- Joined
- Oct 2, 1998
- Messages
- 47,493
This one is going to be somewhat short and sweet for now as I only have one image to share.
(I've written to Richard to ask if he has additional images and eventually I will try to take and add some of my own here.)
However, for now let me just post the following...
Many here who have been around the world of custom knives know that the name Richard Rogers evokes the image of the very highest level of custom knives, particularly (in my view), custom slipjoints.
Over the years that I've attended the Blade Show I've had the opportunity to examine firsthand the wonderful variety of knives that Richard has brought to his table year after year. Through my good friend and brother Gus, ("Bastid" to you all), I've had the opportunity to get to know Richard a bit over that period.
Though I've actually won drawings at Richard's table in the past, the knives and other creations I've won were usually a bit more "refined" than my usual taste. Happily, I was able to offer my winning opportunity to other friends in attendance. They have not been disappointed.
Last year was my first opportunity to own one of Richard's creations. To say that I was "wowed" is a great understatement...
...So it should come as no surprise that when Richard posted in the "2011 Blade Show Knives" thread, that I would be overcome and nearly faint with excitement when I saw that he was bringing a stockman to the show.
When I saw the image that Richard posted I thought at first glance that the scales were ebony. However, after I wrote to inquire, imagine my surprise when Richard wrote back that it was polished G-10. (Richard said "I know it's not exactly traditional but I just loved the contrast of the black G-10 with the shield and the bolsters". I couldn't agree more.)
I wrote back that I would see him at the show and looked forward to seeing the knife in person.
Needless to say, when I saw the knife, held it in hand and had the chance to actually manipulate the blades, I was impressed on every level.
Fit and finish are first rate. The appearance and striking quality of the black G-10 and polished shield and bolsters is something that needs to be seen in person to appreciate.
But where the rubber really hits the road is with the mechanics of the knife. Every one of the three blades is nigh dead on perfect. I can say in all honesty that I have never handled a stockman with such a crisp and precise feel before. (And may never again. It's that good, imho.)
Richard isn't one to blow his own horn so you have to work pretty hard to get him to say he is pleased with one of his creations. I think I was just about able to draw his agreement out on this knife (like the ivory sowbelly from last year). Getting such a reaction from his peers (Ken Erickson, Jerry Halfrich) and other collectors (Alfaholic amongst others) is another thing. They were all truly impressed with Richard's artistry.
Okay, I've rambled on enough.
Pattern: Stockman
Length: 4" Closed
Weight: 3 1/4 ounces
Constructon: Integral
Steel: ATS-34
Scales: Polished Black G-10
And here she is...(your comments, as always, are welcome).
(Firefox users can "right click" on the image and select "view image" to see it full size.)
(I've written to Richard to ask if he has additional images and eventually I will try to take and add some of my own here.)
However, for now let me just post the following...
Many here who have been around the world of custom knives know that the name Richard Rogers evokes the image of the very highest level of custom knives, particularly (in my view), custom slipjoints.
Over the years that I've attended the Blade Show I've had the opportunity to examine firsthand the wonderful variety of knives that Richard has brought to his table year after year. Through my good friend and brother Gus, ("Bastid" to you all), I've had the opportunity to get to know Richard a bit over that period.
Though I've actually won drawings at Richard's table in the past, the knives and other creations I've won were usually a bit more "refined" than my usual taste. Happily, I was able to offer my winning opportunity to other friends in attendance. They have not been disappointed.
Last year was my first opportunity to own one of Richard's creations. To say that I was "wowed" is a great understatement...
...So it should come as no surprise that when Richard posted in the "2011 Blade Show Knives" thread, that I would be overcome and nearly faint with excitement when I saw that he was bringing a stockman to the show.
When I saw the image that Richard posted I thought at first glance that the scales were ebony. However, after I wrote to inquire, imagine my surprise when Richard wrote back that it was polished G-10. (Richard said "I know it's not exactly traditional but I just loved the contrast of the black G-10 with the shield and the bolsters". I couldn't agree more.)
I wrote back that I would see him at the show and looked forward to seeing the knife in person.
Needless to say, when I saw the knife, held it in hand and had the chance to actually manipulate the blades, I was impressed on every level.
Fit and finish are first rate. The appearance and striking quality of the black G-10 and polished shield and bolsters is something that needs to be seen in person to appreciate.
But where the rubber really hits the road is with the mechanics of the knife. Every one of the three blades is nigh dead on perfect. I can say in all honesty that I have never handled a stockman with such a crisp and precise feel before. (And may never again. It's that good, imho.)
Richard isn't one to blow his own horn so you have to work pretty hard to get him to say he is pleased with one of his creations. I think I was just about able to draw his agreement out on this knife (like the ivory sowbelly from last year). Getting such a reaction from his peers (Ken Erickson, Jerry Halfrich) and other collectors (Alfaholic amongst others) is another thing. They were all truly impressed with Richard's artistry.
Okay, I've rambled on enough.
Pattern: Stockman
Length: 4" Closed
Weight: 3 1/4 ounces
Constructon: Integral
Steel: ATS-34
Scales: Polished Black G-10
And here she is...(your comments, as always, are welcome).
(Firefox users can "right click" on the image and select "view image" to see it full size.)
). Richard nailed every aspect of this knife to the wall.
