info on maker...wheeler???

B

BDarnes

Joined
Mar 28, 2003
Messages
1
Greetings all. New here and not a computer guru. Bear with me please.
Saw some work at a knife-site about Nick Wheeler (bladegallery I think).

Didn't see any information on him.
Have anyof you ever heard of him? Looks good in pictures, but I've seen how that can work out-if you know what I mean.

Hope this is the right place for this. If not, can someone point me in a better direction?
Really like a picture of a bowie on there.

Thanks all, Bruce
 
Hi Bruce,

I don't have a broad range of experience with Nick's work but I have owned a forged fighter of his (until a good buddy of mine twisted my arm to sell it to him). I thought the knife was very well executed overall and is certainly one of the better-looking knives of its type. I also felt it represented very good value for the money - one of those knives that make you feel you've received more than you've paid for. You can see some pics of the knife by clicking here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=231572&highlight=Wheeler

You can also try using the "search" button in the upper right-hand corner of the screen - just enter the name "Wheeler" in the search field and click "perform search" - that'll bring up a number of posts for you to peruse.

I've seen quite a few pictures of Nick's work and like his designs quite a lot. I don't doubt that I'll own one of his knives again in the future.

Cheers,

Roger
 
That is one of my all time favorite Bowies, Roger. Thanks for showing it again. I have one in the works (in my head) along with a tac/utility of my own design going with Nick right now. My only experience with his knives in the flesh was a prototype of of a knife that he sent me a week ago. He stated that it was the worst knife he ever made finish wise. Well, if this was his worst, I really can't imagine his best! The knife looked very nice to me. The grinds were perfect, fit & finish were quite good and the knife flat out performed. Simple O-1 with a zero edge configuration and it simply cut forever. All I really managed to do in an hour of cutting (cardboard, rope, Maple dowels) is to polish the edge. I did manage to finally roll the edge a little after slicing some shavings off a penny. You are also not likely to find a more pleasant and cheerful fellow either. A pure pleasure to correspond with with lots of enthusiasm.

I would say go for it. If the prototype I have is any indication of what to expect in a finely finished blade, you won't be disappointed. As a matter of fact, I have seen many maker's full-on knives that wouldn't stack up to this knife in either performance or build quality.

BTW, he has been having problems with his pc lately, so don't be discouraged if he takes awhile replying to an email.
 
I'll put it this way. I did a few shots for him and his knives were very well done. Good enough that rather than send him a bill, I just told him to make me a knife!
 
I should have a package in the mail from Nick any day now. Nick made me a twist damascus bird and trout knife with stag handle, and a warncliffe utility knife with forged W1, clay tempered blade and ironwood handle. Really looking forward to these!
 
I bought a Nick Wheeler knife at the Reno show. It is an excellent knife. Well designed, balenced, great edge geometry. Nick has done a tremendous amount of testing. He has the equipment to ensure a high degree of quality control of his heat treating. Nick has an eye for designing beautiful knives. I feel he makes an excellent knife and prices are very reasonable. I recommend them with out reservation!
Dan Farr
 
And that Farr guy ain't too bad of a knifemaker either. ;) :)

Seriously, when another knifemaker buys your knives, you know you are doing something right!
 
Danbo,you ain't said tweet.
I got a piece coming from him.:) :) :)
Wheeler that is.
Farr was sold out at Reno.Otherwise I would own one of his.
 
Bruce,

I have known nick since he first started making knives and have never seen a "bad" piece of work that he has done. On the contrary Nicks' work is impecable and I You will have to go a long way and pay a lot more for a better knife. Nicks' work is easily Mastersmith quality.






P.S. Nick



Dont' let this go to your head. And you owe me a beer in Eugene.:D :D
 
Nick has been great about taking the time to give me a lot of info on steel and knife making. He is one those makers that knows a lot about metallurgy and doesn't mind letting others in on what he knows.
 
Nick Wheeler is a SUPER TALENTED young man.. His knives are very traditional, but with a flare and style of his own... Nick is a HUGE talent, and he makes me want to break his arms and legs...;) :cool: :D
 
Pick up a copy of Knives 2003 and look at how many knives he has in it ;)

Nick made me what I consider his most stunning work yet: Timascus Dagger!

wheeler_timascusdagger.jpg


This knife is simply a super stunning piece of artwork that still blows my mind!

~Mitch
 
Yea, Nick's OK, when he's finally out of his knife making faze, he should mature into a fine young man.:)
Seriously, Nick has followed the path with a dedication you seldom see in someone so young. His MS rating is just a matter of time and will be well deserved.
Can't help but boast that Nick is one of the many fine talents coming out of the State of Washington. As a collector, it's great to be a part of a fast growing knife scene. I don't make enough to buy all the knives I want, but Nick is on my short list. I've reluctantly put back on the table some fine knives by Nick because my finances weren't right at that moment. My advice is to buy now, his work is a great value.
Nick, does this qualify me for a discount now?:)
 
Nick is an outstanding maker and a great guy. I have 2 knives in order from him, and he's clearly one of the best value maker out there. He has a topnotch shop, which includes salt pots for heat treatment, and is very committed to both performance and fit and finish.
 
Holy smokes guys, thanks for all the support!!!

Bruce...Northern Oregon and pulp/paper...sounds like Wauna area to me??? That's only about 1 hour from here, a touch more. Come on up and we'll shoot the breeze.

Man, you guys really made me blush. It's nice to hear such words from peers...especially ones I ADMIRE! Even though I do owe you all $$$ now :p

Lately I've been impossible to reach...computer is down, phone in the shop never rings... :mad: ...lol. I'm really sorry about that folks.

I also wanted to let a few of you here to know that your knives will be done for the Blade Show (Terrill and Randy ;) ). Jaimie's is almost done now...so people can take a look at his design at that OKCA show.

Hey Dan, just saw your other post...THANKS! I tried to call you about them but didn't get through. That stag had shrunk a tiny bit during the knife's fun-filled ride through the mailing system, but I was hoping it would be back to normal in IL. I didn't want you thinking I didn't sand it enough! :eek:

Again, thanks so much guys, I really appreciate it!!!!
Nick
 
here is a composite of a couple of knives I own from Nick.

2nickwheelerdaggerfighterNFL0375multim.JPG


Now if only I had that lovely little integral damascus boot from the last Washington show, the series would be complete. You wouldn't have one somewhat similar around would you Nick?
 
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