FLATGRIND FITCH
(What follows is the first in a series of Minis)
I will start by saying John is a friend of mine, but I cant stand him. I call him 3 or 4 times a week just to harass him. I do not own a knife of his. He had to threaten my family before I would agree to the 3 knives I have on order, and he told me that would just be the start of the knives I would own of his. Now in all seriousness, our friendship started because of knives, but it has transcended to a true friendship.
John is a great knifemaker. He has come a long way in a short time. He started making knives in 1996, became serious in 1998, made Journeyman in 1999, and will be considered for his Masters at the up coming Blade show. How did he get so good so fast? He tells of how generous other makers where to him. He names David Anders, Bailey Bradshaw, Jim Walker, Tim Foster, Ron Newton, Mr. Crowell, and Mr. Fisk as sharing invaluable information with him. It must be said here that it took a lot more than information to get where he is. He is extremely talented. He has the built-in desire and tenacity to become one of the greats in knifemaking! He is also very humble and gives credit to God for his ability, and in return God is blessing him for it.
Johns knives have a style all their own. He is known for BIG knives that perform well, but there is an ARTISTIC side of John that has been showing through in later months. His folders are as graceful as you will ever see. The actions are smooth as silk. The materials and workmanship on his fixed blades are becoming more ornate, more artsy. Rest assured, even though his knives may be more eye catching, they will still do the jobs intended. He is also leaning toward making swords, again showing great wisdom by learning from one of the best. He plans a trip to Arizona this summer to Vince Evans shop. Wouldnt you like to be a fly on that wall?
John has won several awards and competitions: A.G Russell Best Buy at the 1999 Arkansas show, Best of Show, Best Bowie, and Best Fighter at the 2002 Arkansas show, four cutting competitions in Old Washington, Arkansas at the biannual hammer-ins, and recently the cutting competition at the Batson Symposium in Alabama with a record 2.79 second time for chopping a 2x4 in two. WOW!
Johns pieces are understandably going up in price, but they are still a real bargain for the quality you receive. Most anything you buy from him now has a great chance of appreciating in the years to come. HE and his KNIVES are sound investments.
If you have never met John pick up the phone and call him. (501-893-2020) Get to know this man before you ever consider placing an order. You will not be disappointed! He and Dawn, his wife of 7 years, live at the foot of Wolverton Mountain in Clinton, Arkansas. He is also a GREAT story teller.
I asked him to write a paragraph on what he would want you to know. Its as follows:
Darby,
You are too kind! It is neat to see folks enjoying my work, especially since there are so many great knifemakers out there. Special thanks to God for giving me the talent and the ability to make knives. Thanks to my family for their patience and their confidence in me. Thanks to my friends and clients for their continous encouragement and support.
Darby, can you believe people actually pay me to stay home and make knives?
Only in America!!!
I am entering my second year as a fulltime knifemaker and have only found one thing that I constantly seem to struggle with I AM AN IDIOT!. Actually, there are never enough hours in a day to get it all done. Sometimes this causes me to get behind on orders, but never on ideas or stories (Ha!Ha!). Seriously, I hope that everyone will continue to remain patient. I will eventually get the knives out to you.
Need to work on knives, so Ill catch up with you later.
Thanks,
Big John
(What follows is the first in a series of Minis)
I will start by saying John is a friend of mine, but I cant stand him. I call him 3 or 4 times a week just to harass him. I do not own a knife of his. He had to threaten my family before I would agree to the 3 knives I have on order, and he told me that would just be the start of the knives I would own of his. Now in all seriousness, our friendship started because of knives, but it has transcended to a true friendship.
John is a great knifemaker. He has come a long way in a short time. He started making knives in 1996, became serious in 1998, made Journeyman in 1999, and will be considered for his Masters at the up coming Blade show. How did he get so good so fast? He tells of how generous other makers where to him. He names David Anders, Bailey Bradshaw, Jim Walker, Tim Foster, Ron Newton, Mr. Crowell, and Mr. Fisk as sharing invaluable information with him. It must be said here that it took a lot more than information to get where he is. He is extremely talented. He has the built-in desire and tenacity to become one of the greats in knifemaking! He is also very humble and gives credit to God for his ability, and in return God is blessing him for it.
Johns knives have a style all their own. He is known for BIG knives that perform well, but there is an ARTISTIC side of John that has been showing through in later months. His folders are as graceful as you will ever see. The actions are smooth as silk. The materials and workmanship on his fixed blades are becoming more ornate, more artsy. Rest assured, even though his knives may be more eye catching, they will still do the jobs intended. He is also leaning toward making swords, again showing great wisdom by learning from one of the best. He plans a trip to Arizona this summer to Vince Evans shop. Wouldnt you like to be a fly on that wall?
John has won several awards and competitions: A.G Russell Best Buy at the 1999 Arkansas show, Best of Show, Best Bowie, and Best Fighter at the 2002 Arkansas show, four cutting competitions in Old Washington, Arkansas at the biannual hammer-ins, and recently the cutting competition at the Batson Symposium in Alabama with a record 2.79 second time for chopping a 2x4 in two. WOW!
Johns pieces are understandably going up in price, but they are still a real bargain for the quality you receive. Most anything you buy from him now has a great chance of appreciating in the years to come. HE and his KNIVES are sound investments.
If you have never met John pick up the phone and call him. (501-893-2020) Get to know this man before you ever consider placing an order. You will not be disappointed! He and Dawn, his wife of 7 years, live at the foot of Wolverton Mountain in Clinton, Arkansas. He is also a GREAT story teller.
I asked him to write a paragraph on what he would want you to know. Its as follows:
Darby,
You are too kind! It is neat to see folks enjoying my work, especially since there are so many great knifemakers out there. Special thanks to God for giving me the talent and the ability to make knives. Thanks to my family for their patience and their confidence in me. Thanks to my friends and clients for their continous encouragement and support.
Darby, can you believe people actually pay me to stay home and make knives?
Only in America!!!
I am entering my second year as a fulltime knifemaker and have only found one thing that I constantly seem to struggle with I AM AN IDIOT!. Actually, there are never enough hours in a day to get it all done. Sometimes this causes me to get behind on orders, but never on ideas or stories (Ha!Ha!). Seriously, I hope that everyone will continue to remain patient. I will eventually get the knives out to you.
Need to work on knives, so Ill catch up with you later.
Thanks,
Big John
Ask him about the hat and the grinder. 
.