- Joined
- Feb 28, 2002
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- 13,348
When I think of the fair country of Brazil the images that come to mind are invariably of sun-kissed beaches, pulsing rhythms, unbelievably beautiful women and incredibly talented soccer players. Lately, however, there has been a bit of an alteration to this word-association game. The secret is already out, so I might as well just say it plain: theres something of a hotbed of talented bladesmiths hailing from the land of Samba, Sonia Braga and Pele.
This particular knife was forged by one Ricardo Vilar, who may be known to many of you particularly those fortunate enough to have attended the recent Blade show in Atlanta. For those unfamiliar with the man and his work, heres a bit of an introduction. Ricardo started making knives back in 1993 by the stock removal method. He would continue to do so for the next seven years, until meeting up with members of the Brazilian bladesmith cadre in the persons of Rodrigo Sfreddo and Luciano Dorneles. Ricardo was immediately captivated by the lure of the forge and never looked back. Later in the year 2000, fellow countryman Ivan Campos struck upon the notion of bringing a Master Smith to Brazil to teach. They got themselves a teacher all right some fellow named Fisk from Lockesburg, Arkansas. Jerry has maintained close contact with the Brazilian bladesmiths ever since and indeed, this knife was purchased through Jerry who posted two of Ricardos knives for sale on his web site.
Now on to the knife.
This knife is rendered in the style of the Mediterranean Dirk, and is described by Ricardo as a Gaucho style blade. To the untrained eye this type of knife may seem little different from a kitchen knife, but it is constructed to withstand the rigors of field use. In Ricardos words, it is built stronger than it needs to be. It is forged from 52100 steel (starting with a 1 round bar) which is favored by Ricardo for his carbon steel blades. 5160 is also used. The blade is approximately 8 in length, flat-ground with a sharp convex edge and a well-executed hand rubbed satin finish. A false edge runs half of the blade length, serving to make for a more useful point and to bring some of the weight back toward the handle, resulting in a balance point right at the choil. The integral bolster is deeply grooved. Overall length is 13.
The octagonal handle is formed from a single piece of nicely-grained Brazilian rosewood. As with many bladesmiths, Ricardo prefers natural handle materials for his knives and employs a number of different Brazilian hardwoods as well as maple, stag and ivory. The handle is inlayed with a stainless steel escutcheon and the same material is used for the elegant stepped pommel.
This knife offers a most appealing combination of strength and beauty. The flowing lines are pleasing to the eye. The elegant execution of bolster, escutcheon and pommel are an aesthetic success. But in the hand, the knife conveys an undeniable sense of strength and purpose. It also represents excellent value. Well done Rodrigo!
In the aftermath of Blade, Ricardo, Rodrigo and Luciano have tracked Fisk right back to his forge. They were able to travel light, having sold just about all of the 22 knives they brought to Atlanta. According to Jerry, a number of bladesmiths plan to convene at his shop to meet and work with the Brazilians and exchange information and idea. These smiths include Fitch, Flournoy, Massey, Walker, Newton, Williams and Primos. That, good people, is a LOT of talent under one roof by any measure. I wonder how long the drive is from Toronto to Lockesburg?
Cheers,
Roger
My thanks to Ricardo Vilar for the knife and for the information regarding its construction. My thanks to Jerry Fisk for his input as well, and for making the knife available.
This particular knife was forged by one Ricardo Vilar, who may be known to many of you particularly those fortunate enough to have attended the recent Blade show in Atlanta. For those unfamiliar with the man and his work, heres a bit of an introduction. Ricardo started making knives back in 1993 by the stock removal method. He would continue to do so for the next seven years, until meeting up with members of the Brazilian bladesmith cadre in the persons of Rodrigo Sfreddo and Luciano Dorneles. Ricardo was immediately captivated by the lure of the forge and never looked back. Later in the year 2000, fellow countryman Ivan Campos struck upon the notion of bringing a Master Smith to Brazil to teach. They got themselves a teacher all right some fellow named Fisk from Lockesburg, Arkansas. Jerry has maintained close contact with the Brazilian bladesmiths ever since and indeed, this knife was purchased through Jerry who posted two of Ricardos knives for sale on his web site.
Now on to the knife.
This knife is rendered in the style of the Mediterranean Dirk, and is described by Ricardo as a Gaucho style blade. To the untrained eye this type of knife may seem little different from a kitchen knife, but it is constructed to withstand the rigors of field use. In Ricardos words, it is built stronger than it needs to be. It is forged from 52100 steel (starting with a 1 round bar) which is favored by Ricardo for his carbon steel blades. 5160 is also used. The blade is approximately 8 in length, flat-ground with a sharp convex edge and a well-executed hand rubbed satin finish. A false edge runs half of the blade length, serving to make for a more useful point and to bring some of the weight back toward the handle, resulting in a balance point right at the choil. The integral bolster is deeply grooved. Overall length is 13.
The octagonal handle is formed from a single piece of nicely-grained Brazilian rosewood. As with many bladesmiths, Ricardo prefers natural handle materials for his knives and employs a number of different Brazilian hardwoods as well as maple, stag and ivory. The handle is inlayed with a stainless steel escutcheon and the same material is used for the elegant stepped pommel.
This knife offers a most appealing combination of strength and beauty. The flowing lines are pleasing to the eye. The elegant execution of bolster, escutcheon and pommel are an aesthetic success. But in the hand, the knife conveys an undeniable sense of strength and purpose. It also represents excellent value. Well done Rodrigo!
In the aftermath of Blade, Ricardo, Rodrigo and Luciano have tracked Fisk right back to his forge. They were able to travel light, having sold just about all of the 22 knives they brought to Atlanta. According to Jerry, a number of bladesmiths plan to convene at his shop to meet and work with the Brazilians and exchange information and idea. These smiths include Fitch, Flournoy, Massey, Walker, Newton, Williams and Primos. That, good people, is a LOT of talent under one roof by any measure. I wonder how long the drive is from Toronto to Lockesburg?
Cheers,
Roger
My thanks to Ricardo Vilar for the knife and for the information regarding its construction. My thanks to Jerry Fisk for his input as well, and for making the knife available.
