Robbin Hudson Viking dagger

[Marcel54]

When I started collecting one of the first things I bought were Knives: Points of Interest Book 1 – V. One of the makers that stood out for me in those books was Robbin Hudson MS. Especially the knives in Book V spoke to me big time. From that moment on I was determined to obtain one of his knives some day.
A couple of weeks ago the opportunity arose to buy this gorgeous Viking dagger. At almost the same time Coop presented his MOTHERLOAD and to my surprise he had an album about Hudson with as first picture this dagger (coincidence….I think not).

To make this deal happen I had to let a few of my other knives go, among them my just acquired Sfreddo dagger, but it was worth it. If I’m not mistaken the aforementioned knives were at one point in time in the possession of the current owner the Sfreddo. So in a sense this has gone full circle.

The specs of this dagger are as follows:
Blade length: 13.75 in.
Total length: 19.50 in.
Blade width: 2.03 in.
Blade thickness: 0.29 in.
Blade: San Mai Damascus 7 bar composite billet with an explosion pattern in the fuller and flame edge
Bolster: Wrought iron fittings
Handle: Flame grain walnut
Here are a couple of more pictures of this beauty of a knife.

Especially the blade is of a beauty I have seldom seen in another knife...at least that is my opinion:thumbup:

Marcel

 

[ptgdvc]

Simply an amazing piece! Very well done. :thumbup:

When something extraordinary like that comes along, you have got to do, what you have got to do.

P

 

[Joss]

Congrats, this is a piece I have drooled over a lot (in my dreams!).

 

[dcv69]

I have 3 of Rob's Bowies..... but your knife is in another league!!!!

Absolutley stunning.

 

[Dawkind]

Doesn't get much finer than that....:thumbup:

 

[MVF]

Very beautiful, thanks for posting!

dcv69- any chance of pics? Maybe in a new thread?

 

[HTMD]

Very interesting! That's a neat piece of work, for sure. Thanks for sharing it.

 

[RogerP]

He's done some awesome knives to be sure, but that puppy may just be the top dog. What an impressive piece!

Roger

 

[Kevin Jones]

Absolutely spectacular piece. I noticed you had let your Sfreddo go. Knew it had to be for a good reason.

 

[Bladeandbarrel]

I love Hudson's knives. By far the best of the Maryland school, IMO.

 

[Joss]

I love Hudson's knives. By far the best of the Maryland school, IMO.

What is the Maryland school?

I have 2 of his bowies, they are amazing, fast, sharp, elegant, and very comfy.

 

[SharpByCoop]

Even though he has currently fallen off the planet in self-promotion and buzz, there isn't an ABS bladesmith out there who can deny the appeal and skill that Robbin Hudson has achieved.

He has a 'look' with his walnut and octagonal handles that is timeless. As a teacher of forging, there are none better.

This particular piece would certainly be one of his most ornate, and also one of HIS favorites. It certainly is mine. (I love those little fire scrolls masked into the etched blade. Another trademark look.)

I am pleased for you, and pleased that Robbin Hudson would be brought out into the forefront again for a spell.

Congrats!

Coop

 

[Kohai999]

He's done some awesome knives to be sure, but that puppy may just be the top dog. What an impressive piece!

Roger

Close, but not.

There were two pieces that Mike T. owned that represent the best, IMHO that Robbin Hudson ever made.

Their basic qualities are breathtaking....the biggie is that he damascus was FAR more involved.

Both had flamed edges.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Keith Montgomery]

It's definitely a beauty.

 

[jdm61]

I own a big Hudson carbon hunter and have admired his work greatly since I met him at the guild show in the early 90's. In the 15 years since I first saw one of his viking daggers, has anyone else figured out how to do that flame edge? That technique is more mindboggling to me after forging for a couple of years than it was when I first saw it.

 

[Bladeandbarrel]

Pretty sure its a result of an etching process...using wax maybe?

 

[Joss]

Pretty sure its a result of an etching process...using wax maybe?

Exactly, or creozote. It's "simply" a process by which part of the damascus is protected from the etch.

 

[Kohai999]

Exactly, or creozote. It's "simply" a process by which part of the damascus is protected from the etch.

Someone who knows Rob told me it was nail polish of all things.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Murray White]

Absolutely wonderful dagger Marcel as was the Rodrigo Sfreedo one. I'm sure you will be looking to replace that one soon from RS.

 

[Bigfattyt]

Very nice. I really like a dagger with that much going on in the design. What I really like is that it is so over the top, without being a bit over the top. I mean that sometimes when you see daggers that are "dress" daggers they are more like a painted whore. Too much of too many things. I like the lines of the handle, how they flow into the guard. the pommel is a perfect rendition of the 5 lobe classic. It still looks like you could strap it to your waist and go to war with it.