Ken Erickson: "Norfolk ('Humpback') Whittler"

[ken erickson]

Wow, thats sweet. I wonder if there are pics of it in progress?

Sadly to say I did not take wip pictures on this one. I was so concentrated on making the parts for this knife without a pattern that snapping pictures was the last thing on my mind.

Thanks Elliott. I had thought that the blades looked different as to where the grind line starts and that this was an intentional tweaking based on personal preference.
roland

Roland, I would say also that my grind is slightly higher than the pictures and drawings of Remington's I have examined.

I also would love to see any in-process pictures. Do the split backsprings also load the lock bar? It is tough to tell from the photos, but I think that might be what is going on. That is a very clever, but ever-so-intricate mechanism. If that is accurate, it eliminates the need for a separate spring to load the lock bar, but also increases the complexity and precision required exponentially. Even if you completely ignore the fantastic craftsmanship (like that is even possible), this is still an exquisite knife due to the intricacy of the mechanisms. As fabulous as the pictures are, I can only imagine how great it is in person. Congratulations to both Ken and Elliott on this one.

The springs are anchored by the two pins closest to the "hump" One end of the spring works secondary blade tang, the other end works the rocker bar/lock tab. The springs are one of the great challenges to making this knife.


I really appreciate the wonderful comments on this knife. This knife has many complexities that are unique to say the sleeve-board whittler such as the Case/Bose collaboration knife that does not utilize a tapered center spacer between the springs. This knife not only uses a tapered spacer but the Rocker bar/lock tab is tapered. When making the master blade the stock has to be tapered from tang to tip to allow passage of the secondary blades. This would not be a concern if the blade did not have a saber grind. I could go on about the build details but that would be better left for private message or email if your interested.

Thanks again for commenting on this knife. This has been a special one for me on many levels, not to mention the fact that a good friend ended up with it! Thanks Elliott.

 

[Bastid]

This knife is stunning from any angle, the blades were ground beautifully and the master is just cool, unusual and I would think a very tough grind, but what really made me reach the conclusion that it is the most amazing traditional knife I have handled was Ken's work on the center taper and springs as well as the lock. I can not imagine how he got the fit on those to match his standards which are impossibly high.

 

[Blues]

This knife is stunning from any angle, the blades were ground beautifully and the master is just cool, unusual and I would think a very tough grind, but what really made me reach the conclusion that it is the most amazing traditional knife I have handled was Ken's work on the center taper and springs as well as the lock. I can not imagine how he got the fit on those to match his standards which are impossibly high.

Gus, every time I read that (and I know you mean what you write) I'm amazed. I'm sure that some folks have no idea of the breadth of both your knowledge and personal collection but if they did...they'd fully realize just how significant a statement that is. You can be sure that both Ken and I treasure that assessment.

 

[338375]

Had to come back for my daily look. Is it possible that a knife can actually make a grown man drool ? I don't normally answer my own questions (at least in public) but yes it is....
Every time I look at that knife, I get the feeling I'm sittin around an old pot bellied stove at the General store circa early 1900's. I've looked through your knife album numerous times, and without a doubt there are some truly incredible knives, but this one deserves the podium IMHO.

I hope yer red bone Ruple (you know the one) , doesn't read my comments about this knife, might get her feelins hurt.

 

[Mack]

This knife is stunning from any angle, the blades were ground beautifully and the master is just cool, unusual and I would think a very tough grind, but what really made me reach the conclusion that it is the most amazing traditional knife I have handled was Ken's work on the center taper and springs as well as the lock. I can not imagine how he got the fit on those to match his standards which are impossibly high.

Gus, every time I read that (and I know you mean what you write) I'm amazed. I'm sure that some folks have no idea of the breadth of both your knowledge and personal collection but if they did...they'd fully realize just how significant a statement that is. You can be sure that both Ken and I treasure that assessment.

Coming from most folks I would think that what Gus said was impressive but "how many knives have you really handled?". Coming from Gus this statement means something completely different. I've seen quite a few from his collection here.
One day I would love to see this in person.

 

[JC in SC]

The springs are anchored by the two pins closest to the "hump" One end of the spring works secondary blade tang, the other end works the rocker bar/lock tab. The springs are one of the great challenges to making this knife.

Hi Ken,

Thank you for taking the time to respond. That is what I thought, but couldn't tell for sure from the pictures. I can imagine that adds considerable complication to the build, not to mention the complexity of tapering the springs, etc. Again, fantastic work on this one.

 

[Durwood]

Somebody delete this thread please, cuz it ain't right to covet another man's knife

Just kidding, I still love look'n at it:thumbup:

 

[ken erickson]

Thanks again for the very kind comments on this knife. If it was not for my relationship with Elliott this knife would have not been built.
I have had many requests for this pattern and if and when I make another I will do a wip. I think many would find a wip informative with a pattern as unique as this.

 

[rprocter]

Quote: "One day I would love to see this in person"
Me too ! Great knife for a "pass around" !!
roland

 

[Blues]

Quote: "One day I would love to see this in person"
Me too ! Great knife for a "pass around" !!
roland

Huh?!?

I don't think my heart is up to that...

(Good thing I missed this post yesterday or I'd have had a sleepless night. )

 

[synthesist]

Whewwwwwwwwwwww..............

I am stunned every time I look at this thread (and I've looked at it a lot of times but I'm, finally, commenting). I have an affection for locking whittlers and this own blows me away. I have a dandy one of my own, made by Bob Enders years ago but it wasn't a Norfolk pattern which is a "holy grail" for many.

Great job Ken

Syn

 

[Bigfattyt]

NICE! What a fantastic job on that one!