Photos SharpByCoop's Gallery of Handmade Knives

[SharpByCoop]

Let's revisit some images which were posted by their owners:

Kyle and Don Hanson

Don Hanson III, MS

Ronald Best

Russ Andrews II, MS

Kevin Klein

Jon Moore. This is a Harley-Davidson tribute knife, forged from a primary chain, and with Jon's mark embedded into the HD-shape shield.

It only took a month of this design posted from him to have one of the principals of HD to contact him....

Fearing copyright SNAFU, he was relieved that the manager wanted to place an order!

More....

 

[SharpByCoop]

Many fine makers have contributed to the KnifeRights.org auction to be held this coming July 2014.

Here's how we are supporting this effort, with these pro-bono shots. :thumbup:

Michal Zieba

Vaughn Neeley

Mike Pellegrin took instruction from Dwight Towell and created this delightful folder with wire inlays and the druse yin-yang symbol.

You have to appreciate Thailand's Suchat Jangtanong's lovely folders. He's been inducted into the Knifemaker's Guild, although he desperately fears flying to make a personal visit. That may change soon.

Closing with a bang. the one, the only... Michael Walker.

Thanks for viewing!

 

[SharpByCoop]

It's Christmas evening. A rich family dinner, my son is asleep, yet I still have more to celebrate and give.

^^^ As you have seen, 2013 has been a VERY fulfilling year for us, in the world of art and collectible knives.

 

[BluesStringer]

Mr. Cooper, there are not words to adequately express to you how much I appreciate you sharing all this fine art with us, and I mean both the artistry of steel, as well as your artistry behind the lens. This is my all-time favorite thread on BFC. Thank you so much for it. Merry Christmas and God Bless you and yours, Sir.

Blues

 

[SharpByCoop]

^^^ Thanks Blues! I watch this thread grow in views monthly, so I know there are thousands, like you, who drop in for a look.

A rising tide floats ALL ships!

Jim

 

[Jos]

On an "AWESOMENESS" scale of 1 to 10, this one would get a solid "off the scales" 15! Absolutely amazing.

Kind regards,

Jos

 

[SharpByCoop]

^^^ Thanks Jos. That was MY impression as well.

Here's some that have come around the holidays:

Tim Britton

Chris Malouf sent me these. A bit out of my norm, but not too far out.

High-end Italian engraving by Francesca Fracassi

Ryuichi Kawamura from Japan

Wolfe Loerchner from Canada

Matthiue Petitjean from France

Good 'ol Buster & Julie Warenski, from the US of A.

 

[canineforge]

Awesome work, Coop! The 'stuff' that passes through your hands!! Wow. Just Wow.

The Ryu trapper and I could become very, very good friends.

- Joe

 

[SharpByCoop]

Yes, Joe. I understand. Amid all the dazzling stuff that comes my way, I like to allow in an occasional traditional knife to center us.

Boy, does he do them well.

Thank you!

 

[cooper669]

I am new to the forum. I am not a knife maker, just a knife lover. I came across this thread and I am stunned and mesmerized. This is the most spectacular display of artistry and craftsmanship I think I have ever seen! Rembrandt and Picasso pfffft. All of these knives are amazing. The originality, craftsmanship and attention to detail is completely off the charts. I applaud all of you including the photographer for capturing it all.

 

[TomD]

About 7 years ago I was trying a different kind of photography, coins, gold & silver, numismatics, etc and through research on technique found your pictures here on Blade Forum. To say that your explanation of how you did it was a revelation would be an understatement.

I watched you work at the Blade Show one year and ended up stealing a lot of your techniques, especially the use of backgrounds. I now occasionally make a little money at it in my field, though there's not much probability that I'll ever make it near your skill level. But however far I did make it with this type of photography is largely due to your example of methodology and example just what is possible.

Hadn't been on Blade Forum in years but recently decided to dig it up. Who was the other first rate photographer on the forum at the time (2007)? Buddy something?

Thanks!


America the Beautiful Vicksburg 5-oz silver by TomD77, on Flickr


2001 Kookaburra by TomD77, on Flickr


2002 Panda silver coin by TomD77, on Flickr


Gold Britannia by TomD77, on Flickr


tiger on copper by TomD77, on Flickr


2003 Australian Kangaroo silver coin by TomD77, on Flickr

 

[SharpByCoop]

Hi TomD,

Welcome back. Thanks for posting these. :thumbup: They are a great example of complex lighting making the subject look clear and distinct.

I rank coins up there with watches, jewelry, and crystal: Incredibly difficult to master.

If somehow I've inspired you, I'm in appreciation. Now it's payback!

Buddy Thomason is always doing some of the better work in this field. He's a close friend, peer, and invaluable counsel to me. We've all grown.

cooper669: Thank you. I'm pleased you are enjoying the visits!

