Steigerwalt Surprise

[bld522]

I just got back from a week’s vacation in Sedona, Arizona. Visiting Sedona has become something of an annual rite for me and my wife. The area is simply magnificent. For those who aren’t familiar with Sedona, check this out:

http://www.pbase.com/gschmickle/magical_sedona

There are three things we always do when we visit Sedona. We take a Pink Jeep Tour called Broken Arrow (it’s basically a roller-coaster ride with unforgettable views), we eat at a restaurant called Elote (they don’t take reservations, so arrive early and prepare to stand in line), and we shop in Tlaquepaque (pronounced tla-kay-PAH-kay). Here are their web sites for those who may be interested:

http://pinkjeeptours.com/sedona/tour/broken-arrow-jeep-tour/
http://www.elotecafe.com/
http://www.tlaq.com/

One of the shops I used to visit in Tlaquepaque carried William Henry knives. I enjoyed going there because William Henry knives are nothing if not eye candy for me and the shop carried a large selection of high-end pieces. But a couple of years ago, the owner sold the shop to one of the artists who exhibited there and they lost their agreement to sell William Henry knives. Here's their website:

http://www.rowegallery.com

I decided to visit the shop the day after we arrived in Sedona not expecting to find anything in the way of cutlery when my eye spotted a couple of knives sitting in a case alongside some jewelry. I recognized them instantly as being the work of Ken Steigerwalt . . . one of my favorite knifemakers. I figured they’d be pricey and they were, but I thought I’d at least take the opportunity to inspect them. Believe me when I tell you they didn’t disappoint.

I spent the next couple of days rummaging through my collection in my mind trying to figure out what I could sell to be able to afford one of them, but I finally decided to just let it go. The day before we were leaving for home, we took a final trip to Tlaquepaque. As we were entering the shopping area from the parking lot, my wife said to me, “Well, are you going to buy the knife?” I looked at her and said, “Are you kidding?” No, she wasn’t kidding! She said we’d have to make it my birthday, Father’s Day, Anniversary and Christmas present all wrapped up into one, but she was willing if I was. Willing? You bet your sweet bippy I was willing! So I went in and bought the top knife in this photograph:

Here are the specs:

4” closed lockback folder
Mike Norris ladder pattern stainless Damascus blade
Carved Mike Norris Damascus bolster
Premium Sambar Stag handles
Fileworked spine and liners

Needless to say, this is the most expensive knife I’ve ever purchased. But she's a beauty in every respect. And yes, I definitely intend to carry her.

 

[evanPGH]

Congrats man! She's a beauty!

I just splurged on a grail myself. Sometimes you just gotta do it. You made the right choice, it's only money. :thumbup:

 

[bld522]

Thanks, Evan.

Funny thing is, the Steigerwalt I purchased really isn't my preferred style of knife. I'm more of a titanium framelock, single-handed-opening kind of guy. But once I held one of Ken's pieces in my hand, it was practically impossible to let go of it. The picture I posted doesn't begin to do it justice. It truly is a work of art.

By the way, I'm talking to the owner of the gallery about becoming a registered BladeForums dealer. When we spoke, he said he had more Steigerwalts on the way and he might be interested in branching out into carrying other makers' custom knives as well. His problem, of course, is that he isn't known as a custom knife retailer and he's not merchandising to the right population. I can't think of a better use of $200/yr than for him to be able to reach out to our community, can you?

 

[bld522]

Better pics: