Ken Erickson Knives: A Retrospective

ken erickson said:
I just finished up one of my JMP's(Junior Michigan pen) for a forum member.

This one , hafted in Ebony, features A2. It will be interesting for me to see the patina that forms if allowed on this one.
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Wow - Ken that is a great one!
If it's anything like my A2 Erickson, it will get a nice patina. Mine has a ways to go, but it's starting to look nice. :)
 
What a treat this thread has been. A real eye feast for a new (old) guy here.

I thought years ago maybe a Lloyd Pendleton (talked to him at a show once) drop point hunter was my grail knife...



...but now I've changed my mind!

I'm so happy to see -in a world of exotic movie knives- these wonderful traditional folders that capture the essence of the old school, with the execution of a master.

Now I'm gonna have to figure out which pattern, grind, etc etc etc I want when I decide to spring for one.

Beautiful!

I admire your work.
 
ken erickson said:
I just finished up one of my JMP's(Junior Michigan pen) for a forum member.

This one , hafted in Ebony, features A2. It will be interesting for me to see the patina that forms if allowed on this one. My customer also requested a slightly different shield than the straight bar with angled ends. This one has subtle curves thinning it out in the center. I think it was a very nice choice he made.

Thanks for looking!

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That "Empire-ization" of the shield is a great touch Ken (and customer!)
Brings that simple yet great pattern closer to perfection!
Il est magnifique!
 
I figured my plate is plenty full getting ready for Blade and all , but I had time to make up 10 blade picks, or openers. (not available, all going to Atlanta). I have coined the name minnow for these little guys. They are 2 3/8 long, ATS-34, hardened and tempered(48 rc). Suitable for a key ring, or lanyard. This one has my dyed and jigged bone, but I will make the others with a variety of scale materials. This one is scaled on one side only, some will have scales on both sides.

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Thanks for looking!

Ken
 
Nice! I call one :)

Mike, you better come this year. Me and some folks will track you down if you don't
 
Here's a picture of the Junior Michigan Pen that I got from Ken two weeks ago. I try to take my new customs out for barbecue as soon as possible, but this one took a little longer than most. I thought y'all might like to see how patinas get started for me.

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James
 
rprocter said:
Ken, how about showing us you can do a more delicate knife just as well ?
The 4 blade Senator made about 100years ago in Britain, Germany and U.S.A. is my favorite pattern. These can be very dressy knives.
That's what I would like to see.
roland
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Roland's post actually had pretty good timing, as I had already started this knife. So even though Roland had thrown down the gauntlet ;) this one was progressing through my shop. Man what a tough little knife to make. The pattern is based on a Sheffield(see post script) made swell center Congress that a member had sent me to look over. 3 3/8 , sheepfoot, small wharncliffe, small pen, and a first for me,manicure blade. All blades have a long pull, which was a challenge in itself. If you look close you can see just how thin the pulls are. I ground a cutter especially for this knife. The thickness of the cut is a mere .025! All blades have half-stops, the pulls are 3 1/2 to 4 with good walk and talk. All blades are stamped with my mark, much like the Sheffield made knives back in the day. My dyed and jigged bone scales. D2 blades and springs. This knife not available, as its going to blade.

My tribute to those crazy talented men and women working in the cutlery shops in Sheffield, Germany and United states back in the day.

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Post script,
I was just made aware that Southington Cutlery Company was an American company, not Sheffield as I had assumed! According to LG4 Southington Cutlery Company was in business from 1867 till about 1914.
 
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Oh boy that is sweet! Outta the park on this one!
 
That is amazing. The manicure blade will come in handy for keeping a nail thin enough for the nicks.
 
ken erickson said:
My tribute to those crazy talented men and women working in the cutlery shops in Sheffield, Germany and United states back in the day.
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What a great job on a tough knife to replicate. Nice...very nice work, Ken. :thumbup:

And, D2 blades! Man, I just made my first note of things to see at Blade this year.

- Joe
 
Ken,

I'm sure it wasn't an easy knife to make back then or over the past few weeks, but it looks great. Elegant pattern, love the bone, swedges and nail nicks. All in all a great tribute to the Golden Age of knives here in the U.S.
 
Wow Ken ! Lovely. and one of the benefits is that the next one will be 'easier' and likely take less time.
You must feel very satisfied that your determination and skill have resulted in this exhibition quality knife. I hope that there was enough enjoyment during the process that there will be many more vintage patterns coming for many years.
Have you had a chance to view all the patterns in Bernard's book ?
Maybe milled gold liners and scissors in a 4 blade Senator, down the road ?
Congratulations Ken. I hope this direction continues, but only if you enjoy it.
roland
 
Very nice, Ken. Congrats, Mike! :thumbup::cool:
 
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