Photos SharpByCoop's Gallery of Handmade Knives

[Augus7us]

Hi Coop, Amazing thread and photography. After two weeks of checking this out on and off I've finally made it through the whole thing, it was a terrific journey! I don't have much to add that hasn't already been said many times. The photos and the work from these talented craftsmen are simply mind blowing.

I do have a couple of questions for you.

Could you give a brief explanation of what makes a tactical folder versus any other in your eyes? I'm not much of a folder guy so it piqued my interest when you mentioned that and I figure your explanation would benefit others in my shoes that were browsing this thread.

Second, I know you're not a knifemaker but could you do a WIP thread on how you raise a family, work dual jobs, travel, work on a book and still manage to update something like 20 websites???

Keep up the fantastic work.

-Clint

 

[knWWman1]

Hi Coop - The idea to go B&W on the Ron Best auto is one of the coolest photographic calls I've seen in the last decade. It's really hard to come up with something surprisingly fresh in the internet/smart-phone era and you did. One of the coolest photos I've ever seen IMHO - and the knife isn't bad either Ron ;-) . Thanks !!!

 

[SharpByCoop]

Hi Coop, Amazing thread and photography. After two weeks of checking this out on and off I've finally made it through the whole thing, it was a terrific journey! I don't have much to add that hasn't already been said many times. The photos and the work from these talented craftsmen are simply mind blowing.

I do have a couple of questions for you.

Could you give a brief explanation of what makes a tactical folder versus any other in your eyes? I'm not much of a folder guy so it piqued my interest when you mentioned that and I figure your explanation would benefit others in my shoes that were browsing this thread.

In my eyes? Tactical was a term coined in the early nineties when the first charge towards these knives came about. From what I've learned (I don't go back that far), the genre was developed with hard use, low visibility, offensive and defensive needs beyond a 'tool', ability to have a firm grip, and quick deployment. There are other attributes, which I'm sure I've missed.

The popularity of these knives surpassed expectations and most assuredly the need. However, because they were priced relatively low ($400-$600), in those periods when shiny small interframe folders were selling for many thousands, it was affordable and relevant.

In time the term has stuck for most any larger folding knife with heavier duty locks and stout blades.

From Les Robertson: What's the best 'Tactical' knife? The knife you have on you when it's needed. ANY knife!

All this said, the genre has grown to include a segment which is called a 'dress tactical'. It's an unnecessary knife for Tactical usage, but SO powerful for exciting collecting and cutting opportunities. However, so are Bowies and Fighters. We are buying a vision, and happily doing so.

If you have not seen a thread I started over a year ago, it's worth another few days of your time: The current Tactical Custom Folder market HOTTEST ever?

This answers far more than I can manage.

Second, I know you're not a knifemaker but could you do a WIP thread on how you raise a family, work dual jobs, travel, work on a book and still manage to update something like 20 websites???

Keep up the fantastic work.

-Clint

You're paying close attention. The fun never ends. I switch gears from one job to another like a rallye driver and I'm often doing photography stuff in the morning and evening on ANY day.

I do spin a few plates, but I can't help myself. I have placed the book on the back burner.... again. it will happen some year.

Thanks, Clint!

 

[SharpByCoop]

Some have been posted, some not. ALL good!

Mike Williams, MS. BIG belly chopper bowie

Dan Leeper with a nicely shaped chef's knife and a dazzling finish

Those crazy European makers do things MUCH differently. Anders Hogstrom leads this charge!

Sent to Bellevue WA to a prominent CEO gamer collector. Ahem... :thumbup:

Steven Ramos's knives are as tough to build as they are to photograph. So many curves, so many noses....

More...

 

[SharpByCoop]

Ron Best got prodded by a collector to use carbon fiber on the last page. Now he's at it with Timascus....

Matt Parkinson drives an hour and visits me with his MASSIVE projects. It's a pleasure working WITH him (I need his help on these things) and his work looks as good as it appears.

You can pry the ivory out of Don Hanson's hands when he's dead. No way, no how.

From Bucksport ME is Tim Steingass' RWL Big Bear rendition. Superb.

 

[SharpByCoop]

Sean O'Hare from New Brunswick, Canada has taken strongly to folders.

Mike Craddock just gets better and better. He's flying under the radar, but I'd highly suggest paying closer attention.

I told you Ron Best was using Timascus. I think he likes it! (This sold ASAP.)

A rare appearance by the illustrious Lloyd Hale, who has taken a woman friend to helping him make these. She's ALSO the owner!

(I think Lloyd and Mark Knapp could share LOTS of pearl/abalone/shell fitment stories.) Such detail.

This was easy to capture. What a dagger!

Stephen Olszewski hails from RI and is one of the remaining New England art folder makers up in this area.
He took a hiatus for a couple of years, but just produced this figural auto knife.

Finally, from the other end of the USA is Marcus Lin. His work is Simply Impeccable. See for yourself. :thumbup:

Thanks for viewing.

 

[Shawn Hatcher]

These guys are lucky to have access to someone who is as skilled at photographing these knives as they are at making them. Phenomenal shots, as always, Coop. :thumbup:

 

[Big Rick]

The Marcus Lin knives are awesome. I have quite a few of Marcus's knives in my collection and can attest to the quality of workmanship. Right now he is making me something very, very special in the Loveless style. Hopefully all will be revealed in a couple of months.

