Timothy La Combre

JTB_5

JTB_5

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I'm starting this thread for a couple of reasons. First, I've really come to appreciate not only the beauty and uniqueness of La Combre's knives, but also his philosophy of knife making and knife using. He does so much himself, with limited materials, and learns how to produce great quality by using his mind and skills to work things out. I find that trait admirable, and clearly he isn't wasting his time, because his skill is evident. I'd like to see his work gain more of a following.

Second, Timothy just finished working with me on a knife design I had in mind, and he brought to completion something unique that we both put our minds and hearts into (obviously I supplied none of the labor!). The results appear exquisite. I won't know for sure until I get the knife in hand, but based on all the evidence I've seen before, I expect to have no complaints.

Here's what I'll be getting in due time:
IMG_5525.JPG IMG_5526.JPG IMG_5527.JPG IMG_5529.JPG

Feel free to comment, of course, but also, if you have a La Combre, shares some pictures and some words about the knife you have. Let's give some love to a maker who is doing some fine work with a workman-artist's touch.
 
This is one of his budget knives, incredible snap, feels great, looks great, made it like I wanted it!!!
csrcZbo.jpg


He calls the blade a cutlass style, no nail nick per my request
 
JTB_5 said:
I'm starting this thread for a couple of reasons. First, I've really come to appreciate not only the beauty and uniqueness of La Combre's knives, but also his philosophy of knife making and knife using. He does so much himself, with limited materials, and learns how to produce great quality by using his mind and skills to work things out. I find that trait admirable, and clearly he isn't wasting his time, because his skill is evident. I'd like to see his work gain more of a following.

Second, Timothy just finished working with me on a knife design I had in mind, and he brought to completion something unique that we both put our minds and hearts into (obviously I supplied none of the labor!). The results appear exquisite. I won't know for sure until I get the knife in hand, but based on all the evidence I've seen before, I expect to have no complaints.

Here's what I'll be getting in due time:
View attachment 1073089 View attachment 1073090 View attachment 1073091 View attachment 1073092

Feel free to comment, of course, but also, if you have a La Combre, shares some pictures and some words about the knife you have. Let's give some love to a maker who is doing some fine work with a workman-artist's touch.
Click to expand...
Awesome looking blade!
 
Gorgeous knife Joshua. I can't wait to see your pics and hear what you think about it. Spectacular.
 
Interesting rustic-looking knife Joshua, hope you're pleased when you get it in hand :thumbsup:
 
I think the handles would be improved with some more pins, even just decorative ones, French knives often use this and it can actually enhance the wood. I'm a bit puzzled by his rendering of the blade, it might be the photos' angle but what I thought would be a straight edged Sheepfoot/Lambfoot type blade seems to have a curve in it? An individual certainly.
 
JTB_5 said:
I'm starting this thread for a couple of reasons. First, I've really come to appreciate not only the beauty and uniqueness of La Combre's knives, but also his philosophy of knife making and knife using. He does so much himself, with limited materials, and learns how to produce great quality by using his mind and skills to work things out. I find that trait admirable, and clearly he isn't wasting his time, because his skill is evident. I'd like to see his work gain more of a following.

Second, Timothy just finished working with me on a knife design I had in mind, and he brought to completion something unique that we both put our minds and hearts into (obviously I supplied none of the labor!). The results appear exquisite. I won't know for sure until I get the knife in hand, but based on all the evidence I've seen before, I expect to have no complaints.

Here's what I'll be getting in due time:
View attachment 1073089 View attachment 1073090 View attachment 1073091 View attachment 1073092

Feel free to comment, of course, but also, if you have a La Combre, shares some pictures and some words about the knife you have. Let's give some love to a maker who is doing some fine work with a workman-artist's touch.
Click to expand...
An exceptional Barlow type you're getting. :)
 
Knowing what your original concept for this blade was, Joshua, I am curious why he rendered the blade with a fair amount of belly to it. I understand artistic license but if I requested a straight edged blade, I'd be disappointed with receiving one with belly.

There are a few things that I might have wanted different but that is strictly a matter of personal taste.

It otherwise appears to be a fine knife. I look forward to reading your thoughts once you get it in hand and are able to take your own pictures.
 
tmd_87 said:
Awesome looking blade!
Click to expand...

Thanks!

Fodderwing said:
Gorgeous knife Joshua. I can't wait to see your pics and hear what you think about it. Spectacular.
Click to expand...

I'll be sure to post some when I get it, and make some more detailed observations.

