Ed Fowler fixed blade

Joss said:
Are you serious? More than Moran and the other ABS founders? I think that's a pretty ambitious statement.
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The reason for that statement may be based on the amount of people that have read Ed's articles in Blade magazine. Other than B.R. Hughes, I doubt that there is a more read member of the ABS out there.
 
Eldon Perkins is highly devoted to high performance blades. He will be showing knives for the first time in Eugene Oregon this April.
Eldon can be contacted phone # 307-789-1005
 
Kohai999 said:
but Audra has gotten away from her roots, and is doing a lot of folding damascus knives lately. Much different style and function than what she was originally taught.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
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I agree, but the girl has mastered far more than what she learned in Ed's shop. Look at one of her daggers, Elegant yet functional.
When Ed and the other old dogs lay down their hammers and sit on the porch, she will still be cranking out better and better blades. I'm shure Ed would join me in wishing her all the best. Go Girl Go!!!!
 
(MORE PRONGHORN PICTURES!)

.......................................... anyone? ( Eldin, Shane, Bill, others...)

David
 
If my survival depended on one single knife, I would definetly want it to be a Fowler knife. Can't put a dollar value on that. Strictly my opinion of course.
Greg
 
I remember hearing one of Ed's test blades had been put through eleven 180 degree bends without suffering any damage or cracks. It may be different now, that was at least a year or more ago. But, that's an impressive feat.
David
 
My reasons.

A person who gives back, spends time teaching others, sees all aspects of knives and knifemaking beyond his intrests, makes his knives with a high level of passion that extends far beyond his work and the niche he has worked hard to establish, sees room for all types of knives and makers and readily accepts them is a person whose work I would cherish.

I might be able to find "similar" work at a lesser price, but it will not stir the same enjoyment that I would have when I admire or use the knife. That comes from the person who made the knife.

Call it mush-headedness or a waste of money if you wish. To me, the above is what makes knife collecting what it is. I could easily get by with a mass produced knife or three and be done, but that is not what makes what is a hobby special to me. Those aspects of a knife maker are what keeps me coming back for more. Ed (and many others) foot that bill to a "T".
 
Mr Fowler, just got your first book, lots of great stories, loved your story about going down the sheet of ice on the river and stopping yourself with your knife, I had a similar incident where the quality of my knife came into play. I'm still here, so I guess it was a good one. I learned a lot from your technical articles too, I'm waiting like a kid on Xmas eve for Knife Talk II! Might even buy my first kit soon, and I'm very thankful my dad is friends with a guy who owns his own machine shop, might get to practice stock removal. Gonna read and re read a little bit before I try anthing though.
 
2knife...

I have forged and heat treated a handful of knives via the "Fowler Method" as described in his books and through emails and phone conversations with both him and Bill Burke. To date I have only used 5160 from John Deere load control shafts. 52100 will have to wait for more experience and the purchase of a power hammer. So far I have been able to produce a blade that passes multiple brass rod tests without any chipping, averages 120 cuts through manila rope before it needs resharpening, and 13 - 180 degree flexes without any cracks in the blade. Thanks Ed!

For everyone who cares...

Ed has put considerable time, effort, and money into developing his blades to the performance level that they are currently at. He has also followed his dream without prostituting himself just to make a buck! Ed is what I like to call a "Practical Artist". Like others have already stated more eloquently than I could ever hope... If you're willing to pay for it, it must be worth it. I have had the pleasure of the company of one of Ed's knives for almost a year now and I only have a single word to describe it.... "WOW"! My hat's off to Ed for following his dream!
 
DCK,
Thanks for speaking up, I haven't made any knives at all. But if I did, (and if I ever do) I'd use Ed's methods too. I'm hoping someday to get that chance, but in the meantime I have bought a few of his knives to keep me occupied. Each one of them is like reading a book, having it's own ideas Ed is communicating. Here are two knives, notice how the shapes and contours flow. Even the smaller knife fits my hand like a bigger knife would.

Ed Fowler: Pronghorn and Fawn
 
Still reading Knife Talk II, I can usually read a book very quickly, but I've been re-reading this one again and again. Very insightful and, the man is a pretty good writer IMO, in bringing his beliefs to the page.
 
Gentlemen, today was a significant day in my life--I purchased my first Fowler knife! I've driven a Harley from coast-to-coast, flown over 100 combat missions into Iraq and Afghanistan, had the opportunity to fly over 700 hours in the B-2 Stealth Bomber but I feel like a kid at Christmas knowing in 3 days I'll have my first Ed Fowler Pronghorn!
Ed's knives reflect the history of the wild west! The simplicity, performance and uniqueness combine to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece which I'll cherish forever. I envision myself carrying the Excalibur with me as I explore the shores of Lake Superior on a cold, blustery day in Minnesota watching those first, big, wet snowflakes fall signalling the end of another Autumn and the onset of another bitterly cold winter. The Fowler will be strapped to my side ready and able if called upon to gut a moose, build a shelter, chop thru the ice--perhaps save my life. Thanks Ed for your talent and gift of sharing a little bit of yourself in every knife you make! Ed is the Hemingway or Thoreau of his time. Thanks for letting me share what a Fowler knife means to me!
 
