- Joined
- Oct 19, 2005
- Messages
- 19,711
I am beyond proud to announce that Russell Reece has graduated from my apprentice program. As you probably already know, Russell studied initially under my former apprentice Ron Solomon (RIP). You probably also know that Russell was already an accomplished craftsman before getting into making knives. He worked in the family business as a trim carpenter for years. I love teaching people like this how to make knives, and over the years I had given some demo's to Russell even before he decide to become an apprentice. Along the way Russell had expressed interest in working at Fiddleback Forge and becoming an apprentice. When I finally brought him aboard, we were all very impressed. Not only is he a craftsman in his soul, but he is about the most solid man I've ever met. Russell is just dependable. Its been a pleasure to have him here, and an honor to have him as an apprentice. His knives are among the cleanest I have ever seen.
The knife he gave me as his apprentice knife is one of his Mini Strebig model. The knife has a 4.5" handle and a 3.5" blade. Its a drop point bushcrafting style knife. This one (requirement for the grad knife) has a tapered tang. The scales are black canvas micarta with a natural canvas liner and white pinstripe. Russells 5 pin config and double tube in natural micarta finish the knife off. Its a beauty, and the style of it and handle materials are right up my alley. In addition, it is (of course) very comfortable in the hand.
The litmus test for a graduation knife is whether or not the knife is done as well as I could have done it. This one definitely is. I can't find a stray scratch even. The usual things I check are centered edge, a pretty plunge, same height grinds that exit the blade at the same spot on the tang, no gaps or glue lines, properly finished handle, spines that are square, and softened edges on the spine and guard area. Of course, I am also critical of the design.
Russell nailed it. Good job buddy.
Pics!
The knife he gave me as his apprentice knife is one of his Mini Strebig model. The knife has a 4.5" handle and a 3.5" blade. Its a drop point bushcrafting style knife. This one (requirement for the grad knife) has a tapered tang. The scales are black canvas micarta with a natural canvas liner and white pinstripe. Russells 5 pin config and double tube in natural micarta finish the knife off. Its a beauty, and the style of it and handle materials are right up my alley. In addition, it is (of course) very comfortable in the hand.
The litmus test for a graduation knife is whether or not the knife is done as well as I could have done it. This one definitely is. I can't find a stray scratch even. The usual things I check are centered edge, a pretty plunge, same height grinds that exit the blade at the same spot on the tang, no gaps or glue lines, properly finished handle, spines that are square, and softened edges on the spine and guard area. Of course, I am also critical of the design.
Russell nailed it. Good job buddy.
Pics!
