- Joined
- Feb 28, 2002
- Messages
- 13,348
Theres no mistake in the title I did mean hunters, not bowies. 
While the big blades will always be my favorites, there is room in my universe for the smaller knives as well. And the fact that it is easier to make room in the wallet for them sure doesnt hurt. Actually, I was tremendously impressed by the selection of hunters available at the Blade Show this year. There were easily six or eight pieces that I really wanted to take home, and I had to make a concerted effort not to get carried away.
The first little one is from Arkansas Master Smith Jim Walker:
The drop point blade is forged from 1080 carbon steel, measures 4 1/8 in length and displays the type of fine hand-rubbed satin finish that one would expect of a Master Smith of Jims considerable talent. The overall length is a compact 8 ½. The fittings, including the nicely-executed domed but cap, are stainless steel. Sheath by Kenny Rowe.
Of course, it will come as no surprise that what first grabbed me about this knife (and what I first grabbed hold of, and didnt let go..) is the unbelievably gorgeous stag carver handle. I am a sucker for good stag, and this piece is exceptional. Displaying strong colours of amber, red and brown it looks almost good enough to eat.
This makes two shows in a row that I have attended that Jim Walker has carried off the Best Hunter award (the other being the most recent Spirit of Steel Show in Dallas) quite an accomplishment given the level of competition at both venues.
Heres a shot of Jim holding the knife.
Now all Jim needs to do is find a similar but larger piece of stag and make me a big honkin Southwest bowie out of it.
Next up is a really sweet little knife from Journeyman Smith John White. John made quite a splash at last years Blade Show, where he not only attained his JS rank, but walked away with an armful of awards, including the prestigious George Peck Award for best knife submitted by a Journeyman Smith applicant. I had recently picked up a terrific stag bowie of Johns, so I knew what to expect in terms of terrific craftsmanship. I didnt expect, however, to be so captivated by one of his smaller knives:
This beautiful piece of cutlery sports a useful little 3 7/8 blade of forged 1075 carbon steel with a very well executed hand-rubbed satin finish. The overall length rounds out at 8 3/8.
The fittings are bronze, and both the ferrule and handle frame display meticulous filework.
The handle scales themselves are mammoth ivory in a beautiful caramel colour that give this knife a very distinctive look. As with all of Johns knives, a quality leather sheath by the maker completes the package. John describes this model as a utility / personal carry and I think it also works very well as small game hunter. Wicked sharp edge on this little piece as well.
Here is a final shot of maker and knife:
I congratulate both these fine gentlemen on the quality of their work.
Roger Pinnock
While the big blades will always be my favorites, there is room in my universe for the smaller knives as well. And the fact that it is easier to make room in the wallet for them sure doesnt hurt. Actually, I was tremendously impressed by the selection of hunters available at the Blade Show this year. There were easily six or eight pieces that I really wanted to take home, and I had to make a concerted effort not to get carried away.The first little one is from Arkansas Master Smith Jim Walker:
The drop point blade is forged from 1080 carbon steel, measures 4 1/8 in length and displays the type of fine hand-rubbed satin finish that one would expect of a Master Smith of Jims considerable talent. The overall length is a compact 8 ½. The fittings, including the nicely-executed domed but cap, are stainless steel. Sheath by Kenny Rowe.
Of course, it will come as no surprise that what first grabbed me about this knife (and what I first grabbed hold of, and didnt let go..) is the unbelievably gorgeous stag carver handle. I am a sucker for good stag, and this piece is exceptional. Displaying strong colours of amber, red and brown it looks almost good enough to eat.
This makes two shows in a row that I have attended that Jim Walker has carried off the Best Hunter award (the other being the most recent Spirit of Steel Show in Dallas) quite an accomplishment given the level of competition at both venues.
Heres a shot of Jim holding the knife.
Now all Jim needs to do is find a similar but larger piece of stag and make me a big honkin Southwest bowie out of it.
Next up is a really sweet little knife from Journeyman Smith John White. John made quite a splash at last years Blade Show, where he not only attained his JS rank, but walked away with an armful of awards, including the prestigious George Peck Award for best knife submitted by a Journeyman Smith applicant. I had recently picked up a terrific stag bowie of Johns, so I knew what to expect in terms of terrific craftsmanship. I didnt expect, however, to be so captivated by one of his smaller knives:
This beautiful piece of cutlery sports a useful little 3 7/8 blade of forged 1075 carbon steel with a very well executed hand-rubbed satin finish. The overall length rounds out at 8 3/8.
The fittings are bronze, and both the ferrule and handle frame display meticulous filework.
The handle scales themselves are mammoth ivory in a beautiful caramel colour that give this knife a very distinctive look. As with all of Johns knives, a quality leather sheath by the maker completes the package. John describes this model as a utility / personal carry and I think it also works very well as small game hunter. Wicked sharp edge on this little piece as well.
Here is a final shot of maker and knife:
I congratulate both these fine gentlemen on the quality of their work.
Roger Pinnock
.
!!!
