Legacy Series #3-John White, Maker-Joe Mason, Engraver- "Best Bowie" Blade 2011

John White

John White

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Legacy #3, made by John White, and engraved by Joe Mason, just premiered at Blade 2011, where it won the "Best Bowie" award. Jim Cooper is documenting photographer for the series, and the knife will be displayed in a J.W.Winchester glass and oak case.

The knife is a 10 1/4 inch, four-bar,"W-cored Turkish twist" Damascus, D-Guard Dogbone Bowie. Handle scales are Fossil Walrus, fittings are two-bar "W" Damascus, liners and spacers are solid Sterling silver. It is a full "take-down," and the Walrus and Damascus take-down tool holds spare assembly pins.

Joe Mason executed gold inlay, deep relief engraving on the D-bow, thumb rest, and finial, gold wire inlay on the collars, and added gold inlay leaf accents.

Here is Jim Cooper's documenting photograph, taken at Blade 2011.

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Legacy #1, made by John White, and engraved by Joe Mason, premiered at the 2009 Arkansas Custom Knifemaker's Show, where it won "Best Art Knife."It was documented by Jim Cooper's photography, and later presented in a custom fitted Huey case

Legacy #2, made by John White, and engraved by Brian Hochstrat, premiered at Blade 2010, and will be featured on the cover of "Knives 2012." It, too, was documented by Coop, and was presented in a J.W.Winchester glass and oak case.

This series of knives, which will include five in total, designed to be a showcase for maker and engraver, is proving to be a great pleasure, in the making, and in the relationships with both owners and collaborators. I hope you'll enjoy this view as well.

John White
 
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I got a chance to handle this one at Blade, and to say it is impressive is an understament! Congrats on the award John, and the engraving and photo are spectacular as well! I enjoyed visiting with you at the show!
 
Exquisite! I got to "coon finger" this one too, and it is what I consider a national heirloom.

Looking forward to seeing that interesting new dagger come to life too...

Adam-
 
must've taken a couple hours to slap that one together : )
 
So much artistry...truly excellent.
You've hit a high note that will be heard for quite a spell...!
Congrats too, on the award John...
 
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This knife is absolutely stunning. I also had an opportunity to "coon finger" it, with permission, as it's owner watched. The knife and the engraving are both so beautiful.

She'll make a good man jealous just seeing her and holding her for a fleeting moment in time:p

Congrats John, Joe, Coop for the great photo, and especially to the new owner!
 
Hats off to John for this terrific series of knives - I feel very fortunate to have been included and very excited to have sponsored this particular piece.

I've always wanted to own a Dogbone bowie and have admired John's past pieces very much. But a Dogbone doesn't provide a very large canvas for an engraver, and quality engraving is very much a key part of the Legacy series. When John suggested a Dogbone combined with a D-guard, I thought that was just as cool as could be - as I've always wanted to own a D-guard too!

It has been a real pleasure to watch this one come together - lots of communication and update photos from John made it feel like I was always connected with both knife and maker as the project unfolded.

I was extra glad that I managed to slip down to Blade for a day to be there for the first public display of this piece, and of course, could not be more delighted with the knife itself. When the winner of the Best Bowie award was announced.... well - that was the icing on the cake. Congrats John!

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Of course, John was in for a second helping of icing, as his clamshell dagger claimed the Best Damascus award.

The display case that John described will be felt-lined and will fully house the custom display stand shown in the above photo:

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I already have the spot picked out at home for this heirloom rest.

John also mentioned this was a take-down piece, and that it is. Here is the exploded view:

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I thought it might be wise to take notes on how to get it back together, and figured a video would be the best way, so for those who might like to watch the partial re-assembly of this piece, have a gander (click on the pic below to launch the vid):



Sorry for the screwy colour, but you get the drift.

My thanks again to John for allowing me to be part of this series of very special knives.

Roger
 
Let me add my thanks to Roger, now that he has identified himself as owner.

Roger's commission allowed me to stretch my imagination, and his friendship and encouragement, for years now, has made this business a pleasure.

John
 
What a delight. Roger, that video made my day. GREAT idea!

John, like all experts, you made it look easy.

I'm happy to have supported this project.

Congrats!

Coop
 
John,

You hit a home run with this very special Dogbone Bowie. The D-guard really adds to the knife, especially with the great Joe Mason engraving.

Congratulations, Roger you really have a beautiful knife.

Jim Treacy
 
Stunning. What a great video too. You are a phenom John. I always admire your pieces, your artistry and your skill.
And the engraving just puts it over the top.

Congratulations and thanks to Roger for commissioning such a fine work of art.
 
Congrats to all involved, especially to you Roger. I feel fortunate to have even seen this piece up close, it's THAT special.
 
Roger, great video! I don't know if I was more impressed by John's hands or by the knife.
John White...crap, I don't even know what to say. You're totally friggin impressive.
 
Thats a super knife John. And the fact that you won probably the two best awards makes you a real special man. I'm proud to own some of your knives! Keep pushing the limits!
 
Brilliant knife from one of the best in the field. John you did a great job together with Joe. Roger I'm sure you're tickled pink, I know I would. Love that video, only a master can make something complicated look as simple as you did John!!

Marcel
 
John a truly exceptional effort by all. By far one of the finest knives I have seen from any marker to date. Roger you are extremely fortunate to have this one in your collection, congratulations! Just a spectacular knife and your choice of display's looks perfect!

Enjoy, Jon
 
Really great knife !

The knife is basically clasic shape, but also has modern atmosphere.
The blade, the handle, every parts are beautiful till in detail, and the engraving is also sophisticated.

Congratulations, John !
Congratulations, Roger !
 
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