Hugh Bartrug has passed away

Marcel54

Marcel54

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This is a sad day for the knife community. I just learned that Hugh Bartrug has passed away on October 25 at age 76. This is from USA Daily:

"Hugh Edward Bartrug Sr., 76, of Raeford, N.C., formerly of Forward, Pa., and St. Petersburg, Fla., died Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, in Autumn Care of Raeford. He was born May 21, 1933, in West Elizabeth, to Edith (Connors) Shaler, of Bridgeville, and the late Hugh F. Bartrug. He was a self-employed bladesmith and blacksmith, former owner of Ashley Forge, in Forward, and former millwright for Westinghouse, in East Pittsburgh. He served with the Navy on the USS Lake Champlain during the Korean War. Mr. Bartrug was a lifetime member of many blacksmith and bladesmith societies and guilds. He taught bladesmithing at Touchstone Craft Center, in Uniontown, and Ripley Craft Center, in Ripley, W.Va., also demonstrated at many “hammer in’s” and symposiums, teaching basics to advanced damascus forging. He was known for his mosaic nickel damascus In God We Trust inserted in his blades. He was featured on the covers of many monthly and annual publications, including Jim Weyer’s “Points of Interest” issues. He was honored with many prestigious awards and trophies, most coveted being Bill Moran’s Knife of the Year Award and Blade Magazine Knife of the Year Award. He was most honored and proud to be initiated into The Honorable Order of St. Michael, Patron Saint of Law Enforcement. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Joyce L. (Joll) Bartrug, of St. Petersburg, Fla., whom he married Nov. 5, 1954; daughters, Debbie Jo (Gary) Madsen, of Boca Raton, Fla., Jill A. (Clifford) Enyeart, of Elizabeth, and Joyce L. (Brian) Banks, of Raeford, N.C.; sons, R. Wayne Bartrug, of Raeford, N.C., and Hugh E. Bartrug Jr., of Elizabeth; brothers, Arthur E. (Lori) Bartrug, of Carnegie, and Donald (Brenda) Bartrug, of Finleyville; sister, Edith L. (Dwayne) Kennedy, of Belle Vernon; six grandchildren, Ashley Jo. Owen, Kali, Evan, Hannah and Abigail; and nieces and nephews."

Hugh for me is one of the greatest makers ever. Especially his Damascus was way ahead of his time. He retired years ago due to a serious illness but his knives are a legacy for the ages.

Hugh, Rest in Peace.

Marcel
 
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Marcel,

I agree with you that Hugh Bartrug was one of the greatest makers ever.

Many newer collectors are not aware of the quality of his work due to the fact that his knifemaking career was cut short due to a stroke years ago. They can see his work in the Wyer series "Knives, Points of Interest". His knives were definetly ahead of his time.

My condolences to his wife Joyce and his family.

Jim Treacy
 
I am very sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great talent indeed and one of the makers whose work inspired my interest in forged blades.

Roger
 
Jim, I was not familiar with Mr. Bartrug's work, but thanks to Jim Wyer's books I came to know what a strong and wonderful influence he had on the custom knives of today.

Condolences to family and those who were fortunate to be close to him.
 
I am sorry to hear of his passing. Back in the late 80's I had just made knives for a while and thought I had to have some mokume. I saw in Blade where he had an ad promoting his knives and mokume. I wrote him to see what his prices were and he in return wrote me a nice two page letter visiting about knifemaking. He didn't know me from a hill of beans but took his time to offer advice and make me feel very good. A very obvious gentleman from the word go. His skills were extraordinary.
 
Hugh and Cleston Synnard were the first two knife makers I met at my first Blade Show. I was nervous and felt out of place. I approached the show early with steadily decreasing enthusiasm. They were sitting on some steps outside the show, we made eye contact, Hugh motioned me over, they introduced them selves, we talked and immediately I felt at home.

Hugh was light years ahead of the pack, yet still as easy going and friendly as they come, Hugh and Joyce made one great team. He won Best of Show at a major event and could not scrape enough money up to get the knife photographed! We laughed together about that, being able to enjoy and share the tough times make for lasting friendships.

Their contribution was cut way too short, I often wonder what kind of knives he would be making now.
 
Ever since I began making knives, I remember seeing these wonderful knives in damascus with etching along the edges and thought WOW! I wish could meet the artisit who makes these. I am sorry to hear of his passing and will ring the anvil for him.
 
Am sorry to hear of his passing away. He was a hero of mine. His Michael's Sword was just so over the top and as said, he was ahead of his time.
 
Sad news for sure......:(

May God Bless Hugh and God Speed his family, loved ones and many friends.
 
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