Photos SharpByCoop's Gallery of Handmade Knives

[SharpByCoop]

'Sea of tans...' Buddy and I use this phrase to describe how easy it is to get lost in neutrals. You can't go wrong with tan or beige, but still I like to mix it up.

First time I had the opportunity to work with and inspect Tom Ward's superb forging and designs. Very gratifying!

His Forge is called Tempestcraft.

Any long time BF viewer can recognize Mark Knapp's work from across... Alaska.

I don't know how to begin describing the detail and intricacy of this LARGE sculpture. Look closely: one half is Medieval, and the other is Futuristic.

Look closer at hi-res file here: Kulikov Tower

...and back to the classics.

Thanks for viewing. Again.

 

[Darrin Sanders]

I just spent more time looking at those Kulikov pieces than I've spent looking at anything for quite some time. Incredible!

 

[SharpByCoop]

I just spent more time looking at those Kulikov pieces than I've spent looking at anything for quite some time. Incredible!

Hi Darrin,

I agree, it deserves CLOSER scrutiny. I added a hi-res link below the photo above. Open to full size. It's astounding. The piece is NOT cast. It's got little carved and soldered bits throughout.

Thanks for noticing!

Jim

 

[Darrin Sanders]

Well there went another 10 minutes. HEHEHE Thanks Coop. The base appears to be African Blackwood or Ebony, is that correct?

 

[SharpByCoop]

Hi Darren, yes it's a natural wood of some form. Heavy and deeply carved. I can only imagine the months of intense work to create this!

Jim

 

[Burl Source]

Hi Darren, yes it's a natural wood of some form. Heavy and deeply carved. I can only imagine the months of intense work to create this!
Jim

The wood is ebony. Beautifully done. I hadn't noticed all the blue gemstones in the castles until I looked at the hi res photo. Amazing work by the maker and I would bet the photography was no easy task.

 

[Snockels]

Mr. Cooper, my name is Ralph Garbe.I am Bob Garbes brother. I just joined the Blade Forum and was suprised to see a entry about Bob.The knive you have feturded on the forum Bob called a "APPLESEED'" He was eating a apple in his kitchen when he thought he could make a knife like a appleseed.That was in about 1997 He quit making knifes in about 2002 at the age 70 He is now 81.He was a tinsmith for 30 years,and didn"t take up knike makeing until he was 60.He was always an artist and did meny things.He painted,carved wood,rebuild cars ect Everything had to be perfect! If you ever would like to sell the pearl appleseed please let me know,there are family members who would love to have one of his pieces. thanks.
.

I bought a beautiful Bob Garbe knife today with engraved bolsters and sambar stag with beautiful file work on the spine!! It was about 5 inches or so, a real work of art!!

 

[SharpByCoop]

Yes it is. In many ways!

Chad Nell has entered the folder realm. He sees the action out there.

Terry Renner uses his mad skillz, ivory, and Rietveld dragon skin steel to create a crazy balisong.

Ron Best steps into the 'Dress Tactical' arena with a suit and tie.

 

[SharpByCoop]

Bruce Berglin from WA delivered these quality knives. This one is a gift to his son in law.

This massive blade was a commission and was made and marked for his lucky client.

Isn't this stand impressive?!

Robert Burns uses pleasing warm and sturdy materials to showcase his utility knife.

CJ Cai recreates a historical war scene on this JK auto. Always impressive!

Lastly, Dan Dugdale always makes you look three times at his creativity. In this case it's a combination top lock with and open side face.

 

[SharpByCoop]

Final entry today: Keith Ouye's* knives are always a great canvas for clean engraving. Red for the Bulls....

* I have mispronounced Keith's name for years. I finally asked him how he prefers the pronunciation. Here's his explanation:

I've been taught to pronounce my name as "O way" although there is no Japanese characters to match. Supposedly my father's relatives in Japan pronounce it the same way. Even the late senator from Hawaii, Dan Inouye pronounced it "In oway".

Now we know! Thanks Keith!

Coop

 

[SharpByCoop]

This thread doesn't have quite so many 'Grey Poupon' knives. (That would be a tongue in cheek reference to hi-end tacticals.)

Here are some of the best:

More....

 

[SharpByCoop]

Something for everyone here.

Kious/Gwinnell: It's a bit creepy and completely thematic.

What are those creatures?

How do you spell BLING? L-l-o-y-d H-a-l-e.

Just...WOW!

Subtle bling....

CJ Cai and, wait...., Sal Manaro? Shouldn't this be in the ^^ above thread.... ?

Look at how that steel fans out in the guard of his Grosse Messer.

Kevin 'The Professor' Colwell is a staff instructor at Southern Connecticut State University.

Kevin Klein from Boston REALLY hits it out of Fenway Park on this inspired piece!

Thanks for viewing. Comments welcome.

 

[Marcel54]

That Hale is out of this world and the Klein is Hill Pearce reincarnated!!! Great stuff.

Marcel

 

[SharpByCoop]

Marcel, Thanks for your insights.

Funnily, the FIRST maker whom I aligned Kevin's ^^^ piece with was Tai Goo, for his similar scabbard. Conversations with Kevin allowed he DID study Tai's works and he gave him highest of accolades.

It has a Hill Pearce flavor as well. I concur! (BTW: Kevin and JD Smith work together. Kevin is a protege. A GOOD one!)

 

[kevin -the professor]

Thanks Coop - you are amazing. So are the pieces in this thread, and on this page. (Not commenting on my own). I love that you put the 2 Kevins together.
kc

 

[james counsellor]

Cooper, I've been making knives for about a year now. Thought I knew something about it and photography. This stuff just blew me away. What a gift to be able to study these pieces in such detail and clarity. Thank you

 

[SharpByCoop]

This time of the year I get busy with my multitude of jobs. I'm a coach and hands-on mechanic at a local rowing club, and we've gone into overdrive in the past couple of weeks. I'm only coming up for air now.

This said, I always get an opportunity to show some of the most impressive knives out there. It's been a short while, let's look together:

Lloyd made this dagger especially for his girlfriend Gigi. She adores HIM. :thumbup:

The next handful of knives appeared at my studio directly after the Canadian Knifemakers Guild Show

Mark was mentioned in RL and Murray's posts on this show. Here's the closeup shots.

Supermodel Wolfe....

Continuing...

 

[SharpByCoop]

...Ummmmm, not in my optics. Nor the buying public!

Continuing...

 

[SharpByCoop]

Continuing...

 

[SharpByCoop]

Continuing with the grey theme on a 'smaller scale':

Darriel Caston from CA is a clever maker. Look at these wonderful friction folders with Sue Broadwell's sheaths:

John Kubasek from MA comes up with a brilliant neck knife and a magnetic lock which no one saw coming:

The super magnet jumps up into the milled pocket and then locks it into the handle. A small press and it closes. SO cool!

Lastly: An earthly utility hunter from TX by talented maker Paul Lusk. Here is his description of those crazy scales: "Meteorite encrusted mammoth ivory from the North Sea." A little back-to-another-reality check. LOL!

Thanks so much for viewing and your support.

Jim