Roderick "Caribou" Chappel

Status
Not open for further replies.
Bootstrap Bill said:
One thing that no one has mentioned is Rod's trick of making the handle fit your hand perfectly.
Click to expand...

Was there more to it than just a measurement of the hand? In the May 1973 Blade Magazine article, Rod talks extensively about the shaping and fit of the handle for each individual, but I have always been a little skeptical of how much different each handle could actually be. My 1984 Lady Diana is inscribed "Personal...Serial #2". I assume Rod made this knife to fit his hand. Maybe it's just a coincidence, but the handle fits my hand like it was custom molded. I must say that I have handled many custom knives in my life and I have never felt anything like a Chappel in the hand. When you pick one up, you know something special is going on.
 
Dawkind posted a couple images earlier of this knife. I don't recall to whom I sold the knife but he would have my original images of the knife which I bought directly from Rod in 2001 when attending the Western Knifemakers show which I believe was in Puyallup, WA.

Here is a multiple image just done in a new program I'm trying to learn how to use. Not perfect but time will hopefully get me using the program better.

medium800.jpg


A Lady Diana has always been a favorite but over the time gone by I just have never picked up one when the opportunity arose. Maybe someday.
 
Murray,

I say you have a good start on understanding your new multi-image program already. Photo looks great! I would not want to be on the business end of that spike.
 
Bootstrap,

Just found this Arctic Fox in the Cutting Edge archives. It's very similar to my Lady Diana, but with a choil. Thought you would enjoy seeing it.


klc01178_hunting_knife1_ce_pop_up.jpg


"Vibro etched "To my darling wife Carol on your birthday August 10th 1973 love Roderick". A wonderful knife for the collector of Rod's knives or for that matter, for any serious collector. The sheath is carved. Never used or sharpened. Pommel shows signs of age - minor nicks on edges. Legal walrus ivory."
 
Found this Chappel on Bruce Voyles Auction Site. It was so pretty, I just had to post it. :thumbup:


bDSCN0080.JPG
 
Man, I'll bet those smart curves are making DH3 a bit squirmy. LOL!

And those handles? I'll bet RWL would be nodding approvals.

Murray: That blood squirting channel is creepy. And kewwl at the same time!

Really cool. Thanks!
 
Heck, might as well turn this into a tribute thread. Lewis and Clark model, 5.25" blade.


resizer.aspx
 
I received a few emails inquiring about the "CHAPPEL" stamp on my knife. The knife in the last photo in the previous post has the same stamp as mine. Apparently, this stamp is rare. I also received an email regarding the sheath and belt I made. Nothing special, but promised I'd post a photo. Added a few props for color and theme. Belt has a sterling Tlingit medallion on the keeper. Thanks! :thumbup:


IMG_5340_zps3b663199.jpg
 
Bootstrap Bill said:
If ya want to see another knifemaker paying homage to Rod,find a picture of Pat Crawford's 'Fighting Joe wheeler' knife
Click to expand...

I have never run across that knife (or any other Crawfords that have a Chappel look) so I would love to see that one. Phil Boguszewski did tell me that Rod was one of his early influences, and he made a folder model R-8 with a distinctive Chappel look:

boguszewskirecurvehalfo.jpg
 
Matt,

That Boguszewski folder is too cool! Are you the owner? Thanks for posting the photo.

Tom
 
I can't help but think of Lady Diana every time I see Jim Weyer's folder collection.


orig.jpg


14562-1.jpg
 
This is the Shadowfox. In the late '90's or so, Rod decided to build a production folder. It had a massive blade, not quite 1/4", but close. The pivot was also massive, but could not be adjusted without a special tool, blade-to-handle ratio was not optimized, the liner lock was of fairly thin stock and the handles were either anodized aluminum or Zytel at a time when the movement to G10 for tough use blades was gaining ground. It was not a well thought out tactical folder, but it was a very attractive knife. This is the only pic that I have easily found.

This is the Fighting Joe Wheeler knife by Jim Hammond. I have to admit that many of Jim Hammond's designs do not flow with the French Curve Flair that Rod was famous for, and that this one does, but check out the Flesheater to see how he has a true style of his own.

Fighting Joe Wheeler

Flesheater

Flesheater II

Best Regards,

Steven Garsson
 
Last edited:
TAH said:
I can't help but think of Lady Diana every time I see Jim Weyer's folder collection.


orig.jpg
Click to expand...
Wow. Thanks for pointing that out. I own the second on the right, bottom vertical row. Ironwood with pins.

Without question these were inspired with Rod's design. Good stuff!
 
Kohai999 said:
This is the Shadowfox. In the late '90's or so, Rod decided to build a production folder.
Click to expand...

Interesting! Who made the Shadowfox and in what country? Assuming Rod was just the designer.


SharpByCoop said:
I own the second on the right, bottom vertical row. Ironwood with pins. Without question these were inspired with Rod's design. Good stuff!
Click to expand...

Yes, I know, Coop. Let's not hide that beauty. You picked out a good one! :thumbup:

orig.jpg


It makes sense that these folders were inspired by Chappel's design. Rod was one of Jim Weyer's favorite makers. In fact, Chappel's work appears on the first page of Points of Interest: Books 1 & 3, as well as the same Hunting Leopard with walrus ivory is featured in both books, but are photographed differently.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top