SR. Johnson Fans Take Note!!! Pictures!!!

Megalobyte

Megalobyte

Joined
Jun 5, 2002
Messages
2,761
Like many, I have always liked SJ knives, he sort of took the classic, timeless Loveless designs and perfected them. His reputation for clean and perfect workmanship is well known and legendary. I have long wanted an SJ, but I dont need to tell you they are expensive! And, you don't see that many around either, often if you do, it's not a really good one, which is why it's for sale. :) Yes, i always wanted one, a nice one, but was not, AM not prepared to spend $2000+ on a single, relatively simple fixed blade.

Enter John Young...

Ever heard that name? Well, if not, I believe you will soon. From what I have learned, he was taught by the man himself, SJ, and John's knives are clearly based on classic Loveless/SJ designs, John wouldn't be the first maker to try his hand at these venerable designs, but he may just be the best. A bold claim on my part, yes, but read on...

I recently saw pictures of a few of his knives on the net, from the pics, they sure looked extremely clean and well made, with very nice materials, but of course a picture isn't enough. The knives looked great, the prices were reasonable, and I knew he was taught by SRJ, but, how was his quality, his F&F, was it in the same league as his mentor? Seems impossible it could be, but, I was impressed enough from the pictures to take a chance, and boy am I glad I did!

All I can say is WOW! I cannot find a flaw on either of the 2 knives I received, and I can find a flaw on pretty much any knife I have ever had, by some of the worlds best makers, John's attention to detail and integrity are obvious and almost a miracle, especially when you consider the prices his knives are currently selling at.

His grinds, edge, F&F are simply flawless, and his materials are top notch as well, the Sambar stag on the 5.5" Loveless style double edged fighter I received is the nicest stag I've ever seen, and I've seen some nice stag! (pics below).

I don't impress that easily, but after examining the 2 knives I just got, I bought 2 more. I truly feel as if I am buying top of the line Johnsons for pennies on the dollar. I believe you will too if you buy one of John's knives.

I was told John is only 28, I cannot believe someone so young is capable of this level of quality, I honestly don't know where he goes from here, the workmanship really can't be improved upon.

If you like this type of knife, or if you always wanted a Johnson, but didn't like the prices or selection, keep a close eye on John, and take a chance like I did, you will be floored I think, I know I was and am.

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BOOT KNIFE...

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I have seen him at a few knife shows. His knives are impressive. It sounds like you have found a good source for the style of knife you want. Good score too, both blades look awesome.
 
Originally posted by striper28
Good Looking knives, classic lines and good materials, my only complaint are the sheaths! Maybe they just need to be dyed?
Click to expand...

I agree the sheaths do have a "natural" look, it may be his style, but, they are extremely well made.

I was toying with the idea of getting the guard and pins on the stag fighter engraved by a top engraver like Steve Lindsay or similar, i know its almost silly to spend as much on engraving as the knife, but ive seen some Johnsons that were incredible, due in no small part to the fine engraving.

For example... :)
 

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I have a John Young's Hunter, although I've never seen SR Johnson's knife, but John Young really makes nice knife, I don't like the sheath neither, I think he can make some better sheath(is he who makes the sheath?) I agree the stag--is one of the nicest, unfortunately, I can't share the beautiful photos with you until I have my own website:D thanks for the reply Mega:)
And here is another one who taught by Johnson-Ricardo Velarde
http://www.velardeknives.com/
 
What is it about the sheaths that isn't right?

Is it just that the knives are so nice, an ordinary sheath isn't the right one? Are you looking for some tooling? Is it just the color that puts you off?
 
Those are couple of beauties!! Nobody ever said a knifemaker has to be a good sheathmaker, that why guys like G2 and Lifter are important!!;)

Win
 
Velarde's work is awesome, but he's not exactly "pennies on the dollar" compared to SRJ. One thing he does which neither Loveless nor SRJ do are integralls. He's really good at that.

Does Young have a website?

JD
 
Joss is correct, Velarde's prices are pretty close to SRJ, while Youngs are about 60-70% less (for now) :) .

I bought the 2 pictured above from Knife-Art, wasn't planning on going in this direction with my collection, but when i saw that stag and heard John was SRJ's student, i figured i'd take a chance and see how they compared to the "real" thing.

Arizona actually had 2 of them, notice i said "had". :) I picked up the one that's no longer pictured on the site, a stag hunter designed like an integral! Should get it this week, and ill take some pics. I also have a pearl handled D/E dirk of Youngs on the way too, im thinkiing i'll have it engraved.

I'll update this thread with more pics when i take them. :)
 
Just for the record. If you buy a S.R. Johnson you get a sheath made by the same saddlemaker that makes John Youngs sheath.

BTW. The older I get the younger John looks, I was guessing on the age.


Ken
 
Well, I got the pearl handled, 4" double edged dirk today, and another amazing, flawless knife! I didnt think the first 2 were flukes, but you never know.

Same perfect, ultra-smooth Johnson-ish workmanship, but about 60% less. :) 4" mirror polished DE dagger/dirk blade of ATS-34, once again, you can barely see or feel a seam on the knife. Amazing stuff from this young, extremely talented maker. I believe he's headed for greatness in our chosen hobby.

What im discovering is that its tough to take a good picture of this type of knife because the mirror finish on the blade and guard is nearly impossible to capture without reflections, i did the best i could, but i'm not satisfied with the pictures, oh well, ill just have to be satisfied with the knife I guess. :)

Im pretty sure im going to have this one engraved.

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