Hartsfield?

[TJL]

after looking through that collection, I would like to announce that I've seen the light.

Although the going rate of Hartsfields is very expensive, I have seen other makers whose pricing seems to be higher than standard due to the fact that the knives they make are designed and made by them, to their eye and heart.

There is something to be said for that esoteric value, and I think that all collectors resonate to the vibe of a particular maker's work, depending on their own eye and heart.

It's all about the vibrations, maaan! The cosmos speaks to us through material trappings and the message they bring to us maaaaannn!
(insert Dennis Hopper voice for full effect)

Cool! Glad you are keeping an open mind. They do the trick for me, and as you say, that's all that matters. Phill may look and sound like a "good 'ol boy", but he is a pretty cosmic dude in his own right. Somehow, he imparts that spirituality in his blades. They just speak to me.

 

[TJL]

I can see you're a big fan of Phil's work!

The swords are freakin' awesome...

Some of the knives work for me, others not so much.

I will say this: Phil is one consistent dude. There is a very singular aesthetic vision evident there.

Wish I could handle them to see how they feel in the hand.

To get what his blades really are about, you have to hold one. They just have "a feel" to them that conveys power, deadliness, and purpose. They somehow command respect. I will say that not every knife is totally successful in this, but 99% of them will raise the hair on your neck when you touch them. God, I sound like a nutball, but there really is something there.

 

[Leu Custom]

Thanks, but that is not all of them. I have a lot that Pohan did not photograph since we ran out of time. That does not include all of the ones I have owned and sold too. I just like 'em.

there were more????????

 

[John T Wylie Jr]

To get what his blades really are about, you have to hold one. They just have "a feel" to them that conveys power, deadliness, and purpose. They somehow command respect. I will say that not every knife is totally successful in this, but 99% of them will raise the hair on your neck when you touch them. God, I sound like a nutball, but there really is something there.

I gotta admit , I have held quite a few and never felt the magic. Though I know that is a personal thing , and I do now the feeling you are speaking of , I felt it the first time I held some of Rob Patton's knives.

Just like some don't feel the allure of a well made slip-joint , we each have different views , like and dislikes , and in the end , that is what makes it all the more interesting.

Nice collection .

 

[Leu Custom]

To get what his blades really are about, you have to hold one. They just have "a feel" to them that conveys power, deadliness, and purpose. They somehow command respect. I will say that not every knife is totally successful in this, but 99% of them will raise the hair on your neck when you touch them. God, I sound like a nutball, but there really is something there.

i 2nd that thought

 

[Win Heger]

I've stayed out of this for awhile but...

What a terrific representation of Phill's work. Even though Phill had a catalog all these years it was never a problem for him to step outside the box. I wish I had better photos of some I owned.

Win

 

[Leu Custom]

To get what his blades really are about, you have to hold one. They just have "a feel" to them that conveys power, deadliness, and purpose. They somehow command respect. I will say that not every knife is totally successful in this, but 99% of them will raise the hair on your neck when you touch them. God, I sound like a nutball, but there really is something there.

i think the feeling the blades give off is that in the proper hands those blades will kill any living thing quick and silently without hesitation. They will not fail in the process of doing so either.

 

[TJL]

Let me be the first to say that is one impressive Hartsfield collection. I thought I had alot of Phill's stuff. I tip my hat

Hey, I'm always looking for more. How about sending one of those swords my way????

 

[TJL]

i think the feeling the blades give off is that in the proper hands those blades will kill any living thing quick and silently without hesitation. They will not fail in the process of doing so either.

Yes, with the swords, you just know if you hold it over your head, and let the blade drop it will basically cut a person in half....almost under its own weight it seems. They command respect. It is rare to get the same feeling from a knife, but his blades all seem to ooze deadliness.

 

[TJL]

I gotta admit , I have held quite a few and never felt the magic. Though I know that is a personal thing , and I do now the feeling you are speaking of , I felt it the first time I held some of Rob Patton's knives.

Just like some don't feel the allure of a well made slip-joint , we each have different views , like and dislikes , and in the end , that is what makes it all the more interesting.

Nice collection .

I guess we all respond to whatever speaks to us. I never get too thrilled with anything under 3/16" stock, but I still am partial to the "Japanese commando" style they all have. I will have to test out a Patton for the "wow" factor.

 

[TJL]

I've stayed out of this for awhile but...

What a terrific representation of Phill's work. Even though Phill had a catalog all these years it was never a problem for him to step outside the box. I wish I had better photos of some I owned.

Win

Phill really has no box holding him in. He simply lets the knife dictate its own shape. I don't think any two Hartsfields are exactly alike. They all vary whether it be slightly or a whole bunch. Phill just goes with the flow of how the blade wants to be ground, and he rarely comes up with something that does not have beautiful lines. He has almost 70 years of experience, and he has learned not to fight the material, but to work in harmony with it. He is just not a machine, so you may not get exactly what you ordered, but it will still look sweet.

