Michael Ruth Jr. "Ruthless" Series # 1

jklein7401

jklein7401

Joined
Dec 26, 2005
Messages
519
I have a little story to tell regarding this fine knife and Michael. We first me at the Arkansas show a few months back. You may or may not remember Roger's photo's from the show but one was of a really nice bowie that Michael had made. I regretted letting that slip through my hands but came up with an idea. I approached Michael and offered this challenge. Make me a killer bowie, the finest piece you have ever made and "Ruthless" #1 is the result. The deal was if you make a nice enough piece I will buy a JS test knife, JS stamp knife, MS test knife, and MS stamp knife at the minimum. The flip side was "if you blow it, I guess we are done at one knife" Well that surely seemed to hit a nerve and fired Michael up. Over the last couple of months it has been an absolute pleasure talking with him about this piece, listening to the heartache he went through at times, and feeling his commitment. The result of this challenge to me is one of the finest pieces I have had the pleasure of placing in my collection. :D I cannot begin to shower enough praise on what Michael has accomplished. It has been some time since I have been this excited over a knife. Do not get me wrong I treasure each and every piece I own and the relationship's I have with the makers. However, this one for me is so personal I will treasure it for years to come.

I thought it would only be appropriate to add a special sheath and Paul Long's outstanding full coverage Crocodile sheath surely fit the bill. To top it all off Chuck's fantastic pictures complete the experience.

Well enough of my rambling here it is:

Ruthless series bowie:

16.5" overall length
11.5" Blade 200 layer ladder pattern Damascus 1084/15n20
Guard and Sculpted Butt cap 300 layer Damascus 1084/15n20
W-Pattern Ferrule
Fossil Walrus Ivory handle
Paul Long Full coverage Croc Sheath

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I know I have 4 more on order now, he certainly met the challenge head on. I believe he is going to be one hot commodity at Blade and would highly recommend contacting him. His order book is going to fill up quickly.

Please enjoy it as much as I do, Jon
 
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Awesome job!! Great looking knife. The details on the guard, buttcap and sheath are outstanding.

Peter
 
Congratulations to both the craftsman the execution of this piece and to the client by request and by the challenge.
 
Nice and pointy, great blade shape, aptly named.
Crazy about the furniture, WOW !
Congrats, Jon, on another fine and worthy addition to your collection.
Thanks for sharing Chuck's crystal clear pics.
As ever, awesome sheathwork by Paul Long.

Doug
 
Jon,

Congratulations on a nice idea and knife.

That's a great looking knife. Michael did a super job. I guess that the "apple does not fall far from the tree".

Jim Treacy
 
Mike Jr is a real good guy . We hung out last year at blade. His work was really good.

This new piece is really great and I think Mike really found his groove

Congrats
 
By the way the sheath is excellent


The knife and sheath deserve a stud that is as special as they are. I wish more makers would include a matching stud with knives that are going off for sash sheaths. Sam Browns just don't cut it on work of this caliber
 
it's more 'Ruthfull', than 'Ruthless':D
Phenomenal!
 
That's an exceptional piece. Congratulations! As always with Paul the sheath is the icing on the cake.
 
Finally I get to see what everyone was talking about at the spring hammer in. Wow what a knife Jon. Mike Jr. did a great job, congratulations on your new piece of art.
 
Wonderful size, shape, and proportion. Love the materials and the croc sheath is icing on the cake. Congratulations Jon! Great to feel excitement like that for a new knife that's being added to your collection.
 
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