Knife Talk

Kodiak PA

Kodiak PA

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 3, 1998
Messages
2,447
I'm a big fan of Ed Fowler and I really like his knives. Actually, I really like the way he writes about knives and knife making... making it so easy to understand that I really get something out of it. He has a neat way to captivate the reader and his book is not just for the forger.

My question(s) specifically is:

What do others think of his book and monthly article in Blade?

Secondly, if you ever met Ed, where was it and what was the experience like? We have written a bunch and I have really enjoyed Ed's letters.

Thanks and have a Knife day.
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~Greg Mete~
Kodiak Alaska

 
Never met the man.
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I have "Knife Talk" and find it to be a delightful book. So much so, when I'm off again this Friday, I think I'll read the book again.
Ed's writing style is intelligent and whimsical all at once, making his writings a joy to read.
His articles in the Blade Magazine are always one of the first things I look for.
I'm never dissappointed.

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If it's stupid but works, then it isn't stupid!

[This message has been edited by misque (edited 01-19-2000).]
 
I thoroughly enjoy his monthly article in Blade Magazine. My wife looks forward to reading his article as well. He is a wonderful wordsmith as well as bladesmith. I met him at the Blade show in Atlanta in 97. I was admiring his knives, told him I was a knifemaker wannabe but just did not have the time to devote to it. He asked, "You got a TV?" and I said yes. He said, "When you get back home chuck a rock through it and you will be amazed at how much time you will have." Words of wisdom I have yet to heed....
 
Greg,
I'm a big fan of Ed's, he was the first custom knife maker who's work I fell in love with, it's just so distinctive. First I read his magazine columns, then his book, then I made one of his knives out of wood. I brought it to the NYCKS in '98 to show to a friend I was meeting there (my first show). My friend never made it, but I saw Ed there and I had the nerve to show him my humble copy of one of his knives. He complimented my efforts, and said I needed to set up a forge and start making real knive, I told him I lived in an apartment and didn't have the room, he said set up a small forge and make miniatures, I had to laugh. He asked that I come back later and show his wife the knife I had made, of course I did. I spent maybe 20 minutes talking to the man, and I can't think of anyone that I like more, or a knife that I would rather own.
 
I find knifemakers in general to be extraordinarily nice people. I have been in several situations in other areas where "stars" in that genre were around and none were as accomodating and genial as the knifemakers I have had the fortune to meet.
I should not forget to include the folks like Sal Glesser, Will Fennell, Bob Taylor and other reps of manufacturors who are way nicer than they have to be.
we are lucky to have such NICE people among us.

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Buck Collectors Club Member
Knifeknut(just ask my wife)
Cetan Blood Brother
Military & Moran Admiration Society
 
I have ED's book and feel that it is great.
I've spoken to Ed several times on the phone and we have sent a few letters back and forth. He has always been friendly and has taken the time to answer all my questions .
I would also like to state that ,so far, EVERYONE in the knife community that I have spoken to have been friendly and helpful.
 
I have ED's book and feel that it is great.
I've spoken to Ed several times on the phone and we have sent a few letters back and forth. He has always been friendly and has taken the time to answer all my questions .
I would also like to state that ,so far, EVERYONE in the knife community that I have spoken to have been friendly and helpful.
 
I've known Ed Fowler for going on ten years now. I first met Ed face to face when I went to his ranch for may Journeyman's test. He is a super nice man, with a very down to earth mentality. I worked with him in his shop for a few days, and learned a great deal. At that time,(before he an Angela got married) he had a pet rattlesnake in the living room, and three of the best trained/behaved labs that I had ever seen. I have had the opprotunity to test several of Ed's knives (as well as a lot of others), and there is no doubt in my mind that Ed Fowler makes the toughest, best cutting blades that I have ever seen/used. Ed is also very pointed in his beliefs about cutlery and how it should be made. I have a very strong respect for a man who "sticks to his guns" in this day and age. Ed Fowler will always be one of my heros!
http://www.mtn-webtech.com/~caffrey

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Ed Caffrey
"The Montana Bladesmith"


 
Ed Fowler is a gentleman and one of the world's best storytellers. I have spoken to him many times at shows and he always has time to talk and a new story. My wife still talks about the time he told us about his journey to the "other side" after getting bit by one of his pet rattlers. He is a man who sticks to his principles and stands by his ideas without being overbearing.His knives are beautiful and virtually indestructable.
I agree with Lynn Griffith about Audra Draper's work,too. It is beautiful and getting better. BTW, if you dont have her brochure,send her $5, you wont be dissapointed.(Hmmm, that reminds me, I didnt pay for mine,yet
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).
Ed was missed at this year's NY Show-hope your back is better,Ed.
 
