John Fitch Mammoth; Damascus Boot Knife

Kevin Jones

Kevin Jones

Joined
Oct 28, 2006
Messages
13,363
This is a sweet Boot Knife by John Fitch. Had it quite some time. Photo doesn't do it justice, but it has one of the most well executed ladder pattern Damascus blades I have seen. Both blade and top clip are as sharp as a razor. I particularly like this piece as it's small enough to conceal, however has a stout enough blade to handle about anything from precise cutting to chopping. Thought I would share it, thanks for looking.......

AOL=10"
BL= 5"
Max Width = 1 1/4"
Handle= Presentation Grade Mammoth Ivory
Blade = Ladder Pattern Damascus of 1084 & 15n20
Guard = Contoured Nickle Silver
Balanced @ just handle side of the guard.

JOHNFITCHSmallDamaususBowie001.jpg


JOHNFITCHSmallDamaususBowie003.jpg
 
Now that is some serious handle material!

Why wasn't this one in the "Ivory" poll?

BTW, GREAT KNIFE :thumbup: Another reason why John Fitch makes me crazy.

P
 
ptgdvc said:
Now that is some serious handle material!

Why wasn't this one in the "Ivory" poll?

BTW, GREAT KNIFE :thumbup: Another reason why John Fitch makes me crazy.

P
Click to expand...

Thanks for the comments.

Peter, this one just didn't come to mind. I was cleaning some of my pieces this morning and hadn't handled this one in a while and was admiring the ivory and John's workmanship, it so I thought I would post it.

It also got me to thinking however about all the conversation we hear about ivory shrinking and cracking and I have not found this to be the case with my knives. This piece must be 5 years old and is still like perfect. My elephant ivory Fisk Boot knife I have posted in the past is still immaculate. I recently found that Darby was the original owner of that piece and he said it was made in '97 making it 10 years old. I was amazed. All I do is rub my ivory down with Camellia Oil every so often.
I think it's all about the maker selecting a quality piece, and knowing how to work it (slow and keeping it cool) and of course a little maintenance of the finished piece by the owner.
A shame too, as I think some folks pass on ivory handle knives as they are afraid they may deteriorate.
 
Nice piece, Kevin! Thanks for sharing this one. John does great work. Nice damascus and ivory!

I think you are right about the ivory. And, by "the maker selecting a quality piece", that includes knowing where it came from and how long it has been out of the ground. 'Green' ivory is guaranteed to move.


- Joe
 
Very nice. I have a guardless ladder pattern fighter with a off white walrus ivory handle by Big John. He do make a vivid ladder patterm don't he?:thumbup: :D
 
Nice Fitch Kevin,
When it comes down to it you can't go wrong with Big John Fitch's knives.
Buddy S.:cool: :thumbup::thumbup:
 
jdm61 said:
Very nice. I have a guardless ladder pattern fighter with a off white walrus ivory handle by Big John. He do make a vivid ladder patterm don't he?:thumbup: :D
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the views and kinds words.

I agree Joe. His ladder pattern is always very clean and uniform. This one has quite a bit of shimmer due to the 15n20 content. I like shimmer in Damascus as it makes the pattern dance in the light so to speak.

I usually prefer a bolster, ferrule or spacer on my knives, however this one just seems to work without it.
 
Kevin Jones said:
Thanks for all the views and kinds words.

I agree Joe. His ladder pattern is always very clean and uniform. This one has quite a bit of shimmer due to the 15n20 content. I like shimmer in Damascus as it makes the pattern dance in the light so to speak.

I usually prefer a bolster, ferrule or spacer on my knives, however this one just seems to work without it.
Click to expand...
But that would have meant that he would have thrown away a 1/4 inch or so of that ivory............bummer
;)
 
Not many photos posted here for Fitch's work, so here's a link to a great looking Fitch damascus fighter that appeared on the Knife Art website recently. (Not sure if it's OK to post Knife Art's photo without permission.)

http://www.knifeart.com/amaanddafibo.html

A slender, guardless fighter with a 6 1/2" ladder damascus blade, nickel silver bolster and mammoth ivory handle. Fit and finish are really fine but the lines and proportions are what immediately caught my attention on this one.

Spine has a slight 'southwest' curve that reverses at the bolster to a slight downward curve through the handle. Gives the knife a beautiful visual flow.
Actually, it's not just the contour lines, all of the elements are in balance on this one. Exceptional work. (Even if I wasn't the guy who bought it!)

Bob R.
 
I just found this thread after doing some internet searching. I am the new proud owner of this amazing knife made by John Fitch and I could not be happier with this incredible blade and handle. I'm sure it's strange to revive a thread after 6 1/2+ years but I felt with THIS knife, it was well worthy! :-)
 
You are very wrong actually.

What would have been correct would be to start a new thread, link to the old thread and introduce yourself.

Either way, welcome to BladeForums and enjoy your new knife!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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