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- Feb 1, 2007
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STeven , that is an amazing looking knife , and appears to be extremely friendly to the hand.
What is the overall length if you don't mind ?
What is the overall length if you don't mind ?
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Ed Fowler knives
- Thread starter 2knife
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- Jul 21, 2001
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- 2,869
There are those who seek to intimidate a maker to prostitute his values for their own benefit thus gaining some kind of power. Once declined they will do all in their power to defeat his values. One time early in my career I made a knife I did not believe in, I have regretted it ever since. I offered to trade any knife of my sentiment for its return, the owner refuses.
Another knife was the early European quillion art dagger made to the specifications of the ABS for my masters stamp. I made it as a favor to a friend and only recognize it as a symbol of dedication to the friendship of one who I consider a great man.
I have made Bowie's, but only my way and through my personal emotion that promoted their development. David owns one, she is named Shannon after the lady who helped provide me a shoulder that still works, without her encouragement for surgery and over a years rehabilation and guidance I would not be making knives now.
I have also made seven double edged fighters with a blended mid line bevel, inspired by a knife made by Rudy Ruana in 1938, as tributes to the fighting men I admire, those who in my mind made a difference to my concept of justice and community. The first was an excursion in the intricacies of heat treat and we learned a lot through her development, the first three warped and broke when I tried to straighten them. I feel it was worth it for this was the inspiration for the multiple post forging quenches and an end to blade warp in my shop. The man who challenged me to make that design owns the first.
Many years ago another collector offered me $6,000 to make a knife to his design, it was a design I could not justify and I would have hated. I declined, he stated that it was only a matter of money, he sent me a check, I returned it and he sent me another, that check still sits on my desk, where it has remained uncashed for over 20 years. At the time the most I had ever received for a knife was $700 and I could have used the money. I keep that check to remind me how easy it is to stray. His order is a knife I will never make.
Some may not undestand what I have stated, but my comments honestly reflect how I truly feel. My knives are my passion, if I don't love them they will only cheapen the rest of their "sisters", my integrity and the respect of those who have encouraged me.
Another knife was the early European quillion art dagger made to the specifications of the ABS for my masters stamp. I made it as a favor to a friend and only recognize it as a symbol of dedication to the friendship of one who I consider a great man.
I have made Bowie's, but only my way and through my personal emotion that promoted their development. David owns one, she is named Shannon after the lady who helped provide me a shoulder that still works, without her encouragement for surgery and over a years rehabilation and guidance I would not be making knives now.
I have also made seven double edged fighters with a blended mid line bevel, inspired by a knife made by Rudy Ruana in 1938, as tributes to the fighting men I admire, those who in my mind made a difference to my concept of justice and community. The first was an excursion in the intricacies of heat treat and we learned a lot through her development, the first three warped and broke when I tried to straighten them. I feel it was worth it for this was the inspiration for the multiple post forging quenches and an end to blade warp in my shop. The man who challenged me to make that design owns the first.
Many years ago another collector offered me $6,000 to make a knife to his design, it was a design I could not justify and I would have hated. I declined, he stated that it was only a matter of money, he sent me a check, I returned it and he sent me another, that check still sits on my desk, where it has remained uncashed for over 20 years. At the time the most I had ever received for a knife was $700 and I could have used the money. I keep that check to remind me how easy it is to stray. His order is a knife I will never make.
Some may not undestand what I have stated, but my comments honestly reflect how I truly feel. My knives are my passion, if I don't love them they will only cheapen the rest of their "sisters", my integrity and the respect of those who have encouraged me.
Last edited:
Kohai999
Second Degree Cutter
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2003
- Messages
- 12,554
John, the elkhorn handle is asymmetrical, and has sort of a "D" shape. For a right hand grip, it fits like a glove.
OAL is 10 1/2".
Ed, you do go on...it is your right to make whatever you want....doesn't make you any less stubborn, regardless of how you color it.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2002
- Messages
- 2,125
Ed,
It might not be the best venue to say this on personal note- but I, for one greatly admire you for following your personal convictions..
I am reminded of the story you told me once, of not being allowed to attend a certain event (ABS banquet?) due to refusing to wear a formal "sport coat". Seems like an unseemly requirement to a "knife event".. Some might see this as being stubborn, where others justify the "being real" aspect.
David
It might not be the best venue to say this on personal note- but I, for one greatly admire you for following your personal convictions..
I am reminded of the story you told me once, of not being allowed to attend a certain event (ABS banquet?) due to refusing to wear a formal "sport coat". Seems like an unseemly requirement to a "knife event".. Some might see this as being stubborn, where others justify the "being real" aspect.
