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I would like to thank David Darom and Tim Hancock for giving me the opportunity to review “Tim Hancock The Western Bladesmith”. This book makes a very significant contribution to the custom knife world on multiple levels.
As with all of David’s books the photos are absolutely outstanding as is the overall quality of the book. I don’t believe a collector of any art and/or collectible could be exposed to this book and not come away with an appreciation for custom knives.
From an educational standpoint, in 54 pages Tim takes us through every step and process of making a very complex Damascus and frame handle Dogbone Dagger. This “work in progress” is the most captivating and enlightening I have experienced. The high quality and well executed photos makes one feel as if you're in the shop with Tim and David. Each meticulous step is described in great detail that’s easily understood.
From individual pieces to completed Dagger:
"The Hancock Dogbone Dagger" #1 ot 7, 2008:
There are many outstanding custom knives which go from maker’s shop to collector’s safe with only few ever seeing them. This book and those like it take many of these masterpieces and present them to the world. There’s page after page of beautiful knives and sheaths which until now have had limited exposure.
“Southwest Hancock Bowie” 1996 & “Hancock Bowie #1, The Flagstaff Bowie” 1996. The alligator overlayed sheath is a good example of Tim's exquisite sheathwork. He handtools his own conchos:
David does a superb job in this book of not only showcasing the maker’s beautiful knives, but takes us on a journey in getting to know Tim Hancock, the man. The book shares Tim’s early years as he grew up working summers on large ranches in Wyoming and Montana. He developed skills in his teens as a cowman, farrier, and horse trainer. He even rode broncs and bulls in rodeos making it to the National Finals on several occasions. Tim’s experience as a farrier eventually lead to a career as a welding engineer in the construction industry and of course a desire to make custom knives.
This series of books really demonstrates how maker/collector relationships develop into long term friendships. Ged Messinger, a collector and good friend of Tim’s wrote the impressive introduction to the book. Ged writes of accompanying Tim and Larry Fuegen on an adventurous back country trip in the mysterious Superstition Mountains of Arizona. As you would imagine, the photos are amazing.
Ged writes; “Tim Hancock is not only a first-rate Master Bladesmith and skilled horseman; he is also a true cowboy and a natural explorer at heart”.
Tim and Larry Fuegen riding into the Face of Malapais Mountain:
Tim and his favorite mule “Pete” high up on Peter’s Mesa. Notice Tim’s personal machete tucked into a saddle scabbard. I imagine it comes in handy on these trips:
I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised by the great diversity of pieces depicted in “The Western Bladesmith”. Of course Tim is well known for making some of the finest bowies and hunters in the world, but then there’s his “Cowboy Art”, and many other styles of knives we don’t often see. Tim Hancock is undoubtedly one of the true artists of custom knives.
Tim’s Spurs. He wears these every time he is in the saddle:
“Engraver’s Delight”, 2007 AKI – The Sheffield style blade is ATS-34 created in a stock removal fashion. The take-down construction enabled disassembling of the knife for the engraving done by Bruce Chistensen of Utah:
“Personal Defense Knife” 1997 – Not your typical Hancock, however one extremely effective fighting design. Bead blasted linen micarta handle; "Black Fighter", 1994; "Black Hunter", 1995:
“Rawhide Tanto #3”, 2001. Again, an outstanding piece that's a little out of the norm for Tim. The rawhide braiding is by Richard Goff of Arizona:
While I recommend this book to all knife enthusiasts, I particularly hope newer collectors and makers will treat themselves to "Tim Hancock The Western Bladesmith” as it’s very enjoyable as well as educational. I can’t even tell you how many times over the last month I have taken this book off the shelf and enjoyed these beautiful knives and sheaths over and over.
I would like to thank David Darom for bringing this series of books to us and Tim Hancock for sharing his incredible knives, sheaths and his life with us. Hope you enjoyed my review.
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