 

[Jon Brand]

Its interesting how the edges of Steve Ramos' knives are shown dark rather then bright. Looks really good on those. More dramatic for me especially with the hollow grind creating a gradient.

I like Sean's folders and the blade of that Craddock is just SICK!!

 

[SharpByCoop]

Good eye. Those rounded bolster have a bit of photoshop hiding my fingers, camera and nose. The mirrors are the second bright reflection.

The shifting shadow/highlight going up the blade is a SBC characteristic I intentionally try to produce. Buddy and I call it 'The Twist'...

Yes, and yes.

Thanks, Jon.

Coop

 

[SharpByCoop]

I just posted my recollections and images from my latest show. The Miami International Knife Expo (MIK-E).

Miami Knife images - CLICK HERE

While there I did a TON of work. I have a nice dealer network and I stay busy no matter what.

Here are some which were to be done back in my studio, or there if I made time. That I did.

More...

 

[SharpByCoop]

^^^ With all this seriousness, can't we just live a simpler life? This should do just that!

:thumbup:

Thanks!

 

[SharpByCoop]

In my Miami thread I'd shown a pair of swords by Daniel Watson/Angelsword.

I do NOT like doing swords at a show. They take three times as long (or more!) for me to shoot, and even longer to edit.

However, once the timer and the swearing stops, the swords look pretty darn good. :thumbup:

Just as a curious insight to a bit of the process, I'll show you what I start with, and what I create and finish from this.

 

[SharpByCoop]

Stoopid Bladeforums servers hang and won't let me add ANY text to explain the process above.

I add a sentence and it simply hangs till it times out.

I'll try again later.

Edit: I've tried a dozen times and can't edit the above post. I have a query in Service and Support, but no one has any real answers.

Look and you can figure it out. LOL!

 

[SharpByCoop]

A lot has been going on over here in my studio.

Much of it has been seen in individual threads, but I like to offer a visual revisit.

A trio of substantial Bowies:

Derrick Wulf, JS

Jon Doyle

Lin Rhea, MS

Black and white daggers from Vladimir Kolenko

Ivory dagger from David Broadwell

A couple of collector's folders, Here's Jason Clark...

...and Rainy Vallotton.

The unstoppable talent of Ron Best, applying his curves to modern synthetics and metals.

He polishes the finishes differently on the carbon fluting. Hard to show, but they are satin and gloss.

How about some COLOR!

A closeup look.

Thanks for viewing.

 

[SharpByCoop]

Yes. I have secured our large Boardroom #1, and Susan and I will drive there, arriving on Thursday afternoon to setup.

Here's a preview poster:

Below is a screenshot of an email which I sent out to a BUNCH of clients. I use an outside company because my local ISP shuts me down if I send to more than 200 recipients. To them: I'm a spammer.

I hope you have gotten this. :thumbup:

A couple of changes: I can't do Swords nor Display stands. They simply take too much time to do correctly with frontal lighting (stands) or setup, and we have to keep moving. (Eric at Point Seven has done swords there.)

Real talk: It is THE most busy and subsequently stressful weekend of the year for me. For 90% of the knife world Blade is all about camaraderie and greeting and catching up and learning... :thumbup:

For me: It's all about doing quality hard work while under time constraints. My work is DURING the show.

I will be unavailable to 'chat' for much of this. As much as I love and wish to talk to everyone these conversations put me in a tailspin, unless it's about a working project.

This said, I have such a great staff to count on! My wonderful wife Susan, our incredibly talented and cheerful helper Maggie Randall, and this year, longtime collector Jon Brand will be helping me and helping to guide makers on the best course of action with their projects. All of them will take turns going back and forth with pickups and deliveries.

Still, every once in a while I come out for a break. I hope to catch you then.

You KNOW I will give you a visual thread to revisit the knives of the show.

Thank you.

Jim

 

[Shawn Hatcher]

Pretty sure this is the most amazing thread on the internet. Thanks for sharing, Jim.

 

[wdtorque]

Looking forward to your photos and posts.
Dozier
Accuracy beats speed

 

[RogerP]

I bet Jim is exhausted from the show, but I'm just here to say I am REALLY looking forward to the pics from Blade!

 

[SharpByCoop]

Hi Roger!

Where do I begin....!?? YIKES!

First off, was the scramble to FINISH work so I could leave, then it's a hustle to get ready and pack the entire needs into my Chrysler T&C. Susan and I drove off on Wed early morning, stopped overnight and made it to Blade on Thursday by midday. I drove the entire way.

By 3:30pm I was set up...

From Thursday till Sunday @1 pm it was NON-STOP hustle. I arrived at 6:30am every morning. I have said it's the hardest four working days of my year, and this year was just that.

Susan and I worked through the eve on Thursday and had fast food on the way to the hotel. The next night the two of us ate at a Thai restaurant, and on Sat we were invited by Keith Ouye and his friends to join them at Maggiano's. Great dinner and people.

We packed it all back up, and shoved off at 3:30pm Sunday, to arrive at my son's school athletic awards dinner @ 6pm yesterday with a full 45 mins to spare. LOL!

I'm just settling down now to prioritize all my tasks. I need to take care of a few folks right away, and ensure ALL the work is done well.

I will start a thread on the forum later this evening. Gotta go now!

Wait for it....

Jim