got his Gordon from granpa

S

skin_dog1

Joined
Jan 25, 2009
Messages
3
Hello,
This is my first post and while not a true collector, I do cherish this knife as one of my most prized possessions. It was given to me by my granpa as a Christmas gift this year. It was a retirement gift for him. As the story goes, he worked with Bill Defreest's wife. His coworkers got the knife for him as a retirement gift in '87 I think. Anyway, I've done a little research and seems as if he was pretty well known and respected. The knife is beautiful and even though my granpa used it, it is in exceptional condition and doesn't look like it's ever been sharpened. Whats amazing is the edge that it still holds! Does anyone know of the value of a knife like this and can you tell me what type wood it is. I have absolutely no desire to part with the knife regardless of the value, I'm just interested is all. Anyone else have some pics of Gordon knives you could share?
knife.jpg
 
Welcome aboard . That is a fine knife. I do not know much about it but I am sure someone here does.
 
Very nice piece that I'm sure you will treasure. The wood looks like tulip wood, but I'm not positive.
 
I too love Bill's work, I recently sold this Stag Skinner that I owned for many years - but it went to a Gordon Collector in SC so it has a great home.
IMG_2688.jpg


Bill's work was not as popular as I felt it should have been, his stuff was really near flawless. He provided a great knife, well built sheath and all with amazing craftsmanship, whether it was a simple user or a complex subhilt.

I also admire Wayne Hendrix knives (which I own a few of) and Geno Denning's, all students of Mr. George, but Bill's work truly stood out IMO.

Glad to see that you are enjoying that knife! If you want to send me an email we could discuss value. I'm sure someone else on here will have an idea on the Wood for the handle.
 
hillbill, thats absolutely gorgeous. Thats what I'd love to have as a mate to my granpa's knife. I'm sending off that email. Thanks for the info!
 
skin_dog1 said:
Does anyone know of the value of a knife like this and can you tell me what type wood it is. I have absolutely no desire to part with the knife regardless of the value, I'm just interested is all. Anyone else have some pics of Gordon knives you could share?
Click to expand...

I was always a big fan of William DeFreest's work. That hunter you have there is in the $250 to $350 range, depending upon who wants it. He kept very meticulous records, and when I spoke to Mrs. DeFreest the year before Bill died, she was able to tell me about a knife I own from Bill's log. If you contact her, she should be able to tell you what the wood is.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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