Remember Ralph Selvidio?

M

MountainVision

Joined
Jan 24, 2005
Messages
14
I'd like to know more about the Rattler knife maker who died in May 2004.
Please post information or pictures.

Thank you very much.
 
Ralph Selvidio was a full time knife maker from 1986 until his untimely passing a few years ago. He was well known for his collector grade folders, both manual and automatic, and his unique mechanisms. He favored natural handle materials like fossil Ivories and various types of mother of pearl. He liked using damascus from some of the top forgers for his blades and bolsters. Ralph was well known for inlaying silver and gold castings, usually faces, in his backspacers and levers. He was taught by Bill McHenry and lived in Rhode Island before moving to Florida in 2000? All knives he made were marked Rattler Brand. He was one of the pioneers of the "New England" style of folder. I knew him for a few years till he moved to FL.

Linerlock_01.jpg


SA_Automatic_1.jpg


large_rattler_large.jpg
 
Nice pictures striper28. Thank you for posting examples of Selvidio's craftsmanship.

Could you please give some insight to the unique mechanisms you refer to? Also I wonder about the "New England" style of folder you mentioned.
 
Ralph pretty much made latch release Automatics, that's it. Occasionally he would make a manual folder. I think he started with fixed blades.

The "New England" style of folder was started by guys like Jim Schmidt, Ralph, Bill McHenry, Wayne Valachovic, J.D. Smith, George Dailey, Jason Williams and a few others. Basically it is a knife with a damascus blade, damascus bolster, natural handle material and lots of filework. The trend started here in New England. All the knifemakers making knives in this manner are copying the style started here.

I am proud to continue the tradition.
 
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