San Francisco Knives by Curt Erickson --- Engraving by Julie Warenski-Erickson

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betzner

betzner

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Thanks to the foresight of Buster Warenski, traditional San Francisco and California knives were brought back to life in the last few decades. The tradition continues with these examples, from the bench of Curt Erickson, who Buster mentored and trained.

After Buster's passing, his wife Julie wanted to continue the tradition. Buster had taught her everything but grinding. Curt's father asked him to train her and a year later, they had fallen in love and were married - and the tradition continues.

2011 Blade Show: For the first time, Curt & Julie will attend, table 21-B

First Image - Michael Talanian Collection

Second Image - Walter Hoffman Collection

Third Image - Michael Talanian Collection

Fourth Image - This Collection

Fifth Image - Newly Made for the Phil Lobred Collection


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WOW!!!!
For me it is impossible to pick out which one I like the best.
These all look like pieces that should be in a museum.
It would be worth traveling to Atlanta just to see some of these in person.
 
All nice but Phil had told me about the fifth some time ago and I had been looking forward to seeing it.
Magnificent and it's inspired by a one of a kind, Bowie style blade, made by Michael Price. It is shown on page 351 of "The Bowie Knife Book"
by Norm Flayderman and page 126 of "California's Best" by Brad and Brian Whitherell.

Along with the story that accompanies this piece, it would make a fine piece for the CKCA website homepage.
 
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Kevin Jones said:
All nice but Phil had told me about the fifth some time ago and I had been looking forward to seeing it.
Magnificent and it's inspired by a one of a kind, Bowie style blade, made by Michael Price. It is shown on page 351 of "The Bowie Knife Book"
by Norm Flayderman and page 126 of "California's Best" by Brad and Brian Whitherell.

Along with the story that accompanies this piece, it would make a fine piece for the CKCA website homepage.
Click to expand...

Kevin, the project was only just completed and believe Phil actually received it something like a week ago, or less. And "project" is the right word for it, as I understand it. I had wanted to keep the opener as short as possible, so thanks for adding some of the details, much appreciated. The gold fittings, incidentally, are solid 18k, gold inlays are 24k.

I imagine that once Phil has it professionally imaged (the above are from Curt), it would be an ideal candidate for your suggestion.

Bob
 
Those are all real beautiful, but my vote goes to the ring dagger. Super cool.

Marcel
 
Bob, thanks for the education! Just seeing these knives provides some real insight. Would be amazing to see them in person no doubt!
 
Marcel/Bruce-

One thing I can say is that it has drastically changed my attitude toward ring daggers. I saw this one early one, before it left Curt. Never met a ring dagger I liked.

Now, I remember some that I now like and I seem to recall one by you, Bruce. Kinda cool, as it changed my attitude. It is not my favorite out of the five, but it's gotta come in there at number two!

I love it, truly special one.

Best,

Bob
 
Those are outstanding, I appreciate the history, too. I really think Curt & Julie should have a shared logo, the knives truly are the work of two accomplished artists working together.

Win
 
The student has reached the level of the Master. Yes, each of these gives ME pause as well.

What a treat. Thank you, Bob. :D

Coop
 
I finally cobbled together most of the basic details of these five, so here goes:

#1 - Dendrite agate (this quality is very rare), black jade and pave diamonds with pave diamond sheath button

#2 - Gun blued, carved gold lip pearl with gold lip pearl button

#3 - African elephant ivory, ruby inlay in button and pommel

#4 - Double size 24k gold bead around all borders, black jade and pearl mosaic inlay

#5 - Walrus ivory, 18k ferrule, 18k carved guard (including carved beadwork), 18k sheath throat, 18k sheath ball

INTERESTING NOTE: The sheath balls are hollow, rather than solid. This is the way Buster Warenski made them, though it took much more time - so are these. One day I will get into some other interesting aspects of SF knives (current ones, not antiques - I am certainly no expert, either), but not here.

Best,

Bob
 
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Excellent thread Bob and most informative. I think Curt and Julie make some of the most beautiful knives around bar none! They truly take knife making to the next level as fine art! Every one of these pieces is very special.

Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

Jon
 
I never see too many pictures of Curt and Julie's collaborations! Just stunning examples of fine art and exceptional craftsmanship!

Ring guards are not my favorites either, BUT that ivory carving is superb.

Thanks Bob,
Peter
 
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