- Joined
- May 10, 2000
- Messages
- 3,351
They've been talked about in this forum before (link), but I'd like to mention once again that the talented Brazilian Bladesmiths really deserve a close look by collectors and users of forged knives. Now that I have in my posession a few examples of their work, I can speak directly of the great craftsmanship they produce.
Damascus Fighter by Luciano Dorneles
Integral Utility by Gustavo Vilar
Both of these knives show superb fit and finish, not to mention excellent handle ergonomics. In fact, I've heard several people comment on the wonderful feel of the handles on some of the more traditional gaucho style knives being made by Luciano Dorneles, Rodrigo Sfreddo, Ricardo Vilar, Gustavo Vilar, and others. The handles on these two are no exception.
The fighter's mosaic damascus blade and fittings are of a W1, L6 combination, and the handle is maple.
The integral utility is forged 52100 with a Brazilian hardwood handle.
I've noticed that Jerry Fisk, perhaps inspired by these talented bladesmiths with whom he has worked on several occasions in the past, is making some more integrals these days as well, including an integral version of his Sendero hunter (link). Now we all know how amazingly talented a Bladesmith Jerry Fisk is, but I have to say, if he can make an integral as clean and symmetrical as Gustavo Vilar, he'll be doing real well.
Jeff Velasco has been tremendously helpful in coordinating not only communication, but also payment and shipping details. I'll admit, I was a little concerned about getting these knives to my door safely and quickly from Brazil, but it could not have gone any more smoothly. The knives were at my home in just a few short days. I have a few more orders pending, and can hardly wait for these orders to be filled.
In the meantime, I encourage everyone here to take a look at the Brazilian Bladesmiths' website, where you can learn more about several of the makers, their techniques, and their knives.
Damascus Fighter by Luciano Dorneles
Integral Utility by Gustavo Vilar
Both of these knives show superb fit and finish, not to mention excellent handle ergonomics. In fact, I've heard several people comment on the wonderful feel of the handles on some of the more traditional gaucho style knives being made by Luciano Dorneles, Rodrigo Sfreddo, Ricardo Vilar, Gustavo Vilar, and others. The handles on these two are no exception.
The fighter's mosaic damascus blade and fittings are of a W1, L6 combination, and the handle is maple.
The integral utility is forged 52100 with a Brazilian hardwood handle.
I've noticed that Jerry Fisk, perhaps inspired by these talented bladesmiths with whom he has worked on several occasions in the past, is making some more integrals these days as well, including an integral version of his Sendero hunter (link). Now we all know how amazingly talented a Bladesmith Jerry Fisk is, but I have to say, if he can make an integral as clean and symmetrical as Gustavo Vilar, he'll be doing real well.
Jeff Velasco has been tremendously helpful in coordinating not only communication, but also payment and shipping details. I'll admit, I was a little concerned about getting these knives to my door safely and quickly from Brazil, but it could not have gone any more smoothly. The knives were at my home in just a few short days. I have a few more orders pending, and can hardly wait for these orders to be filled.
In the meantime, I encourage everyone here to take a look at the Brazilian Bladesmiths' website, where you can learn more about several of the makers, their techniques, and their knives.
