Maker's Distinct Design Features

[Kevin Jones]

As I was looking over some knife photos, I found myself observing some of the design elements that particular makers are known for. In other words the features that we come to associate with and appreciate in their knives.

Here's some examples. Please add any you are familiar with.

First, Don Hanson's remarkable use of Ivory:

Jay Hendrickson's artistic handles and sheaths:

Tim Hancock's precision border cut and grooved fittings and spanish notch:

And then there's John White's masterful filework:

Jerry Fisk's Sendero handle design and his exquisite Dogstar damascus pattern:

Karl's Anderson's captivating "take down" handle construction:

D Holder's stacked handles:

Larry Fuegen's carving of handles blades and sheaths:

Harvy Dean's "Feather" pattern damascus:

Please add any of your favorites.

 

[severedthumbs]

I dont think it gets much more distinct, Zipper Blade this picture is from the book "The Great Collections" by Dr. David Darom

 

[bryce]

Do all of the above makers post on bladeforums?

I know most of them do just from the makers forum regular's

 

[Kevin Jones]

I dont think it gets much more distinct, Zipper Blade

Yep severed, that's would fall into the distinct catogory.

Do all of the above makers post on bladeforums?

I know most of them do just from the makers forum regular's

Don Hanson, Karl Anderson, Jerry Fisk and John White are regualrs here.

And of course there's Don's crazy blades:

 

[ddd]

Can it get any more recognizable than a Henry H. Frank folder?

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)

From my book "Custom Folding Knives"

 

[Ivan Campos]

Lots of nice pics here!
I think that every maker´s major goal should be to develop his own style (even when it comes from or is directly inspired by another) or as Kevin describes, "distinct design features".
That´s what will spare his knives from becoming commodities and I keep telling this to all the new makers that I have contact with.

 

[John M Cohea]

I borrowed the pictures from an Ebay auction,but the patterned copper band is easily associated with the artistry of Daniel Winkler, which he was kind enough to give me permission to use occasionally on my own works.The technique is repouss'e, and is one of the oldest metalworking techniques known to man, but I believe Daniel may have been the first,or one of the first to use it on knives.

 

[Joss]

- Don Fogg's hamons (although it is a sign of his influence that the concept of a blade with hamon is now applied by other top makers such as Don Hanson and Burt Foster)
- Barry Davis' use of straight laminate damascus, carved into bolsters (a concept he borrowed from Jim Schmidt)

 

[jdm61]

Bill Moran's wire inlay and "embossed" leather covered wooden sheaths.

 

[Joss]

- Jurgen Steinau incredibly intricate mosaic.
- Harumi Hirayama incredibly intricate inlay and carving.

 

[Don Hanson III]

Every maker should have his/her on style. I was influenced early on by, Knickmeyer, Schmidt, McHenry, Fikes, Bose, Howard Ckark, Dippold and more recently the hamon work of Fogg. I do feel, I now have my own style.

Good topic, Kevin!!!

 

[severedthumbs]

Anything by Wolfgang Loerchner

 

[JeremyM]

In addition to the others mentioned above, here are a few makers who work I can usually identify without any problems, by a particular feature of look..

Raymond Richard - wrought iron fittings
Anders Hogstrom - stunning woodwork, particularly in sheaths - masur birch, etc
David Broadwell - carving on handles & steel
Burt Foster - his handles have a pretty unique shape, and his carbon/stainless laminate blades, a new feature, but worth a mention

 

[HTMD]

Joe Keeslar's primitive-style forged finger guard's:

*ps: Kevin - As long as you're around I'm certain we'll never run out of interesting things to discuss! Thanks.

 

[HTMD]

Tai Goo's Bush blades:

 

[ckerwin]

Great thread and pictures. Thanks all:thumbup:

 

[Jon Brand]

Ed Fowler is obviously recognizeable, but has mentored a few who closely follow his style.

You can also look at specific patterns in mosaic damascus. Ex- Cliff Parkers animals, Don Hansons faces, Shane taylors bats, etc..

 

[peterinct]

Great thread and some very fine pictures. Surprised the distinctive blade grinds of Bob Loveless and Walter Brend have not been mentioned?

Peter

 

[Kevin Jones]

Then there's Steve Dunn's engraving and gold inlay.

Another example of Larry Fuegen's carving:

Ron Lake beauties. How many distinctive design features can be seen here?:

Francesco Pachi used a very unique and distinctive design feature in artistically marking has blades with a grinding wheel. Don't have a photo, perhaps someone does.

 

[jjtjr]

Retired MS Wayne Valachovic was known for his lockback folders. Jim Treacy