My First Custom, Take a L@@K!

PhilL

PhilL

Joined
Oct 1, 1999
Messages
6,490
I have a couple of handmade knives, a GenO Denning, a R.O. Easler and a Michael L6 Cooper, but this is my first True Custom made to my drawings and to my specs. I don’t need to tell you I’m thrilled.
Here’s the details of the knife; made by J.A. Lonewolf of GA, the blade is 4” Random Pattern Damascus forged by Lonewolf, flat ground and filework on the spine, the handle is STAG with Turquoise spacers, and Buffalo horn butt cap, with a shaped brass guard (ala Ed Fowler). Fit and finish is perfect from what I can see.
Lonewolf, has been making knives for 20 years, you can view more of his work in his ads in Blade magazine, on AG Russell’s new Cutting Edge catalog, or at this website.
http://www.homestead.com/lwdealers/index.html

Although, Lonewolf is known for his sculpture and scrim work, I just wanted something that wouldn’t take away from the beauty of just a beautiful piece of stag. There will be additional Lonewolf’s in my future. He was kind enough to grant me an Exclusive on this knife. If you like what you see, please e-mail me directly.

I’m kind of new to all this, and I’d love to get the impressions of more experienced members:
What do you think?
What do you like?
What do you hate?
What would you change?
What in your opinion is this knife worth?

I know I’m very out of step with the majority of BF Members. No, it’s not a Tactical folder, no G10 handle, no Talonit blade, and I’ve no plans to take it to failure or try to cut through a pipe with it. With that aside, I’d still like some feedback.

Let me have it! I’m all EARS!... HERE IT IS!
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=254126&a=1889225&p=19815395



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"Will work 4 Knives!"
Homepage: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=254126
 
Wow! Very nice knife, I particularly like the use of turquoise with the stag handle (very Native American) and the wonderful damascus work on the blade of course. One question, why did you go for the longish choil?

I'm no expert on price, (actually I'm Scottish so naturally a little thrifty) but I doubt, from your obvious pride, that you would take money for it. Sh!t it would be like selling one of your kids
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Iain

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"I'm arm'd with more than complete steel - The justice of my quarrel." Christopher Marlowe
 
PhilL, that is truly a beautiful piece. I agree that it is pretty much in the minority on this forum, but it is right up my alley. I have been saving up to get a good damascus custom, possibly from Ray Coon or Will Stegner up here in the Great Northwest.

The damascus has that "WOW!" factor even on the computer screen, which I am sure doesn't do it justice. The shape is very artistic, does the design credit.

My only thing with me is the stag and turquoise. I know, I know, you are the Stagmaster and can't be swayed. But I am a huge fan of fine woodwork, and if I had to choose another handle it would be a scrimshaw job.

I am impressed. Thank you for sharing the piece and turning us all on to another fine knifemaker.

I'll trade you a PhilLie suit for it.
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Not bad, for my taste it could use a little more restraint on the visual complexity. That is for me it looks too busy.

DaveH
 
Iain, to answer your question about the long ricasso. I’m a big fan of Ed Fowler and he recommends, “The Ricasso allows the user to choke the knife for added leverage while still having full use of the guard.”
And you are correct this knife is not for sale.

Velitrius, I’m decidng on my next Lonewolf now, it probably will be either scrimed, sculpted or both.

Dave, I was looking for something that would be an Eye Catcher, I never thought it would be everybodies taste.
 
Very nice, Phil! Much more coherent than my first try!

Congrats and enjoy!

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AKTI Member #A000832

"Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes, the bear eats you."
 
Beautiful knife, Phil! What would I change? Ahem, OK, just remember you asked
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... Shorten the guard a bit & try nickel silver rather than brass. Sgian Dubh noted the long choil & it was one of the first details I noticed. I'd shorten it as well to 1/2 - 3/4".

Nitpicking aside, it really is a beautiful knife. Enjoy it!

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Cheers,
Brian
AlleyCat.gif


He who finishes with the most toys wins.
 
Outstanding! Kinda reminiscent of Ed Fowler's customs; similar yet different, you know? Beautiful Damascus. Thumbs up!
 
