Early Erickson "Hybrid"

Blues

Blues

hovering overhead
Staff member
Super Mod
Joined
Oct 2, 1998
Messages
45,150
A few weeks ago Ken Erickson had told me to expect something in the mail that was "destined to be a collector's item". (Said with tongue planted firmly in cheek.)

I really didn't have any idea what Ken was hinting at so rather than drive myself nuts, I just tried not to dwell on it.

Imagine my very pleasant surprise to find this little beauty in the package that arrived. :cool:

It turns out that this is only the second slipjoint that Ken had made (sometime in the 2005-2006 period). Ken still has the first one.

For some unexplained reason Ken seemed a bit embarrassed when we discussed this knife but I've got to tell you that it is an excellent knife in all respects, even moreso considering how early a work it is.

Ken will chime in and correct any mistakes on my part but the knife has the following attributes:

0-1 Blade Steel
Damascus Bolsters
Bone Stag Scales
3.25" Closed Length
2 7/8 oz.

Originally I put the knife up on the shelf but it has been bugging me nearly daily and today I took it down, gave it a workout on the hones and now it is ready to be carried. (I called Ken to let him know that I had changed my mind about putting the knife into service from my original inclination.)

Fit and finish is quite good. No half stops but very smooth opening and closing, blade well centered and the spring/tang junction is neat and square.

I don't quite know what to call this pattern as it seems a hybrid of a few styles of knife. All I know is that it is a great knife which I am very proud to own and now carry.

Hope you all find it interesting both on its own and as a means of seeing the evolution of Ken's craft as a knifemaker.



standard.jpg


orig.jpg


orig.jpg
 
It reminds me of some other knife but I'm not sure which one. I like the swell in the handle.

Pretty cool to see his second knife. It would be great to see other knifemakers' early work.

Ken sure has come a long way in a short time, not that there's anything wrong with his second knife. Enjoy using it. :thumbup:
 
I saw that one in your avatar this morning, Elliott, and wondered what it was. I like it. Of course the "early Erickson factor" makes it a bit unique.
I was also lucky enough to snag a couple of Ericksons with a bit of uniqueness about them.

If I got my facts straight, the Barlow was Ken's prototype for this size and pattern and the toothpick was Ken's first attempt at dying and jigging his own bone.

IMG_2684_2_2-1.jpg

IMG_2638_2-1.jpg
 
I really like that Elliott. Like Mike I especially like where Ken swelled the handle.
O-1, should be a monster cutter, like 440-V - my favorite stainless for cutting (I guess they are calling it 60V) now and 52100 another fav of mine.
 
Thanks, Gus. O-1 and 52100 are similar but different steels with different composition.

I agree with you about O-1 as a cutting steel. I have a forged fixed blade with O-1 that's a screamer.
 
Those are some fine looking knives from Ken..... :thumbup:

Thanks for showing them.

Todd
 
Thomason said:
I saw that one in your avatar this morning, Elliott, and wondered what it was. I like it. Of course the "early Erickson factor" makes it a bit unique.
I was also lucky enough to snag a couple of Ericksons with a bit of uniqueness about them.

If I got my facts straight, the Barlow was Ken's prototype for this size and pattern and the toothpick was Ken's first attempt at dying and jigging his own bone.

IMG_2684_2_2-1.jpg

IMG_2638_2-1.jpg
Click to expand...

Your correct on both counts, first dyed bone and first Barlow pattern in that size.

Thanks for the kind words and thread Elliott. I am glad you decided to sharpen and use this one.

If you would like I can take a few pictures of my first one and post here? I also have my first multi-blade, neither one has ever been put up for sale:o

Ken
 
Reminds me somehow of the basic forms of the buck 506.
But this one is very classy lookin' :thumbup:

Peter
 
Here is a picture of my first slip. Lets see, what did I do right on this one------------------------------what did I do wrong, pins show bad, not flush in any position:eek: blade hits back spring,blade grind way to thick, etc. But I learned a lot from this first one. This one is about 3 5/8 O1 blade and spring,416 one piece surface ground bolsters and frame. Yes , surface ground, yikes, before I had a mill. It took all day just do do the grinding.

The trapper is also 3 5/8. My first multi-blade slip. This was also one of only about 6 slipjoints that are made with brass liners and soldered nickle silver bolsters. The biggest fault with the trapper is the walk and talk are a crawl and whisper! LOL

Anyways , thanks Elliott for starting the thread. Its a kick for me to share my progression as a maker of slipjoints.

Ken

IMGP3187_edited-1.jpg

IMGP3191_edited-1.jpg

IMGP3190_edited-1.jpg

IMGP3193_edited-1.jpg
 
Here is a picture Ken sent me of a really nice one he made for me. I really like the knife but he left the pins too long as you can see. They get hung up in my pocket and make the knife hard to get out and put back. :D

Unknown-1.jpg
 
Thomason said:
Here is a picture Ken sent me of a really nice one he made for me. I really like the knife but he left the pins too long as you can see. They get hung up in my pocket and make the knife hard to get out and put back. :D

Unknown-1.jpg
Click to expand...

Rob,

I think he leaves those in so you can properly index the knife. This way you'll be able to figure out which end has the sharp thingy sticking out. I'm just sayin'...;)
 
Ken they look pretty good for first-es. I really like the pattern of the first single blade you made. You should replicate it. With your knowledge and skill today I think it would be a unique pattern for you.

Elliott's knife is a winner also the pattern looks to be a stout knife which I like...
 
Cool thread you guys. It's a treat to have some visual insight into the Erickson evolution. I'd be proud to carry any one of them, and I'd probably put leather fringe on the extra long pins of Rob's pocket hanger, and call it my David Crosby trapper. :)
 
I think the history of a knifemaker is every bit as interesting as later pattern evolution! And we were there!! Imagine if we were looking at the first three or four Bose knives; or Scagels!!
You are doing great Ken. Your dedication is visible!!:thumbup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top