Mediterranean Dirks

kamagong

kamagong

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Jan 13, 2001
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As those who've already read my thread on Searles Bowies know, I've just graduated from school. I'm thinking of picking up my first custom knife. The first is the Searles style. The second is a Mediterranean Dirk. Does anyone here have Mediterranean Dirks. Who are the good makers of this style of knife. If you could, I'd really like to see pictures. I would also appreciate it if you guys could give me some contact info. Thanks a lot.

I know that I may be getting a little irritating, so before you say it I've already done a search. Some of the pics are no longer in the archives though, and I thought that maybe some of you guys have picked up new pieces that you haven't yet showed.
 
Like Stephen mentioned in the other thread, your options will be many, and your choice will be informed by how much you want to spend and how long you are prepared to wait.

You might want to have a look at this thread (many pics are gone, but much good info remains. When someone like Jerry Fisk takes the time to post, you might want to pay attention):

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=231833

As for some pics:

Ken Durham:

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Kirk Rexroat:

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(Both of the above pics from knifeart.com)

Christof Derringer (pic from Bladegallery.com)

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Tai Goo (this is a little small, but he makes ‘em big as well. Tai’s pic, I do believe):

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The Gaucho knife is the close cousin of the Med dirk, and the Brazilian makers excel at these (see under this heading the likes of Ricardo Vilar, Rodrigo Sfreddo and Luciano Dorneles) Here is a fine example from Sfreddo (pic from knifeart.com):

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Jerry Fisk’s Jamencia model is quite sublime (pic from www.fisk-knives.com):

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For contact info for any of the ABS bladesmiths check www.americanbladesmith.com – they have a ton of links to makers’ sites there.

I have an order coming due with Bailey Bradshaw and am torn between having him make me a big damascus camp knife or a big integral Med Dirk.

Have fun.

Roger
 
I think that Ken Durham and the boys from Brazil currently own this arena.
You can't go wrong either way.
 
Those are all beautiful knives. I especially like the one by Kirk Rexroat. Are all Mediterranean Dirks so dressed up? For my first knife I want something more simple. I want one with the lines of Rexroat's knife, but without the carved/inlayed handle and fileworked blade. I just want something with a beautiful wood and an integral bolster.
 
kamagong said:
Those are all beautiful knives. I especially like the one by Kirk Rexroat. Are all Mediterranean Dirks so dressed up? For my first knife I want something more simple. I want one with the lines of Rexroat's knife, but without the carved/inlayed handle and fileworked blade. I just want something with a beautiful wood and an integral bolster.
Click to expand...

The knife can be any way you want the maker to make it. This is what makes custom knives custom.

I recall that Don Hanson had a big clean integral dirk as one of his JS test knives - perhaps Peter will post a pic of it.

Roger
 
What is the etiquette for ordering custom knives? Can I show a smith a picture of the Rexroat dirk and say, "Make this knife for me." Do I need to get the original smith's permission?
 
Here's one that was made by Daniel Ehrenberger in 2004 and was sold at Blade. It sold again on Bladeart I believe. I saw it in person and it was fantastic, it has an ivory handle and twisted W style damascus blade. Unfortunately Daniel has taken a break from knife making.

bgknife3309.jpeg
 
kamagong said:
What is the etiquette for ordering custom knives? Can I show a smith a picture of the Rexroat dirk and say, "Make this knife for me." Do I need to get the original smith's permission?
Click to expand...
Glad you asked. I would suggest showing a maker a knife and saying "This *really* appeals to me. Can you do something similar?" That is how I handled a number of dirks that are underway to me. I want the maker's unique influence, yet having a framework that I like.

If you want an exact copy of Kirk Rexroat's dirk--then talk to Kirk! :)

Don't get me going about Med Bowies. My very favorite, when it's done right. :D I have a whole folder filled with examples. Maybe I should post them...... (later when I have time.)

Coop
 
Not all Med Bowies, but they all share the same 'guardless' influence I enjoy.

http://www.fototime.com/inv/41D6D2CDA4C9DC4

There are 80 images in that folder!

I have (2) Med Bowies on order from two forging makers. That Sfreddo is whisperin' to me sweetly, too.. :)

Coop
 
Hello there guys,

Here are some examples of less dressy gaucho mediterranean style dirks from Brazil:

gauchocamp.jpg


Sfreddo Gaucho Camp Knife

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Ricardo Vilar

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Luciano Dorneles - Hunter´s set

If you need any contact information, you can get that at my website:
www.brazilianbladesmiths.com.br or I can help you with an order.

Cheers!

Jeff Velasco
 
Hey Keith, how´s it going?

I thought about posting that picture as well but those ar kind of old models. I know for sure that the upper carbon steel knife is no longer being made. The handle design has changed a lot since I took that pic in the São Paulo Knife Show in 2002. :D

Cheers!
 
Hi Joss,

Yup, it is. You would know best!

Roger, your head's too big as it is! :p :eek: :cool:

Coop
 
There is no photo in my last post because it seems the Brazilian Bladesmith site is down. Hopefully it will be up again soon.
 
Keith, the site is up and running well. I can see all the pics. Maybe it´s a thing related to your routes.. does any one have the same problem?
 
I can't see the Brazilian links either, hope they get sorted soon as this is a great source thread.

Coop that gallery is superb.

Stephen
 
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