Scagel style knives

G

Grapevine

Joined
Mar 5, 2002
Messages
1,470
All this time I've thought they look goofy. Then only a few weeks ago something clicked in my head about them...the sweeping blade that would seem to excell at slicing and that now suddenly looks beautiful to me... the leather and spacer and stag handles that can offer so much variety by simply playing with juxtaposition and combinations...the organic and almost primitive look. I'm smitten.

As far as makers that specialize in Scagel style, I only know of Jim Behring, Rick Schuchmann, and Ron Welling. Does anyone have experience with any of their knives? Which is the most highly regarded? And which is the one that you would consider the best buy from? Any others?

I don't know enough about this style knife other than recognizing the style when I see it. Are there subtle things to look at in terms of quality control or trueness to style? Is it a particularly hard type of knife to make for someone who haven't delved into them?
 
I have never had the opportunity to handle a Scagel style knife of any kind, but have seen the work Jim Behring and Ron Wellig. Both make knives that I think look great. My favorite maker of this style of knife is Dr. James Lucie and another that I think does exceptional work is Lora Sue Bethke.

At some point, I plan to have Dr. Lucie make me a Bowie in the way he figures William Scagel would have done it.
 
Have seen and handled a couple original Scagel's and they are special - the flow and curvacious lines of the blades are sensual plus they work as knives (would never use an original tho'). P. J. Tomes is another who does fantastic work with Scagel style - have 3 of his and they are great!

Bill
 
Originally posted by penguinva
P. J. Tomes is another who does fantastic work with Scagel style - have 3 of his and they are great!

Bill
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I was having dinner one night with PJ at Blade 2001, when PJ brought up Scagel's. I told him that I didn't care for them, I thought he was going to reach across the table and choke me, but all he said was, "You really need to take another look." I did, and there is something about the Sacgel style that does grow on you. I found a Scagel design that I fell in love with in Ed Fowler's "Knife Talk" book. Angie Fowler gave to Ed as a wedding present a Scagel style knife made by Wayne Goddard. My friend Max Burnett has worked with Jim Behring and has agreed to make me his version of Ed's Scagel. I can't wait. ;)
 
I'm really looking forward to this project Phil. I haven't forged any Scagel blades since the last few I sent to Jim. It'll be fun to get back into that style. I just don't get much call for that style but I sure do like it. I'll let you know when I get started on yours old buddy.
 
Max and Phil,

It'd be great if you guys could post pics of the knife when it's done.

Keith,

I know Dr. Lucie's a Scagel scholar and historian but didn't know he made knives too. Interesting. I would think that a Scagel made bowie would look very much like one of the knives shown in the current issue of Blade in the article where they found a collection of 6 matching Scagels, specifically the stag only handle one (as opposed to his normal leather/stag). It has a bowie look to it, yet displays the flowing S curve that Scagel knives are known for. Beautiful knife. I may have to ask someone to make one like it for me one day.
 
Grapevine,
I'm please to know that something has piqued your interest in William Wales Scagel, aka "Old Bill", and his knives. I'm the lucky guy who found the matched set of 6 Scagel knives featured in the Aug. '03 issue of BLADE Magazine to which you referred titled "Find of a Lifetime" by B.R. Hughes. For a bunch of pictures, discussion of Scagel's "style" and comments by some other folks check out the following:
(Custom Knife Directory forums). Just for fun, here's a unique image I was inspired to create using one knife out of the set:

Also, if your interest continues to grow you might want to attend the American Bladesmith Society "Third Annual Scagel Blade Forging & Knife Exhibition", Aug. 22-24 in Ravenna, MI (go to www.americanbladesmith.com for more info) You can see, up close and personal, a bunch of very special Scagel creations, get a tour of his old shop and meet some makers who specialize in Scagel reproductions and/or knives "in the style of" W. Scagel.
 
Hey Buddy, it's great to see you taking part here as well as on the CKD forum.

Yep, that was one heck of a find all right.
 
Thanks for the info and links Buddy. When people describe their incredible experience seeing and showing knives at Blade, it makes me wish I'd gone. I sure would have liked to have seen those Scagels, as well as the other knives that people have been posting the past couple of weeks.
 
Just picked up a Behring 8" bowie of 01 in Springfield, MO a couple of days ago. Man, it is a great knife... It is easy to see why people fall in love with Scagel reproductions....
 
Buddy,
could you give me a 'gist' of how you gave across the infamous six-pack.............:eek:

Thanks
 
For what it's worth. If I were going to buy Scagel style Knife. I would buy either a Dr. Lucie or a Treeman. My first preference would most likely be one of Jim Berings. I had the privelege of meeting him in Atlanta and had a very good conversation with him. His knives looked great and I am sure that you would get your moneys worth.
 
I have handled and sold many real Scagel knives. Some for as much as $25,000. In my opinion the real reproduction is done by Jim Behring. Dr Lucie also does a good job. They all are good. Paul
 
Burke,

Here is one for you....

behring_camp500.jpg


It is awesome. I have seen a number of scagel repros, but Mr. Behring's have a kind of "do anything with" quality to them.. Great horse hide sheath, crown stag, etc..
 
This Scagel has given me some inspiration for my Bowie.

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This is the only knife like this that I have seen from Scagel. That is probably because it was commisioned.
 
Wow, those last two are stunning! I love the look of that Scagel bowie, although it might be lacking a little bit of "belly" to the edge.

-Jose
 
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