Peter Bauchop and Robert Bauchop

[Steven65]

Peter Bauchop is an iconic South African knifemker from the '70's and '80's. His knives went all over the world and were purchased and used by many in the armed forces. His knives were a favorite of South African Special Forces and they really had a special look and appeal.

In 2010 at the UK Knife Show I saw a very used Peter Bauchop Warlock on a dealers table.
It appeared to have been much carried and the Kal-Guard was well worn indicating a "interesting" history, but the dealer was unable to give me any information about it.

I purchased the knife immediately and returned it home to South Africa.

At the Knifemakers Guild of South Africa Show in Johannesburg in 2010 I gave it to Peter's son Robert Bauchop, himself a gifted full time knifemaker and asked him to make me a modern tribute version of his Dad's knife as a father and son pair.

I also asked him to recondition the old Warlock and bring it back to it's original glory.

Robert completed the knives last week and they are now with me.

They are both fantastic! Rob created a modern retro version of his Dad's classic pattern with some classic custom touches. The handle scales are Hippo Tooth which complement the blade beautifully. The guard is Stainless.

I consider myself so fortunate to have these and they will go into my collection of pairs.

Speaking to Rob today he told me of a possible limited edition set of Peter Bauchop tribute knives that he may be making in the future...........my name is on the list for a pair of those.............

I hope you like them........

 

[SharpByCoop]

Hi Steven,

Now THAT is real cool. What a reconditioning Robert gave it. Looks new.

His version is so authentic, and with a flourish. A special tribute, indeed.

I love the look of the dagger with the split/asymmetrical grind. Beautiful. :thumbup:

Thanks for this post. Really sweet.

Coop

 

[GRIM 62]

I still have an old Fighting knives Magazine from the late eighties with some of Mr Bauchops daggers in it,The Warlock,Witch,and(I believe)the Alleycat.His daggers were really awesome,always wanted one,congrats!

 

[Thomas Linton]

I have one of Peter's knives that I got from an estate sale of a knife collector. Someone had removed the last 3/4" of the handle scales as a preliminary to shortening the handle. Fortunately, the "project" was not completed, and I got it re-handled by Bark River. Alley Cat. Looks and feels eager to bite.

 

[bluejaunte]

Those both look great! The reconditioning of the original makes it look like it was newly made, and the embellishments on the new one really add to the overall package. I really like the handle grooves on the original--they remind me of the slide serrations on a 1911. I agree with Coop on "bayonet" blade grind. That geometry happens to be my favorite on Italian swing-guards.

This pair says "user and presentation" to me.

Have any before pics of the original?

 

[Lorien]

that's a damn sweet design. Looks good and purposeful, not much more you can ask for.

 

[jonnymac44]

Coop,
I was going to say the same thing! That split grind is amazing on that knife.

Steven,
Thanks for sharing two of the nicest daggers I've seen in some time. I have heard the name Bauchop before but wasn't familiar with the work. Father and son alike are both amazing artisans.

Great blades, my friend!

Hi Steven,

Now THAT is real cool. What a reconditioning Robert gave it. Looks new.

His version is so authentic, and with a flourish. A special tribute, indeed.

I love the look of the dagger with the split/asymmetrical grind. Beautiful. :thumbup:

Thanks for this post. Really sweet.

Coop

 

[Steven65]

Thank you for the kind comments Gents.......

Have any before pics of the original?

Stupidly........No.
I can kick myself for not taking any........Oh well......you live and learn