Passing of John White

多么令人感到悲哀的事情，竟然失去这样一位大师，缅怀。
 
This is so sad. RIP John. Thanks for the nice handwritten card and VIP pass to Blade. I truly missed out. :(
 
John was sorely missed at Jerry Fisk's Microshow.

The 4 knives that John completed for Jerry's show were very sought after. Preston G. took care of selling John's knives and he did a great job and told some nice stories about John.

All 4 of John's Legacy Series knives were on display at the show for the first time anywhere. Sorry for the bad photo, hopefully someone will post a better version of the group photo.



Here are the individual photos of John's 4 Legacy knives.

Legacy 1: Explosion Damascus, matched Chevron-cut Pre-Ban Elephant Ivory scales, gold-inlayed deep engraving by Joe Mason. "Best Art Knife." at the 2009 Arkansas Custom Knifemaker's Show.



Legacy 1 in Huey case:



Legacy 2: 9½” four-bar modified Turkish twist, 1084 & 15n20 Damascus blade, with take-down Pre-Ban Elephant Ivory Frame handle. Inlayed and engraved by Brian Hochstrat in platinum and three colors of gold.



Legacy 2 taken down:



Legacy 3: 10 ¼”, four-bar,"W-cored Turkish twist" Damascus, D-Guard Dogbone Bowie. Handle scales are Fossil Walrus, fittings are two-bar "W" Damascus, liners and spacers are solid Sterling silver. and engraved by Joe Mason, where it won the 2011 Blade "Best Bowie" award.



Legacy 4: 12” Side-shell Hunting Dagger. The blade is explosion-wrapped feather Damascus, and all fittings are multi-bar "W" Damascus. The take-down frame handle has carved Pre-Ban Ivory scales. gold-inlayed and engraved embellishments by Joe Mason. John made the deerskin lined, African Blackwood sheath, which has horn throat and engraved Damascus studs. It won the 2013 Blade “Best Damascus Knife," and "Best of Show" awards.





Legacy 4 details:

 
Last edited:
Jim, Thanks for posting this pics. And a perfect thread for posting them.

These Legacy knives stand as a lasting testimony to John's monumental talents. Whoever or whatever gave him the idea to make this series did him and the custom knife community a great service.
 
I didn't know John, but I do know he had towering talent, he was one of the best of the best. My best wishes to his family.
 
John's spirit was felt at all times throughout this show. His kind manner, willingness to share and exceptional skills were discussed throughout the weekend. Preston, with a heavy heart, did an outstanding job of handling the selling of John's final knives, and the display of his Legacy Series knives.

- Joe
 
what a terrible loss. one of the great has gone. my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

hans
 
A short John White story. At the ABS show in Reno before either one of us was a master smith one of his collectors took a large knife from my table and asked John his opinion. The collector came back and bought the knife.
A very generous man and great personality.
Gary House
ABS mastersmith
 
A great talent! Sending condolences to his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
 
Last edited:
I was very fortunate in that John lived across the bay from me. That proximity allowed me to drop in on him from time to time. He was always welcoming and gracious. I have one of his first knives ever offered for sale. It's funny to think he felt guilty charging for it since he didn't like the way the stamp struck the blade. He was such a detail-oriented craftsmen!!
I have bought a few since then, including a folder and enjoyed the production process as much as the final product. I last spoke to him at a grocery store, and he was more than happy to talk about knives. He will certainly be missed.
 
Once again I miss a few weeks on here and miss something important... I met John only a few times at various Blade Shows on my annual road trips back east... He was always warm and gracious even though his table was either bare or above my budget. But I've always enjoyed all the work of his I've ever seen.
He will be missed on so many levels for so many here.
My condolences to his family, and to all of his friends.
Joe Sheard
 
I hope that this thread in addition to be a tribute to John White the man, who was one of the very best, that it will also be a place where photos of his knives are posted. Here are 2 from this year's Blade Show.

This was "Best Fixed Blade" at the 2014 Blade Show.



John also had this take-down at Blade 2014. I think it has some of the prettiest ivory that I have seen on a John White knife and spectacular Damascus like most of John's knives.

 
jjtjr said:
I hope that this thread in addition to be a tribute to John White the man, who was one of the very best, that it will also be a place where photos of his knives are posted. Here are 2 from this year's Blade Show.

This was "Best Fixed Blade" at the 2014 Blade Show.

{Image Deleted}

John also had this take-down at Blade 2014. I think it has some of the prettiest ivory that I have seen on a John White knife and spectacular Damascus like most of John's knives.

{Image Deleted}
Click to expand...

Saw both of these just a few short months ago and they were every bit as nice as shown in the pictures. Hard to believe he is now gone.
 
A friend and fellow collector of John's knives sent me some photos from his collection to post to this thread. He has some great knives.

W-2/Walrus Bowie in the Japanese Style 13 1/2" W-2 Bowie blade Shinogi-zukuri style with Hitatsura hamon. Patinated silicon bronze Habaki and Fushi, brass Seppa, rust-browned wrought iron Tsuba, silk wrapped core Ancient Walrus handle.



Carbon Steel and Mammoth Shell-Guard Bowie 11” 1084 carbon steel blade, Mammoth ivory frame handle, stainless fittings.



Bark Mammoth/Damascus Shell Guard Bowie 9 ½” 4-bar damascus blade, with shell-guard, collar, butt-cap, finial and studs from a "stepped-down" version of the same damascus.



Ancient Walrus Dogbone Dagger 10 ½” "W" wrapped Turkish Twist Damascus Dogbone Dagger. Sterling Silver fittings, Paul Long sheath.



"Blackheart" Dagger 12 ¼” Explosion wrapped Turkish twist Damascus blade, "W": Damascus fittings, African Blackwood frame handle, Damascus and Blackwood 'Take-down" tool holds spare assembly pins for the "Take-down" style dagger. "Best Damascus " Award 2013 Arkansas Custom Knifemakers Show.



Dogbone Set from Blade 2014.

 
And I think my health is bad........................................

Rest in peace John.
 
I was going through some old BLADE photos and found this one of John encouraging an extremely nervous couple who were waiting for the judging room doors to open Friday morning. He was on of my JS judges and took a lot of time to give me advice. Full of wit and humor with a sparkle in his eyes he made me feel like he was excited about my work. John and Jill's table was always a favorite to visit when the show slowed down. While I deeply admire his art and craftsmanship I think my favorite thing about him was how much he adored his wife. They make a beautiful pair, an inspiration to young love that yes, it can last forever. I had daydreamed about showing him my MS knives some day, it's hard to believe he's gone when he was so full of life. Lots of good memories and great knives here to appreciate though. We'll miss you John!
-Haley

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top