Info about Bailey Bradshaw and White Wing knives

Paracelsus

Paracelsus

Joined
Nov 6, 1999
Messages
2,639
Can anybody fill me in about Bailey Bradshaw? How long has he been making knives? Who was his teacher? Is he a member of the knife makers guild? What is White Wing Knives?

I have never heard about a young maker starting his own production company. I like the pictures of the work I have seen, and I love traditional pocket folders. But I am having a hard time finding information about him. Anyone?

Paracelsus
 
Para, wasn't that you sitting across the table from PJ Tomes and me at dinner after the NYCKS? Don't you remember what he had to say about Bailey?
 
Bailey is one of the bright young lights in the future of custom knife making. He is a guild member and a journeyman with the ABS.He goes for his masters stamp in June at the Blade show.
He and others like Vince Evans. Richard Rogers and Todd Kopp are the future.
He did have a falling out with PJ about a year ago over a piece of equipment.
Bob
 
He is Not listed as a Guild member on the official site.

Yes, I certainly do remember Phil. Thanks for reminding me.

Paracelsus
 
Bailey is a Journeyman Smith in the ABS (June 1999).

I have gotten to know him over the last two years and think very highly of him as a person. His work appeals to me also. I do know that he and P.J. did have a difference of opinion a while back and as far as I am concerned it is between them. I agree with Bob that he is one of the "bright young lights in the future". (Nice list Bob, welcome to the forums!)

I have put my money where my mouth is with 3 knives on order from Bailey.
1. TKCL collaboration with David Broadwell.
2. Sheffield style Warncliff whittler (split backspring).
3. Doctor's knife.

Bailey is also learning to engrave. He has been at this for over a year.

From what I have seen of Bailey I see a young man with an insatiable appetite to learn and a person who is quite humble and honest. It has been my pleasure to get to know him a little.

As far as White Wing they are actually factory (small-shop) knives and I am not sure if Bailey is still doing most of the work, but they are not customs. I got a chance to handle a few at blade (Thanks Chris) and they are pretty awesome. I have handled a few custom slip-joints that did not come close.

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" The real art of living is too keep alive the longing in human beings to become greater versions of themselves." Laurens Van der Post.
In memory of James Mattis
 
I just found out that Bailey was just accepted in the Guild and his first Guild show will be Orlando 2001. I've always found Bailey honest and sincere in every dealing I've had with him. I think Gus's comments above are appropriate and thanks for the "welcome to the forum" Gus. I think an disagreement over a piece of equipment hardly qualifies as an evaluator of person's skill or abilities and if anyone disagrees I demand a recount. Bob
 
I second what Bob said. I will also say if you have not handled any of Baileys knives or the Whitewing knives then you do not know what you are missing. I have found Bailey also to be a very good and fair person to deal with as far as business goes. Also since I have gotten to know him two years ago I have found him to be very personable and a good freind. Examples of his work and Whitewings can be seen on my site.

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Chris http://www.members.tripod.com/ctexknife
 
Thanks for the information everyone. I really appreciate it. I do know PJ Tomes and am aware of 'the dispute', but that was not my intention in asking about Bailey. I like what I see of BB's work and wanted to hear more. White Wing does seem kind of strange too me, but a high end company producing traditional pocket knives is a Great thing for all. Does Bailey have a web addy or even an email addy? I know he has a forum on knife directory, but no contact info is listed.

Paracelsus
 
Para, I'll send you Bailey's email addy when I get home. (If I remember
smile.gif


Tried to get to his site last night (so I could include it in my post) but it does not seem to be working.
Gus


Check out Chris's site above he has some nice pics of WhiteWings and some of Bailey's Custom work.
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" The real art of living is too keep alive the longing in human beings to become greater versions of themselves." Laurens Van der Post.
In memory of James Mattis

[This message has been edited by Gus Kalanzis (edited 12-01-2000).]
 
Another strong recommendation for Bailey. I have three of his knives:

Ivory handled Spanish Bowie with sterling silver sheath

The FIRST (Gus ya copycat bastid) of his split backspring wharncliffe whittlers in ivory w/24K escutcheon

and a pearl lockback from Whitewing

I also gave my stepfather an ivory 2-blade trapper for Christmas a couple of years ago.

The worksmanship is superb, the value is tremendous, and Bailey is a consumate gentleman.
 
Just for the record, I don't know Bailey nor have I ever touched one of his knives. I have admired the pics I have seen of his work and have no reason to doubt he makes a quality product, in fact I was considering ordering a knife from him before I decided to order a custom from Art Washburn.
I do know from speaking to PJ that he feels very strongly about this equipment incident, and also that it is none of my business.
 
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