John M. Smith bowies

S

SHyde

Joined
Sep 29, 2003
Messages
38
I have lusted after one of his Inner City bowies since the days of Fighting Knives magazine. Is he still making knives? Does anyone have contact information, or pictures?

TIA,

Scott
 
Here's mine! I bought it on gunbroker.com a few years ago.....it was listed as a "Smith Dagger" and I bought it for $250. It has a canted blade like some Bagwell Bowies. Came with a leather sheath. It is about 5/16" at the spine but overall is very light....very quick.

I don't have any contact info and I havent seen anything new from him in years. Anthony Lombardo might have some info though.

smith1.jpg


smith.jpg
 
Greg,

Thanks for the pictures! That is one SWEET blade. I just picked up one of your Hell's Belles from this very forum, and am quite impressed with your work as well.

Regards,

Scott
 
Here is a picture of a damascus Inner City Bowie. This picture was taken from customknifeconsignment.com.

p83n1.jpg


I don't even know if John M. Smith is still alive. I haven't seen anything about him in many years. He sure did make some wonderful knives.
 
Hi Keith,

I have seen that knife in person and the picture does not do it justice. The Jasper handle is exceptional.

John is alive. Unfortunately he no longer makes knives. He would have been one of the very best who ever lived had he chosen to actively pursue a career in custom knives.
 
WoodWorkGhost said:
John is alive. Unfortunately he no longer makes knives.
Click to expand...

That is a real shame (not the part about him being alive). I think his bowies are some of the best I have ever seen.
 
John M. Smith was a pioneer in the modern, forged bowie as we know it. He was a student of Bagwell and others, and came from a blacksmithing background. Looking at some of the works of current bowie masters like Dean, Fisk, and Crowell, I occasionally see some of John Smith's influence.

I have owned several of his knives and the early pieces can be identified by thier Bagwell-like construction and design. (Heavy blades, buffed finish). I talked to him a few times almost a decade ago. He was pretty much part-time then, mostly forging Damascus for art knife makers like Broadwell or the Casteels.

Smith later became known for his Damascus, which I think is as nice as any.

My finest knife is a 10" Inner city bowie with turkish twist damascus and elephant ivory handle. It is one that will never be for sale. I will try and rustle up a picture. In the meanwhile, go to customknifeconsignment and buy the ones they have there before I whip out the VISA and go nuts. They are all very fairly priced for the amount of workmanship and history they offer.

I know that John Green (Sartech) has a few Smith knives and Matt Lamey has had some also so maybe they will chime in.

I just sent Matt the KNIFE WORLD article from 1989 featuring John's work. maybe he can scan it for us?
 
... John Marlowe Smith is both a fine gentleman and a superb knifemaker...

I've stayed in contact with him over the years... He was the 2nd maker, after Bob T. - whose work I began seriously collecting. At the time, in the late '80's and early '90's his only real competition was from Harvey Dean and Jerry Fisk...

And yes, you are seeing a strong Bagwell influence in his work. I think that that's who he learned from. Although, both he and Jim Crowell have a deep liking and respect for one another, and each others' work... So, there's probably been some cross-pollinating going on there - if that's an ok characterization...


He relayed an interesting thought to me the other day - that he'd gotten dragged into making knives that he didn't particularly want to do - ie big bowies and fighters - "Potato Mashers" he referred to them...


We were also speaking about the success of The Collectors' Show in Napa last month. And John expressed interest in attending next year's Show... Now that will be a cool thing...

He'll have some great surprises for us all, I'm sure. But, it's not for me to make the specific announcements around the details... I'll just say that I'm already in line...
 
Anything new about mr J M Smith ?

I have a 1986-1987 catalog from him , he made really nice knives. His bowies were among some of the best then.

I hope he will change his mind and will start making knives again.

ELDE
 
sartech said:
We were also speaking about the success of The Collectors' Show in Napa last month. And John expressed interest in attending next year's Show... Now that will be a cool thing...

He'll have some great surprises for us all, I'm sure. But, it's not for me to make the specific announcements around the details... I'll just say that I'm already in line...
Click to expand...

I would love to learn more about John's plans.
 
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