 

[SharpByCoop]

These are the 'creme de la creme' in Art Folders:

 

[SharpByCoop]

Only SOME of the knives I have the opportunity to capture are made of unobtanium.

These are JUST as gratifying!

Rod Chappel

Mark Knapp

Jim Siska

Don Fogg, MS (Available. I'm holding this one for a client.)

Jason Fry

Jody Muller

Enrique Pena

Thanks for viewing!

 

[Jason Fry]

Glad to see Michael Henningsson's work. Sat next to him at the Guild show this year. Nice guy, from Sweden. GREAT folding knives with excellent fit and finish.

 

[Lorien]

that Petitjean dagger is offa da hook!

 

[Joss]

Those Pena are nice (and of course the Fogg is awesome...)

 

[SharpByCoop]

Jason, Lorien, Joss: Glad you each see something you like!


I have spent time compiling a proto SharpByCoop Photography Book of 200+ outstanding images and knives. I'm making decisions on format and supplier.

I have shown the prototype book to a few folks. There are BIG pluses raised and some comments about consumer-level print quality. Would it fly? One of my most trusted advisors owns a high quality art store in my town, called the Artist's Market. He's dealt with the best of the best.

I had a long meeting with him; in his list of things to change, print quality was NOT one of them. He says you are buying a book of photo reproductions, not of the photos themselves. His opinion: A very limited audience would be that concerned. He found the imagery and subjects to be dazzling enough, far overriding the need for ultra detail.

His concern: Pricing for professional quality. Too high, and I lose audience. Keep it lower, and I extend my work to more. What's the balance? As it is, it will have to sell for over $120 for this limited run. I'm not printing 500-2000 copies.

He also queried me on my intent of exactly what it is I am trying to achieve with this book. He shifted my focus enough to make a title change. (still not finalized)

It will be a limited edition run of signed copies. It will not be available through Amazon.

In my own usage of my book, I find it very useful as an introduction to Handmade/Custom knives and my work displaying them. They are ALWAYS in awe. I suspect this would be a very common point of usage, and I'm certainly not the first to offer a quality tabletop glimpse into our world. However, this is a portfolio of my own personal style and format, which I am proud of, and has a following.

Stay posted.

Thanks again.

Jim

 

[SharpByCoop]

Here's a bunch. Some have been posted in other threads, and some not seen. All outstanding.

Olamic Cutlery is an importer of top quality knives, handmade in Russia. Impressive!

Ron Best knows the value of a good photograph for sales. He won't build a knife without sending it to me. :thumbup:

C.J. Cai and Tom Overeynder. 'Helen of Troy' thematic story

Mark came out with his first two folders and this one is already a classic individual design.

I met Darriel at the Napa Show in 2007. He's a part-time maker with Cad/Cam skills, and here's his version of a 'dogtag'.

Sean O'Hare continues to build them clean.

Tim Steingass takes command of a classic Loveless design in ironwood.

That said, here's one of the most valuable and historical RWL knives on the planet. This is reported to be Bob Loveless' first sub hilt fighter, from the fifties.

 

[pootsythesamurai]

I found the post about you compiling a book really interesting Coop. I'd say you have a great audience here for shifting a few copies. I'd definitely want one over on the Emerald Isle, just hope I don't miss the chance if it gets sorted and published Hope it comes to fruition.

best,
Phil

Jason, Lorien, Joss: Glad you each see something you like!


I have spent time compiling a proto SharpByCoop Photography Book of 200+ outstanding images and knives. I'm making decisions on format and supplier.

I have shown the prototype book to a few folks. There are BIG pluses raised and some comments about consumer-level print quality. Would it fly? One of my most trusted advisors owns a high quality art store in my town, called the Artist's Market. He's dealt with the best of the best.

I had a long meeting with him; in his list of things to change, print quality was NOT one of them. He says you are buying a book of photo reproductions, not of the photos themselves. His opinion: A very limited audience would be that concerned. He found the imagery and subjects to be dazzling enough, far overriding the need for ultra detail.

His concern: Pricing for professional quality. Too high, and I lose audience. Keep it lower, and I extend my work to more. What's the balance? As it is, it will have to sell for over $120 for this limited run. I'm not printing 500-2000 copies.

He also queried me on my intent of exactly what it is I am trying to achieve with this book. He shifted my focus enough to make a title change. (still not finalized)

It will be a limited edition run of signed copies. It will not be available through Amazon.

In my own usage of my book, I find it very useful as an introduction to Handmade/Custom knives and my work displaying them. They are ALWAYS in awe. I suspect this would be a very common point of usage, and I'm certainly not the first to offer a quality tabletop glimpse into our world. However, this is a portfolio of my own personal style and format, which I am proud of, and has a following.

Stay posted.

Thanks again.

Jim