PJ Tomes: Who knows him?

Paracelsus

Paracelsus

Joined
Nov 6, 1999
Messages
2,639
I met PJ Tomes at the Chesapeake knife show last weekend. We spent a considerable amount of time together, talking about forging, and knife history, and life. I was as impressed by him and his philosophy of knifemaking as ANY knifemaker or human being I have ever met. I won't go into details about everything we talked about, but this man was one of the most amazing persons I have Ever known. His table was full of Real Using knives, including some simple treasures forged from 52100 steel. We had a long talk about his showcase that contained Shively and Michael Price knives (circa. 1820 and 1840). His attitude about Money and knives and Why he makes them was especially striking to me. His honest and straightforward demeanor was most impressive. This man taught me more about knives and what is important in life than almost anyone else since I met Don Fogg several years ago.

Does Anybody else know anything about him and his work?

Paracelsus

[This message has been edited by Paracelsus (edited 18 December 1999).]
 
I have always been impressed with PJ's work, especially his Scagel reproductions. He is also a gentleman-I've spoken to him at quite a few shows. He makes what he likes, not the current trends.

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lifter
Phil. 4:13

Dave
Wharton,NJ


 
I have met PJ at the Blade Show. I was passing by his table and he said "take a look at this!". Them he took what seemed to be an old, very simple folder with metal scales from his pocket and handled it to me. "My personal folder" he said while steping on the top of a metal can, closing it. He then got the folder, put the thin tip under the border of the upper side of the can and used it as a prybar to open it! We have talked for a while after that and I got quite impressed with that demonstration, besides he is a nice guy to talk to.

Ivan Campos
 
I've handled two of his knives, one a large dagger with fluted handle and damascus blade, belongs to a friend in Reading PA, as well as another smaller knife with mother of pearl scales and damascus blade also belongs to that same friend. Both are very well made knives and from the pictures of other knives I've seen, I have the same opinion of him as you did, just wished I had made the time to visit him a the Blade Show!!! Missed so many people there, really kick myself now....

G2

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"There are no dangerous weapons;
there are only dangerous men."
.......... Robert A. Heinlein, 1959


G2 Leatherworks

Gillett, PA.
 
P. J. Tomes is one of the best - I have one of his Scagel reproductions(stag & leather handled hunter) & purchased a stag Bird & Trout at the Chesapeake Show. He is a true Virginia Gentleman & one of the finest makers around - uses 52100 primarily and his blades are superb. Paracelsus, too bad he didn't have any of his Scagels at the show - you think what he had was nice? - his Scagels would have blown you away! And those Price & Shively knives were awesome - they were the first ones I have seen other than in pictures and the pictures don't do their work justice. It was a real treat meeting him again and I plan to arrange a visit soon since he only lives a little over an hour west of me(my wife won't be happy though - I undoubtedly would bring another Scagel home with me or at least order one!).

Bill
 
Well, I just received my first knife made by Mr. Tomes and I have to agree with everything that's been said here…it's a stunning piece. The knife is a Scagel-style clip point with a 5-¼" blade (52100 steel), stacked-leather-and-crown stag handle and nickel silver hilt. The blade grinds and handle construction are as good as any I've seen. Despite this precision, there's an "organic" quality to Mr. Tomes' work that seems to be lacking in most of the knives I own. I find this knife immensely satisfying…I've caught myself fondling it and chuckling to myself like an idiot. I don't know if I'll ever be able to bring myself to use this knife, but I have every confidence that it's capable of handling any task I could throw at it. Definitely one of the better acquisitions I've made lately…

Now if I just win the lottery I can look into getting an actual Scagel knife…
 
I have since my last post added a third Tomes knife to my collection - a 5" slightly upswept Scagel hunter with deep belly & stag handle. Another phenomenal piece by P. J. in 52100 - exquisite workmanship & finsh on the knife. As stated above P.J. has not only duplicated Scagel's shapes he has captured the sense of flow and grace that were present in Scagel's knives that come from the artist, not the technician. As Jim said above there is an organic sense or feeling that emanates from the knives that makes them come alive in your hand. P.J. as with Dr. Lucie(Scagel's physician)has been able to capture the essence of Scagel's work that honors Scagel's memory & reflects on his own abilities. If you have a chance to acquire one of his Scagel reproductions do so for you will be getting more than just a nice knife.

Bill
 
I like P.J.'s knives for several reasons:

1. Quality - His knives are definately master smith quality. He uses great stag and handle materials; as well as forged 52100 blade.

2. Value - P.J. offers one of the best prices for a MS forged blade.

3. Design - I like what P.J. does with antique designs and styling. Not every knife Schively or Price made was an ivory handled presentation bowie. They also had great "user" models; P.J. is keeping these time-tested traditions alive.

Larry


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Larry;
P.J. Tomes also makes slip joints if I remember correctly, do you intend to have these on your site ?

Thanks
Floyd
 
He lives close to where I do my military drills. I was going to call him to visit and chat, but the phone number listed on the Guild site and Knives 00 goes to a fax machine. I called his fax number to see if I was assing up, and it rings someone elses house. Does anyone have a good number?
 
He lives close to where I do my military drills. I was going to call him to visit and chat, but the phone number listed on the Guild site and Knives 00 goes to a fax machine. I called his fax number to see if I was assing up, and it rings someone elses house. Does anyone have a good number?

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"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
George Orwell
 
Paracelsus--
I have knives from PJ in Sanvik, 52100, and CPM 420V. Would not trade any of them.
While I was discussing a slip-joint classic trapper model with him on the telephone last spring, he mentioned that he wouldn't have time to work on anything for about a week. Seems he had invited an entire class of reform-school kids to come down from South Carolina, to teach them about knifemaking and then let each of them make a knife there in his shop (in Florida at that time).
I told him what I thought of that kind of generosity, and his reply went something like: "Well, I think kindness is important." His context for the word "kindness" gave the term new meaning. We are, after all, of one kind. Nice to see a thread that explores those sentiments once and again.
By the way, the folder we were talking about now rides in my pocket most every day--cuts like the devil and the fossil mammoth ivory under his fine touch has a glow warmer than any jewelry.
PJ? Yeah, he's a master smith all right.
 
It's really great to see this thread go back to the top again. It reminds me that I need to call PJ to discuss a project we talked about last December. I have been drooling over the keyboard watching Larry sell PJ's work at KnifeArt. I think there will be more Tomes knives in my life. Function and Utility are among the most important characteristics of the sharp Art I collect and use.

contact information for those interested:

P.J. Tomes, Mastersmith
573 Farmview Road
Luray, VA 22835
540-743-4424
540-743-3515 (Fax)
 
Well I took the plunge and ordered the lockback folder by P.J. Tomes at KnifeArt.com today, couldn't help myself, the knife looks so nice, it might be the same style of the one that Ivan saw when they spoke? It's a lockback with Sandvik steel here is the link to the page it's on,
When I get the knife I'll post my impressions of it.

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

G2

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"The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions!"
Take the time to read your Bible Now, don't be left behind...


G2 LeatherWorks
 
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