David
Kohai999
Second Degree Cutter
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2003
- Messages
- 12,554
Do you think Ed "punished" the banquet organizers by not conforming to the status quo, David?
As one who regularly thumbs his nose at the "establishment", I can say categorically that if you have no "bend"(compromise) to your ways, you miss out on a lot. Always a choice.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2002
- Messages
- 13,348
Hi STeven,
Ed's influence on many of Bill's pieces is quite evident - but I'm not really seeing it here. Handle shape? Not really. Handle treatment - maybe - that looks to be a horn spacer. Blade shape, blade material, blade grind, dropped edge, guard shape (Ed's tend to be much more rounded and elongated), guard material, handle material - none of that is saying "Fowler" to me.
Danbo makes a good observation - if you took the sheath out of the photo, I wonder how many people would see a Fowler-influenced piece here?
Of course, all of the above allows for differing subjective perceptions, and also the fact that there may be aspects of the knife held in hand that do not translate into photos. Clearly, you hold the advantage - not to mention one gorgeous knife - there.
Do you have a black horn handled Burke piece that is more closely "Fowler" in design?
Roger
Kohai999
Second Degree Cutter
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2003
- Messages
- 12,554
Well worded argument, my friend.
I have a Bill Burke Desert Ironwood handled, nickel silver bolstered knife in triple tempered 5160 that is very similar to a true "Fowler" design, but don't currently have any photos...will see if I can work on that today.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
Ed - I also admire a man that stands by his principles, and I have the utmost respect for you and your knives. That being said, I agree with STeven that there are sometimes costs for standing by those principles. In all walks of life actually, not just making knives or working.
While that Burke of STeven's is an awesome knife, seeing that picture would not make me think of a Fowler influenced design. Perhaps holding it would be necessary
It would be interesting if anyone that uses one(or more) of Ed's knives extensively would comment on the performance compared to other knives and steel.
Peter
While that Burke of STeven's is an awesome knife, seeing that picture would not make me think of a Fowler influenced design. Perhaps holding it would be necessary
It would be interesting if anyone that uses one(or more) of Ed's knives extensively would comment on the performance compared to other knives and steel.
Peter
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2006
- Messages
- 15,040
That may be true. I picked up this Burke on the aftermarket, and I feel that it is one of the best knives done in the style, having every design element that I could hope for, and will probably perform superior service should it be needed.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
STeven great knife
I really like it you should sell it to me
Ed I dig your comitment to your blades
To the thine own self be true
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2001
- Messages
- 2,869
Steven: I had no intention of "punishing" the organizers of the ABS Reno show, it was their show and they have the right to make their own rules. Just as I have the right to chose to decline to participate.
When the sport coat rule was presented I voiced my objection to the idea to the organizers of the show. They chose to ignore my thoughts and I declined to participate in the next show. It was as simple as that. I did not intend to punish, just chose not to support their decision.
Are the decisions to be true to your personal integrity costly? -Maybe. But after many such decisions thoughout my live I can live with myself. At age 70 I don't have a lot of knives left to make, the knives I do make will be ones I truly desire to make and enjoy. Today, after over 30 years of knife making I have an inventory of 4 knives, all of them special to me, maybe someone will come along who appreciates them also and they will go to other homes. If not if providence allows they will grace my table next year at Blade Show to communicate my personal emotion through lady knife.
I have orders for other knives that are in progress and a new found love of some historical knives I plan to enjoy. Our experiments continue and a few days ago I was able to make one cut on my hemp rope with an experimental brass blade. I consider this little event a success and look forward to where it will lead.
Freedom and integrity easily erodes one decision at a time, the cost is personal and while it may be evaluated by future generations, to me the decision is now.
When the sport coat rule was presented I voiced my objection to the idea to the organizers of the show. They chose to ignore my thoughts and I declined to participate in the next show. It was as simple as that. I did not intend to punish, just chose not to support their decision.
Are the decisions to be true to your personal integrity costly? -Maybe. But after many such decisions thoughout my live I can live with myself. At age 70 I don't have a lot of knives left to make, the knives I do make will be ones I truly desire to make and enjoy. Today, after over 30 years of knife making I have an inventory of 4 knives, all of them special to me, maybe someone will come along who appreciates them also and they will go to other homes. If not if providence allows they will grace my table next year at Blade Show to communicate my personal emotion through lady knife.
I have orders for other knives that are in progress and a new found love of some historical knives I plan to enjoy. Our experiments continue and a few days ago I was able to make one cut on my hemp rope with an experimental brass blade. I consider this little event a success and look forward to where it will lead.
Freedom and integrity easily erodes one decision at a time, the cost is personal and while it may be evaluated by future generations, to me the decision is now.
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