The work of Michael Connor...

A

airtight_python

Joined
Nov 16, 2008
Messages
21
Hello guys. Lurked here a bit but just getting to the point of posting. I have fascinations in guns, knives, flashlights and somewhat automotive and PCs. ... short introduction. ;)

I have come in search of some information and photos on the work of Michael Connor. I know Mr. Connor personally, as we live in the same community. At first impression, this man is probably the kindest you could ever meet... very soft spoken. His meticulousness shows in everything he does.

I have only recently discovered, via the Internet, his abilities in bladesmithing and that he is an instructor at the Texarkana College/Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing. His work has apparently been featured in publications such as Knife World, Knives, and The Blade.

I would love to see some of his work and publications and perhaps even go about acquiring a piece of his art. Next time I see him I may have a chat about it.

Thanks.
 
Michael makes some of the cleanest work you will see. He on the top of my "favorite" Bowie list. Pics seem a bit hard to come by as I dont think he makes many knives per year. Al Lawrence had a few of his hunters and Bowies, not sure if he still does.

Peter Gill has an older Connor fighter/Bowie, likely from the late 80's.... for that time period its dang nice, maybe he will post pics.
 
I have never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Connor, but I do have one of his knives, it is a 5 3/4" Toolsteel dagger with fluted ebony and silver wire inlay. The sheath is leather over wood with silver tip and guard.

I haven't seen many Connor knives in person, but those that I have seen are all very clean. An ABS Mastersmith told me that Connor knives are the knives that Mastersmiths collect. He has a great reputation.


connerDagger2.jpg


Jim Treacy
 
Thank you guys much for the photos. They are very nice work. Anyone should be proud to own those. I have also found a photo on here of a Damascus folder he did. If not too much trouble, I am still collecting Connor photos.

Does Mike ever visit any forums or can he be found online anywhere? He's a modest and hard working man and I doubt he even realizes that his work is as highly regarded as it is.
 
I've had a knife on order from Michael for quite a few years now. I'm not confident that I will ever see it. He doesn't make very many knives. The ones he does make are amongst my favorites.
 
If you've got an order placed with Mike, I am sure you will see it. He's a good man and I couldn't see him letting you down.

I know he's had a rough time or two the last few years. He also works a full time job. Pretty busy man, but I believe you shall see your blade.

The anticipation must be a killer however. I've got a custom air rifle on order with Dennis Quackenbush. That has only been in the process for 6 months and I should see the gun by July or shortly after. Couldn't imagine years!
 
From what I understand there are people that have had orders in with Michael for more than seven years. I'm only at about four, so I could still have quite a wait on my hands. That's OK though. If one day I get the call saying my name has made it to the top of the list, I will be thrilled.
 
I have been reading the info. on here about Michael Connor and his knives all written back in 2009. Is there any new or current info. about him. I have come up with 3 of his knives I think to be early made (marked only Connor). I have 1-Damascus Folder; 1-Damascus drop point and 1-plain steel skinning knife. I found a phone number for him and called and only got recording. the little amount of info. I have found sounds like he was a fine knifemaker. Would like to know more about him and see other pitures of his work. I will try and make some pictures of the knives I have and could post if anyone wants to see them.
Thanks
Don
 
Hey guys, I know this is a old thread. I came across it when trying to find info on Michael Connors. I ordered a knife from him in the 80s after seeing his story in Blade mag. I'm a artist so I drew him a picture of what I wanted.I styled it after the old Will and Fitch knives. Back in my misspent youth I did a lot of gambling so I wanted something flat that I could carry. I could not have been happier. The knife fit my drawing exactly. The handle is Ebony and brass,the blade is Damascus. Ill try to post a picture.
 
Chicorico said:
Ok that didn't work guess I'll have to wait till someone gets home that knows what they are doing.
Click to expand...

Host the picture on a picture hosting website like photobucket. The account is free!

Then, once the picture is hosted, click on the image link and paste it here.


Simple as pie!
 
Michael Connor was my instructor in 1996 who taught 12 of us the 2 week "intro to forging" class at the A.B.S. school in Old Washington, Ar.. He is a true gentleman indeed. Meticulous in every way. I learned a lot from Mr. Connor those two weeks and owe a lot of my placing in the knife world today because of him.

The two knives shown by JJTR were purchased from a large private collection several years ago at the Blade show. I bought the dagger and a friend of mine bought the antique bowie for her husband as a gift for receiving his M.S. rank that year. These two knives were flawless in fit and finish. I've had the opportunity to handle only a dozen or so of Mr. Connor's knives and they have all been spot on.

His knives are rare. If you have the chance to grab one............well send me an email.;)
 
Chicorico and hawkii2,looking forward to seeing pictures of your knives.
Heard from reliable sources that Michael Connor was a very very meticulous knife maker.
His blade tang was as finely polished and finished as the rest of the knife,even though the tang gets hidden by the handle.
Connor made his wooden sheaths with a very meticulous baseball stitch and the inner wood part was constructed very strong even though it was not visible to anybody looking at it.
The knives I have handled have excellent fit and finish.
Mr Gill, if you have any more of Connors knives,than the one pictured above,would you please post a picture of it,thank you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top