 

[severedthumbs]

Phill really has no box holding him in. He simply lets the knife dictate its own shape. I don't think any two Hartsfields are exactly alike. They all vary whether it be slightly or a whole bunch. Phill just goes with the flow of how the blade wants to be ground, and he rarely comes up with something that does not have beautiful lines. He has almost 70 years of experience, and he has learned not to fight the material, but to work in harmony with it. He is just not a machine, so you may not get exactly what you ordered, but it will still look sweet.

hmmmmm, this sounds bad to me.

 

[JParanee]

Hey, I'm always looking for more. How about sending one of those swords my way????

Thanks but the swords That I do have from Phill where all made for me and the length of blades and tsuka length all to my request. They are rather special to me and I consider them my swords and I would proble never part with them. I do not want to say never but they would be last to go. I can understand how a traditional swordsman would not understand one of Phill's swords they are not traditional in many respects and pale in comparison to a beautiful hand forged katana. I am a great admirer of traditional nihonto and have pretty many in my collection antique and new. I like the lure of the smith imparting something to the blade and Phill truly believes this and I find it funny that if you watch a traditional smith forge a blade and see him due his prayer rituals no one scoffs at his beliefs. I know Phill does not forge his blades but I believe his heart is in the right place and I truly enjoy his way of looking and his beliefs. Phill once told me he builds a sword that he believes would be the modern interpitation of what a katana would have evolved to if it was still used in battle. I would humble agree with him. Although they do not have the traditional look I think alot of people would be amazed at how well his swords cut. In my crude hands when I cut with one of his swords and then another custom from some one else I can not believe the difference. It truly is remarkable. I do not know how many times better they cut but in my humble hands it is many. I want to thank all the forum members who do not like Phill's stuff for being so cool about this thread. here is an old cutting shot and yes STeven I know my form sucks but I am still having fun.

This Kwaiken went with me to Africa 12 or so years ago and will always remind me of my first trip there and be special to me.

 

[TJL]

Thanks but the swords That I do have from Phill where all made for me and the length of blades and tsuka length all to my request. They are rather special to me and I consider them my swords and I would proble never part with them. I do not want to say never but they would be last to go. I can understand how a traditional swordsman would not understand one of Phill's swords they are not traditional in many respects and pale in comparison to a beautiful hand forged katana. I am a great admirer of traditional nihonto and have pretty many in my collection antique and new. I like the lure of the smith imparting something to the blade and Phill truly believes this and I find it funny that if you watch a traditional smith forge a blade and see him due his prayer rituals no one scoffs at his beliefs. I know Phill does not forge his blades but I believe his heart is in the right place and I truly enjoy his way of looking and his beliefs. Phill once told me he builds a sword that he believes would be the modern interpitation of what a katana would have evolved to if it was still used in battle. I would humble agree with him. Although they do not have the traditional look I think alot of people would be amazed at how well his swords cut. In my crude hands when I cut with one of his swords and then another custom from some one else I can not believe the difference. It truly is remarkable. I do not know how many times better they cut but in my humble hands it is many. I want to thank all the forum members who do not like Phill's stuff for being so cool about this thread. here is an old cutting shot and yes STeven I know my form sucks but I am still having fun.

This Kwaiken went with me to Africa 12 or so years ago and will always remind me of my first trip there and be special to me.

I totally respect that. Like Phill says, the swords know who their owners are. I think the swords you had Phill make for you are the most beautiful he has ever made. The thread remained civil because there is much to be learned from those with experience as well as those with passion. I never back down or lose my head when I have the knowledge required to make a statement, but I also know never to speak up unless I have that knowledge. Comes with old age I guess! Thanks so much for sharing your photos. I am always fascinated with any blade of Phill's.

 

[TJL]

hmmmmm, this sounds bad to me.

Think of it as an organic process instead of a cookie cutter approach. I agree though, you are subject to Phill's interpretation of something when you order it, and I would hate to refuse an order with Phill. It would be an insult to him, and he may also blacklist you.

 

[JParanee]

TJL thank you for the kind words about my swords it means alot coming from some one with as much Hartsfield stuff as you.

 

[TJL]

TJL thank you for the kind words about my swords it means alot coming from some one with as much Hartsfield stuff as you.

Thank YOU for sharing them. They are spectacular. I understand exactly where you are coming from in your respect for Phill and his blades, and it is such a pleasure to meet others who are in the know. For my first thread on BF, I must say it has been wonderful and quite dynamic, and I truly appreciate each and every member who has shared their passion.

 

[Lycosa]

TJL---Words of a Gentleman. See you around.

 

[peterinct]

I acquired an new appreciation for Hartsfields from this thread. Previously, I had just thought of them as high priced knives/swords that appealed to a very select group.

Some of those pictured look exceptional and I DO know that looks are nothing compared to holding an object in your hand.

I will have to make an effort to hold one to get a more accurate appreciation of what has been described.

Thanks,
Peter

 

[Lycosa]

Peter---Do make that effort!