First Custom - Andre Van Heerden -

neetones

neetones

Joined
Apr 30, 2001
Messages
701
So, this weekend I got into the car with my somewhat willing girlfriend and made the trek down to Ontario, CA to attend Blade West. Having only been to one other show, I was excited to get to handle the work of so many different makers and appreciate something beyond the realm of production folders.

I walked the tables, talked to makers and dealers and handled everything I could. I've developed a scrutinous eye recently and I was really impressed with everything I saw. I moved to a table that had a few interesting folders on the table and picked this one up. I started talking to the maker, Andre Van Heerden, and I got to understand a bit about his philosophy on knifemaking and I learned that he has only been doing this (part-time) for a year and a half. The whole time, though, I was focused on what was in my hands. I had checked out everything at the show, but nothing impressed me like this piece. It is honestly flawless. The grinds, the finish, the action, the lockup, everything is perfect. There are no gaps, there is no play, and there are no scratches or marks or anything. The design is elegant and ergonomic, minimal without being bare.

I didn't want to pull out my checkbook, and I walked around trying to make a decision, but I had to do it. This is my first custom and I am spoiled. I had an Obenauf for a while, but in terms of action and finish, it didn't compare to this.

So, I don't think I'll use it, and I don't think I'll carry it yet....but here it is. I hope you enjoy the pictures, and feel free to PM me about it or the maker if you want more info.



Nitin

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While I have not heard of the gentlemen he makes a wicked looking knife. An excellent choice for your first custom. Do you have the specs. It looks very large.
 
TIR, the knife is 4.75" closed with a blade just over 3.25." I have to repeat how amazed I am by the level of fit and finish, I wish I could give everyone a chance to handle it.

Nifrand, yes, he is. Were you at Blade West? The neighboring table belonged to his teacher.

Nitin
 
Wow. Slipjoints are my first love, in terms of folders, but that's a beautiful piece of work. Does he have a website?

James
 
neetones said:
TIR, the knife is 4.75" closed with a blade just over 3.25." I have to repeat how amazed I am by the level of fit and finish, I wish I could give everyone a chance to handle it.

Nifrand, yes, he is. Were you at Blade West? The neighboring table belonged to his teacher.

Nitin
Click to expand...

Saw them both and their stuff was great. There was a clip point carbon fiber (or maybe g10) folder and a spalted elm drop point folder that were great. I'm glad I left my check book home or my wife would have killed me ... again ;) .
 
Excellent choice, Neetones. It really is a unique style and looks very well made. Just right. You're hooked... ;) :)

(Mini constructive tips: Go easy on that macro. it's not kind to knives if the shot isn't perfectly clean or fitted. Also, my preference was to see how this knife looked closed. Never got that shot. Damn.)

That aside this was a great post. Thanks for the review. :)

Coop
 
Coop, just the man I was hoping to hear from.

I try so hard to get full-length shots, but I have so much trouble framing them properly or getting good lighting. I use macro all the time because I'm still impressed by what the camera can do and its easier to get the lighting right with that small area.

Any more suggestions for getting larger shots of the whole thing?

(Here are some pics of it closed)

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Nitin
 
neetones,

Thanks for the extra pics. I got what I wanted!

First off I hope you read every post in PhilL's No Frills Lighting thread. Good lighting is at your disposal from outside.

Although there is great drama looking down the length of a blade and at low angles, to simply understand a knife's basic profile, an overhead end-to-end shot of a knife framed corner-to-corner in the view finder is the basic stance. You have a good shot with the knife partially open. After establishing that, then you can experiment with other angles. Look at any of my photos, and my 'core image' is the knife in the open position (probably upper right corner pointing down to the left corner. Basic stuff).

*Try* to make sure the blade has white light reflected along the length. reposition the knife until you can have this. It really makes a difference. That said, you need a fairly large window or bright ceiling to achieve this. Whatever it takes. (OK, I relooked at your photos and you have some posterboard and white stuff helping you along. Good work.)

One problem with a dark handle like this is to try to photograph it against a white background. Bad move. Any shot will struggle with that much contrast. Try something darker and you will see how much the handle will appear to 'lighten up'. The human eye can make this distinction easily, but the camera will NOT have as much lattitude. One or the other will be too dark or bright.

I don't want to preach here. There are much more technical posters in BF and elsewhere than me. But you asked.... ;) Thanks.

Coop
 
Beautiful knife - unless my eyes are playing tricks on me, I didn't catch the price.
 
I purchased a small folder from Andre Thorburn, his friend at the adjacent table. I've told myself repeatedly: NO FANCIES!, but found myself captivated by the filework on the piece. Then when he told me the scales were made from warthog tusk, I found myself scrambling for an ATM. I mean, who can resist warthog tusk?
 
Nice score. Andre got the best New Maker award for this year's Blade West. My best friend scored his first custom from Andre at that show like you did. His was a clip point liner lock with wood scales, fileworked spine and a stippled set of bolsters. Andre's work was amazing for what he was asking. I really wanted to buy a small folder he had with carbon fiber bolsters, micarta scales and G10 spacer but didn't have enough cash left after spotting my buddy some so he could buy his knife. I think this guy is one you'll be seeing in the magazines soon. His designs are beautifully executed and he seems like a heck of a nice guy. Congratulations.

John

PS His business card is still right in front of me on my keyboard in case I find a couple hundred spare bucks.
 
Thanks, jmxcpter. I didn't realize he had received the award. I certainly agree that his knives represent a great value for the amount of work which obviously went into them.
 
wow. I didn't realize he won that award. I have the knife up for sale at the same price I paid for it....in MINT condition.

Nitin
 
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