Only One Maker?

Tough question but fun to think about. Here's what immediately popped into my head and, if possible, it's exactly what I would do.

Some years back Jerry Fisk placed an interesting note on his web-site. It eventually disappeared and is no longer there. I must paraphrase as I no longer recall his exact words but it went something like this:
I'm interested in finding a collector to collaborate with me on the finest sword and scabbard to have ever been produced in (?the US, North America, the world?) It will be a museum quality piece like no other I've ever made, or ever will make again. It will represent the best of everything I know how to do. Only the finest gold, jewels and other precious materials will be used. Contact me if you might be interested in this opportunity.
Remember, these are not Jerry's exact words but rather my best effort to paraphrase yet capture the essence of what he was saying.

So, if it were possible to re-wind time back to that moment, I would take the 50K I'd won in this fantasy lottery, I would add whatever amount was necessary (Kevin will rightly disqualify me for exceeding he 50K limit), and I would encourage Jerry to go for it.

In fact, after discovering that obscure note Jerry placed on his web-site several years ago, I immediately sent him an e-mail announcing my interest in the project and asked that he contact me so we could discuss it further. The reply never came.

Why didn't I follow up in a more assertive manner? Because I was relatively new on the scene and I concluded that as a collector I had insufficient stature to be taken seriously by someone so important and esteemed.

STOP... and listen. In sharing this story, I need to make it perfectly clear that I intend no criticism of Jerry at all. Having become well aquainted with Jerry over the years through shows, hammer-ins and my volunteer efforts in support of the ABS I know he's not 'that kind of person.' Why the notice was taken off his web-site and why my request went unanswered is not important or even relevant. There are a million and one possible reasons. I have a totally 'no-fault' attitude about it. Things happen (or don't) for good reason.

But Kevin asked and I've given my true answer. Collectors vary in what appeals to them on an individual basis. It's possible I may be a little more different than most because I don't collect knives - I collect stories. If you look at my LooksXpensive photo gallery it is obvious I collect no particular style of knife. Almost every knife in my collection has some odd or interesting story behind it. Often, those stories or a version thereof, get told in the Thin Threads and Forged Steel column I write for the ABS Journal. The stories that interest me most are those that illustrate how totally random, even insignificant events or circumstances (thin threads, I call them) turn out to be the critical connection between us and people or events that when all is said and done, give our lives meaning.

Forgive my digression, but I know that what we say in forums can sometimes be misunderstood and I want there to be no misunderstanding about the boundless respect and appreciation I have for Jerry Fisk, the bladesmith and the man.
 
wow....that's a tough choice....after all the names going through my head i'd probably go with tai goo....just send him all the money and see what happens.....maybe a set of tribal knives including like a spear....a hatchet and a knife.....based off of some african tribe to start......makes u think...good question kevin....ryan

if it included makers deceased also......i would give it to hill pearce.....coops collection of knives from him is astounding and i can only imagine what he could have done witht hat kind of dough
 
ryan9977 said:
if it included makers deceased also......i would give it to hill pearce.....coops collection of knives from him is astounding and i can only imagine what he could have done witht hat kind of dough
Click to expand...


Hill ain't dead, last I heard, he just doesn't make knives any more.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
My collection is entirely focused on one maker, the lone cowboy, Ed Fowler. .. It would have been nice if i won the bingo game, (cause i think I've already spent the loot!)

Consistency of style, gives a theme to my collection. Also showing a range, in terms of early knives and later knives. (to me, this is of Interest) A good Collection, i think, should be broad, within the parameters of the makers work, exhibiting knives from different stages, such as the different Loveless marks. I've heard of one Ruana collector, a Dr., who literally has collected 1000 of Ruana's knives, a full spectrum. I think this kind of focus is good, and helps promote Interest, seeing a collection. Many here do this already. It would be nice to see more displays, one-maker focused, at Blade, for instance.

To me, this would be far more Interesting than seeing the Buck display for the 10th time.. but, it is a mystery to me how this sort of thing works, waiting for display tables, And why many of the same displays seem to be repeated yearly.. seems like a new variety of one-maker, custom displays might be a welcome change. I don't think there would be a shortage of collectors to show off primo stuff.
David
 
.another good question, take a poll, who's knives would most people vote to see in a collection at Blade, or another high profile show. Then, someone in "high standing" to contact the appropriate people, coordinators, and major Collectors. It might be nice to do this every year, have a different "featured maker". If this has been done, i have missed it.