Jack Black said:
Interesting rustic-looking knife Joshua, hope you're pleased when you get it in hand :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Thanks, Jack! I think it will be just right.

Will Power said:
I think the handles would be improved with some more pins, even just decorative ones, French knives often use this and it can actually enhance the wood. I'm a bit puzzled by his rendering of the blade, it might be the photos' angle but what I thought would be a straight edged Sheepfoot/Lambfoot type blade seems to have a curve in it? An individual certainly.
Click to expand...

Pins would definitely make it more elegant, but I like the rusticity. The blade definitely has a sweep to it, so it is more like a sheepsfoot with some belly. Given that he didn't achieve the lambsfoot "cant" and tip angle, I'm actually pleased that it has a little belly, since it sets it apart from knives I already have with a straight edge.

afishhunter said:
An exceptional Barlow type you're getting. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks!
 
I think that looks like a great everyday user. That blade steel is nice as well. The rustic blade finish looks cool. Is there belly on the blade or is that just trick of the camera angle?

Edit: nevermind I looked at it more, the belly is there. I agree with what Pàdruig Pàdruig said about your original concept and what he produced would have made a straight edge and the final product having belly would have made me disappointed as well.
 
Pàdruig said:
Knowing what your original concept for this blade was, Joshua, I am curious why he rendered the blade with a fair amount of belly to it. I understand artistic license but if I requested a straight edged blade, I'd be disappointed with receiving one with belly.

There are a few things that I might have wanted different but that is strictly a matter of personal taste.

It otherwise appears to be a fine knife. I look forward to reading your thoughts once you get it in hand and are able to take your own pictures.
Click to expand...

As I said in my comment to Will, I prefer the belly on the profile he ended up making. I think it would have been reasonable to ask him to try again on the blade (he definitely made sure I was happy with it), but I was really taken with what he ended up doing.
 
JTB_5 said:
As I said in my comment to Will, I prefer the belly on the profile he ended up making. I think it would have been reasonable to ask him to try again on the blade (he definitely made sure I was happy with it), but I was really taken with what he ended up doing.
Click to expand...

I certainly hope you will be pleased and thank you for the clarification. I have no doubts that blade will prove to be rather useful, it almost reminds me of the Santoku knife I have in my kitchen, though a fair bit more slender.
 
JTB_5 said:
As I said in my comment to Will, I prefer the belly on the profile he ended up making. I think it would have been reasonable to ask him to try again on the blade (he definitely made sure I was happy with it), but I was really taken with what he ended up doing.
Click to expand...
That's what a true custom is about. Something that is one of a kind and that you designed and can pass on is an amazing thing.
 
Thanks for the comments guys! Especially the clarification ones. I realize that getting such a different product from the original design might cause some concern about Timothy's willingness to work with me on the finished product. Had I asked him, I'm sure he would have made changes according to my requests.
 
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Looks very nice!:thumbsup: I can't help but think that it's not even close to the drawing you provided, though. A number of things are totally different.
However, if you are happy, I am happy. Enjoy!
 
Ramrodmb said:
Looks very nice!:thumbsup: I can't help but think that it's not even close to the drawing you provided, though. A number of things are totally different.
However, if you are happy, I am happy. Enjoy!
Click to expand...

It's a pretty far cry from my original picture, but to be fair, it isn't like the design has a template. I told Timothy afterwards, when he asked if I liked the knife, that I have never designed a knife before, have virtually no knowledge of knife making, and therefore had few expectations about what could be done. I've been following Timothy La Combre long enough now to know that he has a pretty individual approach to knife patterns. Could I have gotten an exact representation of my design from another maker? I'm sure I could have, but part of why I chose Timothy was because I knew he would contribute his own artistic vision to the knife. That made it worth it for me. Maybe that's unusual, but I think it turned out to be a patently human artistic endeavor.
 
I like your attitude Joshua. "I'm sure I could have, but part of why I chose Timothy was because I knew he would contribute his own artistic vision to the knife. That made it worth it for me. Maybe that's unusual, but I think it turned out to be a patently human artistic endeavor." Says it all for me too.
Of the few customs I have asked to be made I made it clear to the maker what I specifically found important but otherwise I told them - I am asking you to build the knife because I like your style/artistry and skill, + you are a knife maker and I am not. In the end this needs to be a Maker Name built knife not a Ray knife. (Or words to that effect. ;)) I haven't been disappointed.

Your La Combre is unique - that in itself is win. Certainly looks like a capable knife. I didn't see the original concept sketch but that's history. You like it and there you go :thumbsup: :cool:

Enjoy. Ray
 
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