Not qualified to answer your questions, but that is a beautiful knife. They'd go over real well down here
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Brandon

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"You should never never doubt what nobody is sure about..."
 
Phil:
I'm not a fan of Damascus and it is a bit busy for my taste. However, I really like the design, the geometry really conveys a sense of strength and toughness. I like the size of the guard and overall, I like the choice of colors.
Hope I can do as well someday
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Phil, very nice job. It just doesn't get much better than Damascus and stag in my book. The only possible thing I find is that the turquoise is a little busy when paired with the Damascus. Wouldn't keep me from buying one though, especially considering the price and craftsmanship. Congrats.

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It's only a mistake if you fail to learn from it!
 
I like the overall flow the knife has.

The horn buttcap is a nice touch that I don't recall seeing before.

As mentioned, I think the choil is a little 'longish' and I find the turquoise a little distracting. If the stag was polished, I think thinner spacers of turqoise fore and aft would look really nice.

Overall, a very good effort. I won't hazard a guess on the cost.
 
Very nice Phil ! I can see that you are indeed a fan of Ed's, as I am.

I like the overall design, especially the turquoise spacers - Not because I'm Native American myself, but just because. Don't want to stereotype myself
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I don't hate anything about this knife. "Hate" is a pretty strong word.

Change ? I would probably eliminate the buffalo horn buttcap, and make the brass guard maybe an 1/8" longer, and curve it back a little more, much like Ed used to do with his older Willow Bow drop points.

It's worth ? I didn't check Lonewolf's prices, but I'd say - being full dress - maybe $800 ? Anyway, you've a real eyecatcher there. Congratulations !!
smile.gif
 
For those of you thare interested, here's how this knife came into being. It started with an Ed Folwer "pronghorn," to my drawing, to finding out about Lonewolf's work, to having him make my knife.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=254126&a=1889225&p=19834891

(CLICK ON THE NEXT BUTTON TO SEE LARGER PHOTO OF KNIFE)

I used the word "hate" for a purpose, and certainly not to be used as a reflection on Lonewolf's work. Rather, to find out more how tastes vary. This what I wanted, my next Custom won't look anything like this, my next Lonewolf won't look anything like this. I love stag, I'm a big fan of Ed Fowler, he sure wasn't in my budget, this is what I came up with. Maybe one day I'll be lucky enough to own a Fowler, right now I feel lucky to have found Lonewolf.
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Great knife Phil, the only thing I'd like to see different is one band of stone and more spacers between horn and stag. The horn buttcap is one of my favorite looks and it helps keep the general weight of the knife down. The long choil would look cool with a little file work on the bottom edge too....hmm, that just gave me an idea, thanks Phil!

Jake
 
Hmmmm! Looks like Jake is off to the workbench.

Anyway, Great knife Phil. Really like the combined flow of the knife and the Damascus is outstanding.

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Rs
Don
Medicine Man of the Extinct Fugowee Tribe
 
WOW WEE PhilL! Even though I can't stand fixed blade knives, that is surely a beauty!

That turqois really gives it some flavor!
Looks good enough to eat .... I love Blueberries! As you know, I eat, drink & sleep knives
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Really though PhilL, that is one fine knife
and my ballcap comes off to the maker!
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Mark


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" Knife Collectors Are Sharp People - Most of the time that is! "
 
I just wanted to say thanks to all that posted here in response, and to those that just took a L@@K! I’ve had over 275 Hits on my PhotoPoint site since posting, WOW!

My knife came with a leather pouch type sheath, very nice. However, I decided to enhance the Native Amerian theme by ordering a Buckskin sheath with fringe and turquoise beads from Lonewolf. I’m sure that you Basic Black folder guys will go into Sensory Overload with this decision. Tough!
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For me it will just complete the package, and I’ll post a picture when I receive it, for those that may be interested.


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"Will work 4 Knives!"
Homepage: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=254126
 
It did take me a long time to post this, but hey PhilL - GR8 looking knife man!

(if somewhat busy on the eye...)

 
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