael's table last year in Atlanta that I loved, only to find out it was sold and had not been picked up, yet. It was one of his SLACK folders.
Another folder on his table that I was admiring had some great looking micarta scales and he informed me of how he came upon that material.
Ten years ago, Raphael purchased an older, rundown factory building in the Industrial area of Thiers. It sets next to the river Durolle, which was the 'engine' for all of the knife making factories. It provided the grinding mills with free hydraulic power for 5 to 6 centuries in his city. He has since renovated that space for his home and shop.
Across the street is the dilapidated building his vintage micarta came from. It provided insulation in the building's electrical transformer box at one time. He provided me a photo:
After further discussion, I sat down with him and placed an order to be delivered at this year's Blade Show.
Here are the photos he shared during the build this year:
And, the final folder, SLACK model, slipjoint, 4.5-inches closed, W2 etched blade, fluted bolsters, vintage micarta scales, sheath by Raphael's wife.
Raphael was able to obtain some of Don Hanson's W2 steel from Sam, and use it for this piece.
I hope you like the story behind the build, and the knife. Thanks.
- Joe
Thiers, France is the capital of French cutlery. It is also the home of Raphael Durand. Many here on the custom forum are familiar with his work. He was awarded Blade Show 'Best New Maker' in 2015.
I met Raphael through my friendship with Sam Lurquin. The two have shared their great talents with each other in many ways over the last few years. Design and build, in different capacities.
I pounced on a folder on Raphael's table last year in Atlanta that I loved, only to find out it was sold and had not been picked up, yet. It was one of his SLACK folders.
Another folder on his table that I was admiring had some great looking micarta scales and he informed me of how he came upon that material.
Ten years ago, Raphael purchased an older, rundown factory building in the Industrial area of Thiers. It sets next to the river Durolle, which was the 'engine' for all of the knife making factories. It provided the grinding mills with free hydraulic power for 5 to 6 centuries in his city. He has since renovated that space for his home and shop.
Across the street is the dilapidated building his vintage micarta came from. It provided insulation in the building's electrical transformer box at one time. He provided me a photo:
After further discussion, I sat down with him and placed an order to be delivered at this year's Blade Show.
Here are the photos he shared during the build this year:
And, the final folder, SLACK model, slipjoint, 4.5-inches closed, W2 etched blade, fluted bolsters, vintage micarta scales, sheath by Raphael's wife.
Raphael was able to obtain some of Don Hanson's W2 steel from Sam, and use it for this piece.
I hope you like the story behind the build, and the knife. Thanks.
- Joe
