Phil Hartsfield

Ivan Campos

Ivan Campos

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Apr 4, 1999
Messages
2,499
Hello everybody!

does anyone out there has any experience with Mr. hartsfield´s knives? I am an apreciator of chisel ground knives and was thinking of getting one of his blades, but have never seen one personally. Any comments wellcome
Thanks.
 
I have a few of his pieces and also enjoy the style.

Unless you are hung up on the Hartsfield name (as I was previously), you may want to check out RJ Martin's stuff. Same style but with a better fit and finish, less money.


--Doug
 
Thanks for the the information, Doug. besides these makers, do you have any information on any other maker of chisel ground blades?
 
Hello,

I carry a maker named Stephen Lindberg who makes chisel ground japanese influenced knives. He does very nice leather handle wrapping. He uses the "Retsu" name on his knives. I really like his neck knives.

http://www.knifeart.com/knifeart/retlinkniv.html

Larry

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Regarding knife makers and prices, you really can't compare them. Example: Bob Loveless makes a hunting knife that sells for $1600-$1800. Another maker can produce the same pattern, same materials, same quality, and get maybe $250 for one. I can produce a custom folder and, if I'm lucky, get $300 for it. Ron Lake will maybe demand and get $2000 for the same knife. Why? Because the high dollar guys are in demand. I agree that some of Phill's knives and swords don't have the fit and finish of a Slobodian, but his customers are not buying art pieces. They buy knives that perform, all the time. There are a lot of makers out there making exceptional "using" blades of chisel point design, and swords, as well as art blades. Regardless of the asking price by any maker, his stuff is only worth what the customer is willing to pay. Look around, see what's out there, and make up your own mind.
 
Better yet, post your questions as you did and recieve answers from the best possible source- Educated consumers who have already purchased what you are contimplating and can help you comparison shop for the best values. By taking advantage of the forums you will certainly get the best! I haven't been disappointed yet. I didn't know my favorite maker existed until I heard the raves about him here.
By the way that maker is RJ Martin and I think you should definately consider him over Hartsfield. I once compared both of their kwaiken style knives and the Martin was definately a better value. Twice the thickness on the blade, same style handle, better sheath, 1/2 the cost. Of course no chisel ground collection would be complete without a Hartsfield...

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Al


[This message has been edited by Biginboca (edited 07 April 1999).]

[This message has been edited by Biginboca (edited 07 April 1999).]
 
Another maker to consider is Don Polzien. He specializes in traditional Japanese style knives and the finish is first rate. Prices are higher than RJ Martin but will still probably be less than Hartsfield and would put his stuff to shame.
Arizona Custom Knives and Robertsons Custom Cutlery both have his stuff on the web frm time to time.
 
I have seen a few Polzien blades offered but I did not know he was on chisel ground blades, too. Thanks for the tip.
 
There is no question that RJ Martins knives have a better fit & finish than the Hartsfields.

I dont think anyones knives will outperform RJ Martins in a practical aspect.

I agree that Mr. Hartsfields knives are in demand, however, RJ Martin is gaining recognition quickly. So demand will be about the same from the collectors standpoint. RJ Martins knives will sell as fast as anyone elses, and values seem to be rising.

I agree that some makers do command a premium for their knives. Some command this premium from making a truly superior product. Some command a premium simply becuase they had a good marketing plan.

If i had the money to spend on what a Hartsfield cost, i would look into Micheal Bell of Oregon.
 
I believe Warren Thomas does chisel grinds on carbon fiber caoted titanium. Can't speak for the quality though. See his stuff at www.arizonacustomcutlery.com .


Collin
 
I have purchased some Warren Thomas knives a while ago, when they first showed up, from Arizona Custom Knives, but was not so interested in chisel ground blades at the time. As I can remember, they hadATS-34 edges and were quite sharp and light.
 
Sorry, I meant Arizona Custom Knives, but it looks like you already knew.

Collin
 
Look at the knives at Roberson's Custom cutlery. they have quite a few chisel ground knives--including some new ones by greg lightfoot I believe.

take care
collin
 
Greg Lightfoot's newest model is a fixed blade, bead blasted tactical hunter, if you please, that comes in a Kydex multi-carry sheath and has a nice edge. It's called the Mini-Hammer, and it's also available through Robertson. Not a chisel grind, tough.
 
Greg Lightfoot's newest model is a fixed blade, bead blasted tactical hunter, if you please, that comes in a Kydex multi-carry sheath and has a nice edge. It's called the Mini-Hammer, and it's also available through Robertson. Not a chisel grind, tough.
 
No Mr. Lang, I am sure the captions next to the pictures of a couple of Lightfoot's at Robertson's say chisel grind. The knives may not be new though. I am not sure about that.

thanks and take care
collin
 
Hello, Larry.

Tell me more about Stephen Lindberg´s work, please.
Does anyone else has any experience with this maker´s work?
 
Rudy, I realize this posting is supposed to be about Hartsfield, but you did mention Greg Lightfoot. I just returned from a week in Canada, where Greg and I had a weekend to chat. Look at the Mini-Hammer, available from Les Robertson, on page 34-35 of the new June issue of Knives Illustrated. The blade is bevel ground on BOTH sides. It is not a chisel ground blade.
 
I had a Hartsfield "strongboy" (1/4" thick, chisel grind, 5" blade) for a few years that I actually used as an outdoor utility/camp knife. At first, being hooked on the Hartsfield "mystique," I was crazy about the knife and it's performance. It held an edge well and was fairly easy to sharpen. The rough finish hid scratches nicely. I must admit though, that as the mystique began to wear off a bit, (don't ya just hate that?
wink.gif
) I found the chisel grind limited and imprecise. I realized that I was working "around" the grind, not with it. In other words, I found that because I liked the esthetics of the knife I was always waiting to get used to it. It never really happened. I started using a double ground blade (by John Salley) for the same tasks and now I won't go back. The chisel grind is just too limited for me. I know, use the right tool for the right job, but what IS the right job for a chisel grind? Wood planing? Armor piercing? In retrospect; I think Phil's knives are way too expensive for utility use and too homely and roughly finished for collecting. I think that about half the cash you're spending is going into that cool PH logo. Phil deserves credit as an artisan and a pioneer but I don't recommend buying into the mystique at the prices he's getting. There are a lot of great knives out there for 1/3 the cost.

[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 19 April 1999).]
 
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