This could be another agenda of the new club, Kevin! :)
David
 
D'Holder would be my first choice as well. I have one of his knives and can't even think of affording another. I paid $250 for mine back in the late eighties.
Top right in pic.
knives009.jpg

If not D'Holder, then an up and coming knife maker that I think will be worth working with. Of cause, do you just collect any and all of the chosen makers knives, or, do you have the chosen maker create a series for you?
 
Walter Brend:D


Why?

Because His knives look like pure art in a tactical sense. They feel like a integral knife between the micarta, guard, and blade stock, but they aren't. His logo, The Rebel Battle Flag, fits his knife look and Walter's personality well, I think. And, in a few years, you would be able to double the original $50,000 invested:thumbup::thumbup:
 
That is a great question to think about and many of the names that come to mind have already been stated.

While there are choices in forged knives, art knives, fixed blades and folders, I would go with Buster Warenski because I just love many of his creations.

Peter
 
HTMD said:
Tough question but fun to think about. Here's what immediately popped into my head and, if possible, it's exactly what I would do.

Some years back Jerry Fisk placed an interesting note on his web-site. It eventually disappeared and is no longer there. I must paraphrase as I no longer recall his exact words but it went something like this:
I'm interested in finding a collector to collaborate with me on the finest sword and scabbard to have ever been produced in (?the US, North America, the world?) It will be a museum quality piece like no other I've ever made, or ever will make again. It will represent the best of everything I know how to do. Only the finest gold, jewels and other precious materials will be used. Contact me if you might be interested in this opportunity.
Remember, these are not Jerry's exact words but rather my best effort to paraphrase yet capture the essence of what he was saying.

So, if it were possible to re-wind time back to that moment, I would take the 50K I'd won in this fantasy lottery, I would add whatever amount was necessary (Kevin will rightly disqualify me for exceeding he 50K limit), and I would encourage Jerry to go for it.

In fact, after discovering that obscure note Jerry placed on his web-site several years ago, I immediately sent him an e-mail announcing my interest in the project and asked that he contact me so we could discuss it further. The reply never came.

Why didn't I follow up in a more assertive manner? Because I was relatively new on the scene and I concluded that as a collector I had insufficient stature to be taken seriously by someone so important and esteemed.

STOP... and listen. In sharing this story, I need to make it perfectly clear that I intend no criticism of Jerry at all. Having become well aquainted with Jerry over the years through shows, hammer-ins and my volunteer efforts in support of the ABS I know he's not 'that kind of person.' Why the notice was taken off his web-site and why my request went unanswered is not important or even relevant. There are a million and one possible reasons. I have a totally 'no-fault' attitude about it. Things happen (or don't) for good reason.

But Kevin asked and I've given my true answer. Collectors vary in what appeals to them on an individual basis. It's possible I may be a little more different than most because I don't collect knives - I collect stories. If you look at my LooksXpensive photo gallery it is obvious I collect no particular style of knife. Almost every knife in my collection has some odd or interesting story behind it. Often, those stories or a version thereof, get told in the Thin Threads and Forged Steel column I write for the ABS Journal. The stories that interest me most are those that illustrate how totally random, even insignificant events or circumstances (thin threads, I call them) turn out to be the critical connection between us and people or events that when all is said and done, give our lives meaning.

Forgive my digression, but I know that what we say in forums can sometimes be misunderstood and I want there to be no misunderstanding about the boundless respect and appreciation I have for Jerry Fisk, the bladesmith and the man.
Click to expand...

Hi Buddy, I'm sure Jerry takes your story in the spirit it was meant.

I remember Jerry's comment and wondering (more dreaming of) what such a sword would have to be to be measured against all swords. Through history, a sword has been one of man's most prized possessions and in many cases a man's sword and his ability to effectively use it determined life or death. Many times swords were viewed as a representation of the man and his social standing, taste and even character. There are extremely ornate and beautiful examples of these swords representing the work of some of the most accomplished artisans in history.

