Gentlemen's Bowie, by the late John White M.S.

[MT Damascus]

John was one of my favorite knife makers and he is deeply missed by many. If I have my story straight, John made this for Paul Kessler in 08 and then Eli purchased it from him because Paul was after one of John's Legacy series(if you haven't seen these, do a search in Customs), Eli has had this knife ever since and I jumped at the chance to own this awesome knife. Paul Long made the original sheath that came with the knife, but I did not think it matched the knife well, so I had Paul make one the way I wanted. Paul has made me several sheaths over the years, but this one is the cream of the crop. Paul and John were great friends, Paul also used a Sam Browne stud that John file worked(Paul made most of the sheaths for John), how cool is that?! Inlay and bow tie are cape buffalo. The knife is hand forged 1084 that has been differentially heat treated by John, frame handle construction, pre ban bark elephant ivory, nice even plunge lines with a nicely done drawn swedge, no gaps with the fit up of the guard, just a stunning knife that feels great in the hand. I will carry and use this knife proudly, here are a few pics and thanks for looking:

 

[MT Damascus]

a few more pics,

 

[black mamba]

Beyond gorgeous, huge congrats.

 

[ATwistedStaple]

a few more pics,

That's a beautiful knife you have there. I'm intrigued by the file work. Is it a faux full tang? Hard to really get an idea of the construction without a full length spine shot

Oh, also I gotta ask, the hell's up with your hand?

 

[MT Damascus]

Thanks ATwistedStaple, this here might help explain a frame handle construction. I broke my finger, compound fracture and almost cut the other two off.

Thanks Jeff, always appreciate your comments.

Kris

 

[Peregrin]

That's a gorgeous Bowie, Kris. John White was one of the greats and he is missed. That's a really special piece you have there. Congratulations!

 

[Chris Montgomery]

Kris, that is truly a stunning knife. John was one of the makers I most wanted to own a knife from. He was very kind and willing to talk with me and free with his knowledge. I know this will be a cherished piece of your collection. The second sheath is so fitting to the knife and fitting that Paul made it.

Use it in good health. Thank you for sharing

Chris

 

[kamagong]

Incredible craftsmanship on that one.

 

[Luger1952]

Absolutely Gorgeous in every way!

 

[Cory Hess]

That knife is just stunning. I'm blown away by the craftsmanship of many knives that get posted here, but once in a while one comes along that is just head and shoulders above the rest. This is one of those knives, and it has a great story to go along with it.

 

[Half/Stop]

Kris - That is an absolutely stunning Bowie. I know you are proud of that one

It is great to see you gripping that jewel in your injured hand. Hoping your recovery is swift and 100%

 

[MT Damascus]

Thanks for the kind replies everyone, much appreciated.

Thanks Ron, hand is getting better by the day, still a lot of pain. Need to be able to make a fist in two weeks, doc says.

Kris

 

[kimsalls]

That two-tone sheath really ups the total package. Inspired choice. Enjoy!

 

[jjtjr]

Kris,

That's a great looking John White, MS knife and pair of Paul Long sheaths.

Congratulations on picking them up.

 

[Gevonovich]

Thanks for sharing this with us, Kris! Just exceptional:thumbup::thumbup: I wish for the hand to make a full recovery. It will require slow steady rehab work and perseverance on your part. Keep it moving

 

[MT Damascus]

Thank you Jim and Gev.

Here are a few photos I will share, thanks to Paul for sharing them with me.

 

[Peregrin]

Those images make that Bowie a real treasure, Kris!

 

[Woodrow F Call]

Thanks ATwistedStaple, this here might help explain a frame handle construction. I broke my finger, compound fracture and almost cut the other two off.

Thanks Jeff, always appreciate your comments.

Kris

I didn't realize you were the op, then it all made since. Wonderful knife. You should be more careful handling it, it sounds pretty dangerous if it did all that to your hand. Heal well my friend.

 

[MT Damascus]

Thanks Gary and Woodrow. I think the pics do a great job of showing the difficulty of a frame handle construction, and what an incredible talent John was.

Kris

 

[Daniel Dorn]

Gorgeous piece! You definitely honor the man by posting it here, and that new sheath, Wow!

Love the WIP pics.

Hope the hand heals up nicely.