Jim Smyth • GREAT white 'Shark' !

SharpByCoop

SharpByCoop

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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Oct 8, 2001
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Since two years ago when I had dinner with Jim Smyth and Darrel Ralph at the Chicago show, I have been interested in his work. We shared some emails and calls and I finally rose to the top of the line. :thumbup:

Let me tell you, this was a pleasure to discuss and go over with Jim. He liked my build ideas and I liked his. THAT'S when things work well. :thumbs:

I have an affinity for ivory white micarta folders with red liners. (I'm building my stash!) This is a dress tactical by every measure, and it surpassed my expectations.:grin:

Let's cut right to the chase:
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Detail shots:
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These photos don't lie. Jim is a perfectionist, and the finish is incredibly fine. Every surface, too. You can barely see, but the inside of the well is polished and anodized a rich blue.

When he built it, Jim took in-progress shots of the project, and updated me as he went along. I decided to hold off posting till I had the whole enchilada to show. ;)

More build images to follow....

Coop
 
Here are a series of build shots. I always find these intrigueing.





Here's a salute to a fine knife and a GREAT maker! :woohoo:

Coop
 
Jim's a great guy and a talented knifemaker.
I first met Jim when he was learning the craft with Kit Carson and roomed with him at the first Blade Show each of us had attended.

I'm fortunate to have one of the first folders that Jim ever made which he gave me as a gift before we departed that same Blade Show several years back.

Beautiful knife, Coop!!! :thumbup:

(Edited to add a pic (below) of the aforementioned knife in 440C and carbon fiber from Jim's early days as a maker.)
 

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Looks like you can reach out and actually touch the knife ! The sign of a pic pro ! :D Superb job, Coop !


Jim Smyth's knives are sexy.
 
I'm not a big tactical folder fan, but that thing is just funky!!!!!!In a good way!!!!:thumbup: :D
 
nice pics. I dont know but something about this knife just doesnt look right. nice workmanship though
 
severedthumbs said:
nice pics. I dont know but something about this knife just doesnt look right. nice workmanship though
Click to expand...

It's the contours of the handle, and the shape of the blade tip. Simply looks like a choice issue/personal taste, rather than a design "flaw".

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Kohai999 said:
It's the contours of the handle, and the shape of the blade tip. Simply looks like a choice issue/personal taste, rather than a design "flaw".

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
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agree, after looking at it the tip seems blunted and the deep cut outs in the bolster look odd to me. the f&f appears to be excellent.
 
Hi Guys,

Thanks for the props. Nice to see all the comments.

Blues: Thanks for posting his first knife. What an influence Kit had on him! Nicely done. A keeper. :thumbup:

Gig: Thanks. You're right, this one does seem to 'pop' more than others I've done. Grab it if you can!

I love the custom clip. Many makers treat this area as an afterthought. I like it when a knifemaker spends design time integrating their clips. I think Jim worked with a previous client on this style and it worked so well, I asked for a duplicate. With the checkering!

Yes, Jim Smyth has a style that is VERY distinct. He incorporates a LOT of curves in his designs. Either you like it or you don't.

One thing we ALL would agree on is, having met Jim--what a solid person he is. The joy of custom knives is the relationship with the maker. He's a family guy whose full-time job is a pilot for a commercial airlines. Nice 'hobby'. ;)

Nothing forged or natural on this folder, and I LOVE it. Glad you do, too.

Coop
 
Nice pictures Coop! Thanks for the nice comments guys. Been a while Elliott, that one brings back memories. DDR, hope your doing well my friend!

Cheers, Jim
 
Jim Smyth said:
Nice pictures Coop! Thanks for the nice comments guys. Been a while Elliott, that one brings back memories. DDR, hope your doing well my friend!

Cheers, Jim
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Jim,

Hope to see you next week! :thumbup: :cool:
 
Kit told me you were going. Hope you guys have a great time. Unfortunatly I wont be there this year. Maybe make it next year if all goes well.
 
Next year, Jim.

I'll look forward to a visit, Darrel!
 
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