Well,I met Ed when I was 16. We live in the same town so I saw him of and on.Ed always had something nice to say. In 1992 I found myself alone, with no $ no Job, and three kids. I bumped into Ed one day and within moments of talking I was employed at the Willowbow Ranch! I roped, I branded , I mended fence and pulled calves. In addition to keeping the books for the ranch and trying to keep up with all those letters that were pouring in from customers and makers. Within months it was obvious that Ed was having way more fun out in the shop, than I was. So after some talking, Ed agreed to teach a GIRL how to make knives! At first I must tell ya I wasn't impressed. You see, Ed believed that I needed to learn to do the fun stuff first.(not) I learned to stitch sheathes, make them, sand on handles, sand on blades, buff handles, buff blades. Then at last I got to forge! It was all over !!!I was going to be a bladesmith! A hired hand was neccasary, now that I would be in the shop. Ed agreed. The time I spent working at the Willowbow was great! When I wasn't making knives, we would be testing them. I remember Ed's first Liquid Nitrogen testing, skinning out cows, flexing blades and cutting lots and lots of rope! I remember a couple of young men comming to the shop to do their Journeyman testing. (Dunkerly and Caffery)! among others. A Pendelton lined casket made by my husband to burry Blue. A greater dog I never knew. wondering how long Leroy the Rattler could survive if I didn't feed him while Ed was gone to all the knife shows! Making a Santa Stocking hat for the Rattlesnake! 14 calves in one day! ( this all while Ed enjoyed N.Y.)! The look in Ed's eyes when he got back from N.Y.. He had met Angela!,soon after a wedding in the field!
I suppose that when you work with the same steel for 20 years you learn to get the most out of it. I am here to testify that Ed has gotten the most out of the 52100 ball bearing steel. His strict treatment of the steel makes his knives ultimate using blades. Now for the rest of the story, and man can that man tell a story! My kids still think he was raised by a coyotte! Well I suppose that is what makes his book so appealing. It is 100% entertaining, and then there is the informative part of it too! (bonus) I of course like the articles that have my kids in them best!!! In 1996 I applied for and recieved my journeyman stamp and decided that it was time to set up my own shop. I have been going ever since! I thank Ed For the years of knowledge that he so freely shared. Audra Draper

[This message has been edited by mike draper (edited 01-20-2000).]
 
Wow, what great responses! Thanks all. And thank you Audra for what you added. That was really great reading your input. I agree that Ed is the best story teller I have ever seen and oh yeah....his knives aren't that bad, either
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. One of my dreams was to own a Proghorn. I read Ed's brochure and his book over and over again and I can not tell you how excited I was to get a letter from Angela telling me when the knife was ready. It is my most treasured possession and yes....I use it. A Fowler knife is a true study of working perfection. The knife could be a showpiece but I could never talk to Ed again if I didn't use it. He wants his knives to be used.

I find myself just staring at it at times. I really love this knife.

Thanks for the comments and keep 'em coming!
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~Greg Mete~
Kodiak Alaska



[This message has been edited by Kodiak PA (edited 01-20-2000).]
 
I can't add much to the truth said about Mr. Fowler. I love his wit and humor. He is proof that you can be a good ol' boy and still be very intelligent. He's from the old school where a hand shake is much more binding than any contract. For this and much more he is truly a knifemaking hero. Some day I want to shake his hand.

John Yeackley



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http://www.toptexknives.com/yeackley.htm My contribution to the world of knife fanatics.


 
I always look forward to Ed's articles. He teaches us not just about good knives, but what good living is all about. I love that!! When I look at his knives and see the hard work put into them and the beautiful yet functional result, I can't help but look at other aspects of life too. I see that if I work hard at work and school and at my health and social issues, beauty and function will result.

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"Come What May..."
 
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