Salute to Herman Williams

tongueriver

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2007
Messages
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There is a thread somewhere on Bladeforums on Herman, but his work speaks for itself.

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I like how you blokes can get a collection together with posts on threads .

I don't show that much as I can hear the OOh's and AAh's from Australia when I bring my rusty pre loved ones out from hiding .
 
Here's my only Herman Williams.

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Only one of his knives is not from a lack of bidding, but more a case of a lack of high bids.
 
I've never seen this line of Schrades with the burnt stag. Fantastic.

Mr. Williams did custom work for Schrade for quite a few years and even provided many of the knives in the renowned "Factory Collection". An avid collector (and historian) himself, he seems to still prefer customizing examples of this brand of knives. The man is an artist and, from what my friends who know him tell me, a great guy to boot.
 
I let a couple go over the years, but held onto this one. It's so simple and nice. And probably rare - only seen one Hawk; this one! There are probably some more out there though.
Herman does great work, and it's the closest thing to a factory custom you will see in a production knife.
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Notice the hammered pins???
 
Great thread, I'm a HUGE fan of Herman's knives, here are a couple:

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Eric
 
I won this one only 3 days ago ! didn't get as much bidding as most.

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Stag scales are nicely shaped to fit in-hand:

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The blade action is smooth and zero play but tang/blade fit is not right on

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It may be that Mr. Williams used blades from another knife resulting in this step. Master tang is also slightly narrower than it's spring.
However the fact that the blade action and lock up is perfect is more important to me. It's a really nice knife.
roland
 
I believe this Barlow was returned to me and was replaced. When I took the defective one apart I found the problem not to be in the blades, but in the blade pin. Schrade knives, as we all know, is hinged with the keyhole,(Swinden construction), which is no more than a pin headed on both ends slipped into a keyhole in the liner. When I take a Schrade knife apart and put back together, I must make this headed pin by hand. I do not have the equipment Schrade had to construct such a pin. In the Barlow that Mr. Proctor bought the pin had become slightly bent in a curve. When the blade was opened and closed the curve turned causing the liner to open up slightly giving the effect that the blade was to narrow. When I put the knife back together with a straight pin the problem was solved. I don't like to have knives get out to a person with a defect, but defects such as was in the particular knife can get through. As always, if a customer buys one of my customzed knives and is not completely happy with my workmanship, I wil always replace the knife, if possible, or refund the cost of the knife. It is difficult to take a factory finished knife, tear it apart, rehandle, and put back together. There is just not enough stock left to regrind and refinish without causing damage to the backsprings.
So, when I rehandle a Schrade knife I have to be very careful on the refinish.
I just hope Mr. Proctor is satisfied and happy with the replcement Barlow.

Herman
 
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A true gentleman.
Two of the sweetest knives I will ever own are perfected by Mr. Herman Williams. A 227UH and 127UH with brass bolsters and shields and that breathtaking toasted stag synonymous with this great Schrade man.
These two knives will eventually be the two knives I pass to my own son.
Many thanks Herman for the knife pleasures you have given so many.
Hoo Roo from Oz.
 
Quote Mr. Williams: "I just hope Mr. Proctor is satisfied and happy with the replcement Barlow."

!00% happy with the new Barlow and very 'touched' by Mr. Williams fast service and insistance on my being completely satisfied with his excellent workmanship.
I'm sure all knife collectors are very impressed by Mr. Williams fine custom work and feel a sense of honor to own one or more. Those of us who collect Schrades are also most grateful for his important role with Schrade when it was a USA company manufacturing some of the finest production knives ever.
Thank You Herman !
roland
 
Quote Mr. Williams: "I just hope Mr. Proctor is satisfied and happy with the replcement Barlow."

!00% happy with the new Barlow and very 'touched' by Mr. Williams fast service and insistance on my being completely satisfied with his excellent workmanship.
I'm sure all knife collectors are very impressed by Mr. Williams fine custom work and feel a sense of honor to own one or more. Those of us who collect Schrades are also most grateful for his important role with Schrade when it was a USA company manufacturing some of the finest production knives ever.
Thank You Herman !
roland

Roland,
You yourself, a gentleman. We have had many email conversations, which I have thourghly enjoyed. You always ask sincere questions, which I am always glad to try and give answers as best I can.

Herman
 
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