Ummmmm, where to start?

First, congratulations on your purchase, I hope that you truly like it, and that it meets every need that you have in a knife.

Your life sounds like a well lived one, and thank you for your contribution in Service. I salute you!

Ed is IMHO the finest knifemaker/writer on the planet. That does not make him Hemingway or Thoreau. Actually if anything, he is closer to Louis L'amour or Whitman. That is my take, anyway.

Ed is dedicated to the performance blade, first and foremost. He considers his knives to be his children, specifically daughters. I can tell by the words that you use, that you have been talking to Ed a bit. He knows a great deal about his chosen mediums, both steel, and words.

I have known Ed for a while, almost 10 years, and have been talking to him more and more over the last 2 years. We disagree strongly about aesthetics, so understand now, that not all in the knife community will share your zeal and pleasure with an Ed Fowler knife, and some are quite vocal about it. Try not to thrash them, and try to see where THEY are coming from as well.

See, the thing is, Ed makes his knives for himself. That is a fairly unique position for someone making a living off their craft. If you like an Ed Fowler knife, he will be happy to make one for you, as long as the handles are sheep horn, and the guard is of brass. If that works for you, you will be happy. That does not work for me. I care a great deal for Ed, and love his writings, and am looking forward to getting my Knife Talk II signed in Atlanta. I leave Ed's knives for you to enjoy.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Steve
I don't understand why you continue to patronize fans of Ed Fowler's knives. I've reread your postings concerning Ed's knives and you continue to repeat the same rants over and over again. We all know you don't like brass and feel Ed doesn't offer enough varieties of blade steel, handles, etc. Why disparage me because I am a huge fan of Ed's knives and a bigger fan of him as a man? I've been a collector of knives for years and carried a Randall model 15 for my fixed blade of choice and Benchmade 9100SBT for my folder while deployed to the Middle East. I'm a well read man and decided long ago that Ed made what for me is the quintessential tool--that after reviewing thousands of different knives and knifemakers in the world. I finally made what for me will be one of the most pleasurable purchases I will ever make in my life. Obviously I know that Ed only makes brass guards, sheephorn handles, and 52100 performance steel blades. Ed is infinitely more qualified than I'll ever be to determine what materials fit his ultimate Excalibur more than I ever pretend to.
 
Kohai999 said:
Ummmmm, where to start?

First, congratulations on your purchase, I hope that you truly like it, and that it meets every need that you have in a knife.

Your life sounds like a well lived one, and thank you for your contribution in Service. I salute you!

Ed is IMHO the finest knifemaker/writer on the planet. That does not make him Hemingway or Thoreau. Actually if anything, he is closer to Louis L'amour or Whitman. That is my take, anyway.

Ed is dedicated to the performance blade, first and foremost. He considers his knives to be his children, specifically daughters. I can tell by the words that you use, that you have been talking to Ed a bit. He knows a great deal about his chosen mediums, both steel, and words.

I have known Ed for a while, almost 10 years, and have been talking to him more and more over the last 2 years. We disagree strongly about aesthetics, so understand now, that not all in the knife community will share your zeal and pleasure with an Ed Fowler knife, and some are quite vocal about it. Try not to thrash them, and try to see where THEY are coming from as well.

See, the thing is, Ed makes his knives for himself. That is a fairly unique position for someone making a living off their craft. If you like an Ed Fowler knife, he will be happy to make one for you, as long as the handles are sheep horn, and the guard is of brass. If that works for you, you will be happy. That does not work for me. I care a great deal for Ed, and love his writings, and am looking forward to getting my Knife Talk II signed in Atlanta. I leave Ed's knives for you to enjoy.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
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Aw man, you just rained on his parade.
 
"I don't understand why you continue to patronize fans of Ed Fowler's knives. I've reread your postings concerning Ed's knives and you continue to repeat the same rants over and over again. We all know you don't like brass and feel Ed doesn't offer enough varieties of blade steel, handles, etc. Why disparage me because I am a huge fan of Ed's knives and a bigger fan of him as a man?"

I was not patronizing, and I was certainly not disparaging. If that was your take on it, well, I really don't know what to say. You have been a member of Bladeforums since October of last year, and have six posts. For all I knew, this could be one of your first knife purchases.

You came off like a newbie to me, and I was giving you my version of things. Part of posting on BladeForums publicly is you never know who is going to respond to what you post. You like Ed? Great. Have you ever met him, heard him speak?

If you had, you would know how much he loves differing opinions, and how much he celebrates individual liberties and the expression of this. He doesn't care if you don't like his style, as long as you don't deride HIM. Which I have not.

Welcome to the Forums.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
(P.S.) Ed has thanked me many times for my SUPPORT on the BladeForums, he respects my differing opinion, but also appreciates the good things I say. Go back and read my RANTS again, Hercules. I would say your mind ain't straight if you see me disparaging Ed or his work. We are all big boys here, a few words of preference should not ruffle any feathers. Depends on how thick your skin is, I guess.
 
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