The "Five Amigos" (Variations on the Custom Cattle Knife)

[Blues]

Just for fun I thought it might be interesting to juxtapose these three renditions of the cattle knife I had made by three of my favorite custom makers.

The first one I had built (which has pride of place due to our collaboration on the original) was from Ken Erickson.

I then decided that it would be fun to add additional cattle knives by other top makers whose work I greatly enjoy and respect, made with the same blades but with their own interpretation...so I contacted both Richard Rogers and Ryu Kawamura and asked them if they would be willing to take on the project as well. I have been very pleased with the results and will perhaps add to the group as time goes on.

Ken's knife is the largest of the three at ~ 3.75". The other two come in at ~ 3 5/8".

The knives haves been discussed in detail in other threads so I won't bother to reiterate the minutiae...I simply wanted to post them up together as a visual.
(Unfortunately my own images don't do justice to the knives, especially Richard's black/green jigged bone version which for some reason I failed to capture properly.)

The "Three Five Amigos":

Ken Erickson:

Richard Rogers:

Ryuichi Kawamura:

Enrique Pena:

Jared Oeser

 

[Boggs]

It's always a pleasure to look at these.....

 

[Peregrin]

Beautiful knives from some of the best makers, Elliott. I'd say you're a pretty lucky guy!

 

[pertinux]

Wonderful idea, to post these three together.

Thanks!

~ P.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

Elliott, you have the coolest toys! I really like all three. Ken's version has that great old timey feel to it, but Ryuichi's just pops! Looks like great fit and finish on all three, nice scales on all three, but Ryuichis jumps off the screen.

 

[Blues]

Thanks, guys. And really, cat food doesn't taste all that bad once you get used to it...

 

[VANCE]

fantastic looking knives

 

[FLymon]

That's just a fantastic group of knives Elliott.

Any one of the three could challenge for top shelf in any collection.

 

[richstag]

This one has been, and I believe will always be my favorite of your cattle knives. It just does it for me in every way.

 

[Gevonovich]

Spectacular!! All three Amigos

 

[Modoc ED]

Very nice visual Elliott. Very nice knives.

 

[kamagong]

Beautiful knives Elliott. Are the blades all flat ground? My eyes are probably playing tricks on me, but the blades on Ken's knife look very slightly hollow ground.

- Christian

 

[quattromori]

Elliott,
just thank you for this thread. I'm sure I had seen these knives before, on other threads...but seeing them all together is awesome.
Hard to say which one I like most. All three speak of excellence in every way. But if I have to choose (I do, right? ) I'd pick the Rogers one.
Congratulations!

Fausto

 

[Blues]

Elliott, you have the coolest toys! I really like all three. Ken's version has that great old timey feel to it, but Ryuichi's just pops! Looks like great fit and finish on all three, nice scales on all three, but Ryuichis jumps off the screen.

This one (the Erickson) has been, and I believe will always be my favorite of your cattle knives. It just does it for me in every way.

Hard to say which one I like most. All three speak of excellence in every way. But if I have to choose (I do, right? ) I'd pick the Rogers one. Congratulations!
Fausto

Perfect! Reading these comments definitely makes my day. I absolutely love the variance of opinion and taste and the fact that each of you finds something in one or another that resonates strongly. :thumbup:

Beautiful knives Elliott. Are the blades all flat ground? My eyes are probably playing tricks on me, but the blades on Ken's knife look very slightly hollow ground.

- Christian

They are flat ground, just as you thought. The image does give the appearance of a slight hollow grind. Good eye.


Thanks to all of you for sharing your impressions. :thumbup:

 

[robot37]

You are one lucky man. Seeing these really makes me wish that production companies would put their spin on this type of cattle knife.

-nate

 

[chevy_racin]

Those are great looking knives. I'm really like the handles on the Ryuicihi one.

 

[JAlexander]

I love them all, but Ken's version is my favorite, hands down. The color of the bone is so rich, and the proportions are just right. Not to take anything away from the artistry expressed in the other two, of course, but Ken nailed this one.

 

[Blues]

Totally understood, James. I really don't want to turn this into a popularity contest or "choose your favorite" thread...though I must say I am happy that folks gravitate toward the one that speaks to them.

 

[Campbellclanman]

Great knives Elliot, I cant add any more to others have said, I bet the green bone is stunning out in the sun, I had a large Trapper with similar coloured bone and it was beautiful.

 

[Rick]

An embarrassment of riches (in the best possible way, of course) to be sure. Seeing all three of those beauties together is a real visual treat. Each has something very special and unique to offer. I love the way the old style long pull cuts right across the tang on the crisp, unadorned Rogers, the solid, classic lines of the Erickson (reminds me of an old Ulster) and the graceful finesse of Ryu's version (perhaps my favorite). You're a lucky man, Elliott!