- Joined
- Feb 27, 2003
- Messages
- 2,369
...I did come across an 11.5" blade of 5160 and a bit of stag by Greg Neely, MS.
Mr. Neely first came to my attention at the Blade Show in 2005. Ron Newton, MS had just purchased one of Greg's hunters, and showed me, point by point its FLAWLESS fit and finish. When one MS actually buys another MS's work, it sure gets my attention. Of course Ron then proceeded to extinguish my sudden burst of enthusiasm when he explained that Greg was a part time maker whose annual production could be measured with a single numeral. Such are the exquisite tortures of trying to find and collect "the best of the best" makers. Just what I needed, another Great White Whale like a Russ Andrews, JS or Don Fogg, MS to pursue.
Fast forward to Blade 2006, I am crazy enough to be sitting on a milk crate sorting through 5 gallon buckets filled with sambar stag carvers (this activity is a bit like panning for gold, lots of rocks very little gold), and who should appear next to me, intent upon doing the same crazy thing, but Greg Neely. We shot the breeze and discussed the merits and demerits of carvers. I think Greg bought two beauties that made his cut. One of which made it on to this Bowie. I am boring you with this story, in order to acquaint you with his attention to detail. In true Texas style, he quietly does what he has to do to approach perfection.
The good news for collectors is that Mr. Neely has recently retired from his law enforcement career in Houston TX, and his 2007 production level is headed for DOUBLE digits.
I will post a full review of the knife in a week or two.
Mr. Neely first came to my attention at the Blade Show in 2005. Ron Newton, MS had just purchased one of Greg's hunters, and showed me, point by point its FLAWLESS fit and finish. When one MS actually buys another MS's work, it sure gets my attention. Of course Ron then proceeded to extinguish my sudden burst of enthusiasm when he explained that Greg was a part time maker whose annual production could be measured with a single numeral. Such are the exquisite tortures of trying to find and collect "the best of the best" makers. Just what I needed, another Great White Whale like a Russ Andrews, JS or Don Fogg, MS to pursue.
Fast forward to Blade 2006, I am crazy enough to be sitting on a milk crate sorting through 5 gallon buckets filled with sambar stag carvers (this activity is a bit like panning for gold, lots of rocks very little gold), and who should appear next to me, intent upon doing the same crazy thing, but Greg Neely. We shot the breeze and discussed the merits and demerits of carvers. I think Greg bought two beauties that made his cut. One of which made it on to this Bowie. I am boring you with this story, in order to acquaint you with his attention to detail. In true Texas style, he quietly does what he has to do to approach perfection.
The good news for collectors is that Mr. Neely has recently retired from his law enforcement career in Houston TX, and his 2007 production level is headed for DOUBLE digits.
I will post a full review of the knife in a week or two.