So a sword as Jerry described would be a massive undertaking to say the least. So to perhaps put this project in prospective, imagine Buster Warenski's rendition of King Tutankhamen's dagger and what went into it's creation? But remember, Buster was duplicating an example so perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of a grandiose project (the design element) was removed. But some may ague that re-creating an existing work of art of that scale and being compared to the original is even more difficult than creating something new.

Having said the above, Jerry has been working on a sword for about four years I would guess. Each time I go to Jerry's I examine it's beautiful forged blade which has just enough etch to reveal it's amazing and distinctive damasus pattern. Jerry plans to visit Europe in the near future in hopes of developing the material for it's handle.

Is this the sword you address above? I doubt it.

When will it be finished? I doubt if even Jerry knows that.

Will it be a very significant addition to the cutlery world and art in general? You bet.

By the way, Jerry's e-mail has been down (on and off) for a week or better and will probably not be fixed until about Wednesday.
 
For me, easy: Hill Pearce. Like Ryan mentioned.

Hill is very much alive, and has pronounced his arrival to meet me at the Blade Show in 2008. He has always stood WAY back on the prospect of remaking knives again. Who knows how this visit may shift things?

He is an ornery coot, I mean this in a lovable way, but MAN, does he have strong opinions. Our conversations usually run overtime.

That said, his sense of design just appeals to me.

Many fine mentions in this thread. It always boils down to: 'Who's your favorite maker.... ' :D

Coop
 
SharpByCoop said:
For me, easy: Hill Pearce. Like Ryan mentioned.

Hill is very much alive, and has pronounced his arrival to meet me at the Blade Show in 2008. He has always stood WAY back on the prospect of remaking knives again. Who knows how this visit may shift things?

He is an ornery coot, I mean this in a lovable way, but MAN, does he have strong opinions. Our conversations usually run overtime.

That said, his sense of design just appeals to me.

Many fine mentions in this thread. It always boils down to: 'Who's your favorite maker.... ' :D

Coop
Click to expand...

I was actually quite surprised Coop that there was not more favorites chosen. I thought I could guess most everyone's answer.

As I don't know that either Keith or STeven currently have any Fuegen pieces. I would have picked Russ for Keith and Burt for STeven.

Some seemed to be thinking more along the lines of benefiting financially from the windfall in picking a maker where they could resell.

I would use the $50K to fortify my one folder collection, however I can't decide on what folder maker I would go with since I like several maker's folders.
 
I was rather quick to respond and when I rethink my answer I have to add something. I assumed (but I didn't ask:D) that I had to choose from active makers. When I take in account the retired or deceased makers I would add a second maker to my choice. I now it would disqualify me but what the hack.
The maker I would like to add is Hugh Bartrug. Of all the makers I read about or seen their work I think he was ahead of his time. Especially when it comes down to his damascus/steel. When I look at his work in Weyer's books I'm really in awe of his work. It is divers and of a high standard (from the looks of it) although I've seen a couple of his folders for sale that design wise are "outdated". That all said I really and truly hope to own one of his knives one day.

Marcel
 
Marcel54 said:
The maker I would like to add is Hugh Bartrug. Of all the makers I read about or seen their work I think he was ahead of his time. Especially when it comes down to his damascus/steel.
Marcel
Click to expand...

Marcel,
Why not post a picture of his work? Maybe some background too?
Weyer's books have lovely pictures but say nothing about the knives or the knifemakers....

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)
 
Kevin Jones said:
As I don't know that either Keith or STeven currently have any Fuegen pieces. I would have picked Russ for Keith and Burt for STeven.
Click to expand...

I have two Fuegen knives, they were delivered at the AKI in 2005, a ladder pattern damascus hunter with wenge wood handle, and an ironwood handled carbon steel dagger...they were built to my request, and are both quite fine....own more Foster knives than any other maker....6, and 5 from Matt Diskin.....but I really don't have a favorite maker.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Kevin Jones said:
I would use the $50K to fortify my one folder collection, however I can't decide on what folder maker I would go with since I like several maker's folders.
Click to expand...

Per your own rules, that means you forfeit the loot though, right? Come on, you suggested the game and set up the rules - surely you can think of someone you'd go after?
 
Joss said:
Per your own rules, that means you forfeit the loot though, right? Come on, you suggested the game and set up the rules - surely you can think of someone you'd go after?
Click to expand...

OK, Ken Steigerwalt is probably my favorite. It's hard to pick just one as I've just begun studying folders.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top