Hartsfields/Martins

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DrRMJ

Joined
May 7, 1999
Messages
209
I just went back and read through the old thread on Hartsfield. It seems that there is a lot of comparison between he knives of Hartsfield and Martin.

Is this because the knives they make are similar? If they are, I would like to know which maker has been making knives longer, has more experience, and who came up with the designs first.

Can anyone answer these questions?

I have owned and used knives by both makers and prefer the Hartsfields because of the performance and aesthetics of the blades, and the philosophy of the maker.

 
If you have them, then you know.

The concensus is that Mr. Martin makes an excellent knife, both fit and finish.

Mr. Hartsfield has probably been at it longer and as you say puts a little of his spirit into the blades he creates, but his fit and finish are on par or as some would say just a tad below Mr. Martin's and then the price difference, as I stated above if you have both then you know the price difference. Whether you get the extra dollar value from Mr. Hartsfields blades is in your estimation. I, personally would and have spent money with Mr. Martin.

But in regards to Swords, Mr. Hartsfield has the edge, I would certainly give the nod to him in this comparison, as Mr. Martin hasn't made too many swords that I know of.
G2

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"The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions!"
Take the time to read your Bible Now, don't be left behind...


G2 LeatherWorks

[This message has been edited by Gary W. Graley (edited 04-06-2000).]
 
DrRMJ,
Could you tell us more about the performance issues you write about? Something specific. Aesthetics are difficult to argue. It's all subjective. As to the philosophy of the maker, that is also extremely subjective. I personally don't care for an aesthetic philosophy that says "stop with a worn 200 grit belt" for final finish. Hartsfields are nice, but until I can see a major performance difference illustrated by someone I can't see paying double the price for a knife with half the finish and care taken. No I have owned a knife by neither maker, but I have cut some paper and cardboard with knives from both. I couldn't see huge differences in performance with the limited testing I did.
Paul Davidson

[This message has been edited by Paul Davidson (edited 04-06-2000).]
 
I like RJ's work, ive only seen photos of Hartsfeilds so i cant judge his work visually or otherwise.

Along with RJ, Don Fogg does EXCELLENT Japanese influenced work...well worth checking out.

Matt.

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"Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty"
Thomas Jefferson

www.lameyknives.com
 
I HAVE 2 OF PHILL'S KNIVES AND 1 ON ORDER. I ALSO FREQUENT HIS SHOP ON FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS. HE IS EXTREMELY KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE JAPANESE STYLE BLADES. HE DOES NOT MAKE AUTHENTIC JAPANESE BLADES, THEY ARE HIS VERSION OF THE THAT STYLE. HIS KNIVES ARE USED WORLDWIDE AND HIS SWORDS ARE USED BY SOME OF THE BEST INCLUDING TOSHISHIRO OBATA (SHINKENDO FED.) I DO NOT OWN ANY OF RJ'S KNIVES BUT THEY ARE VERY NICE LOOKING AND HE ALSO HAS A LOYAL FOLLOWING. AS FOR HOW LONG THEY HAVE BEEN MAKING BLADES; PHILL SOLD HIS FIRST ONE IN ABOUT 1966, BUT HE HAS BEEN MAKING THEM LONGER, RJ I BELIEVE SOLD HIS FIRST IN 1976? AS FOR CUTTING PERFORMANCE THE HARTSFIELD NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE ME AND I DO NOT HAVE A MARTIN TO COMPARE IT TO, SO I CANNOT SAY ONE WAY OR THE OTHER. IF YOU CALL THE HARTSFIELD'S SHOP THEY CAN SEND YOU A VIDEO OF PHILL CUTTING WITH HIS BLADES AND THE BEST COLOR CATALOG ($10) I HAVE EVER SEEN. THE PHONE NUMBER TO THE SHOP IS (714)636 7633. HOPE THIS HELPS??
 
Hmmm, me thinks Les will be stopping in anytime now
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Dave (Phil.4:13)

Recent Interview with God

Questioner: God, how could you let those events take place in Columbine High School?
God: You must be confused-I am not allowed in schools!
 
Martin--practical guy,great blades better finish than Hartsfield,no weird Eastern philosophy about being able to put his "spirit"into steel...what a load.
 
Let's take it easy here folks.

I have handled RJ's and Phil Harsfields work. It would be an honor for me two own work from each of them.

I have never had any interaction with Phil and only slight interaction with RJ, but I can tell that I would enjoy meeting and talking with him at greter length. If I was going to consider something right now that RJ and Phil would make, RJ would have a leg up in my thoughts.

Lets say 6 months from now I got to meet Phil and spend time with him and handle his work. Now the decision is harder. (I might have to go for one of each).

In the end, it becomes what a person likes coupled with what they can purchase(availability and dollars), their experience with knives in general, and in may cases their personal experiences with the maker or person that sold them the knife.

That is at least 4 variables and there are many others that can apply.

Keeping that in mind I'd venture to say that it a rare occurrance when two purchasers or makers "take the same route" in deciding upon someone's work or in creating that work respectively.



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"Life is too short to carry an ugly knife." Steve F.
 
I own several Hartsfields and they cut beautifully. They maintain a razor edge for a really long time and they feel great. I don't own any Martin knives, but they look very nice. I know several serious martial artists who do a lot of cutting and have tried knives by various makers, some better than others. They say nothing cuts like a Hartsfield. Phill is a wonderful gentleman and a pleasure to talk to. His knives sell out very quickly (like in the first half hour) at every show he's at. You can believe the spirit stuff or not, but alot of people do. There are a lot of things in this world we don't understand. I think everyone would admit that Hartsfield has been an inovator in Japanese style blades. I think the most important thing is to treat others with the respect they deserve. There's nothing wrong with Hartsfield and Martin both being great knifemakers.
 
Hartsfield's hyperbole about spirit is all well and good, but we're discussing knives, not philosophy or religion. If there's any spirit connected with a blade, it lies in he who wields it. This isn't ancient feudal Nippon where Shinto Kami inhabit a few legendary Katana, it's simple marketing BS. I've used knives by both makers and I found the Hartsfield poorly finished and ridiculously overpriced. It offered no noticeable cutting advantage, and the carry system left much to be desired. R. J. Martin offers a better package for less then half the price, and he actually finishes his blades; Phil's appear to have been dragged behind a truck on a gravel road.

Okay, so I exaggerated a little...make that tarmac.
wink.gif


[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 04-09-2000).]
 
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