Very late Blade 2003 review. Mike Williams ABS Mastersmith

Danbo

Danbo

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Nov 28, 1999
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Going through my huge collection of digital pics, I realized that I never posted these, and for that I am sorry. Especially to Mike, who I remember telling that I would send these pics.

Blade 2003. First, the man himself.
 
Next, I believe this is a personal carry model. Lots of bladesmiths are making these, and all have different names. I do not remember what Mike calls his. I can't imagine 1084, stainless and ironwood looking much better together.
 
Same style of knife, only this one is a little bigger. Fancier style of guard too. Either curly maple or Ringed Gidgee handle.
 
Another small personal model, only this one has a copper spacer and killer ironwood. Danbo like this one a lot.
 
Last pic. This is the biggest of the knives Mike had on his table. Bowie with the copper spacer and, I'm pretty sure the handle is Ringed Gidgee. Awesome!
 
That medium maple fighter is smokin! Every knife is a beauty, thanks for the pics Danbo.


Matt
 
All 4 are absolutely stunning. I especially lust after #2&#4. I really like this style of knife, and find myself buying and collecting these.
 
Well, thats some great work. And although Mike's name is very familiar, his work isn't to me. Where've I been?? :confused:

Congrats, Mike, on this finery. :)

Lots of bladesmiths are making these, and all have different names.
Click to expand...
 Funny, John Frankl and I chatted about this once, and he knicknamed them all as 'Mastersmith hunters'. Pretty good description to me. It's becoming enough of a standard that maybe this should be an identifiable named style. Whatever. I like the lines, and Mike does it right.

Coop
 
Thanks for the pics and report Danbo. I haven't yet met Mike (plan to remedy that at Little Rock) but I have been familiar with his work for a while. For those not as familiar, let me tell you that Mike makes a mean bowie. Here are a few:

8" damascus blade (river pattern), damascus fittings and fossil walrus ivory handle (pic from bladegallery.com):

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8" blade of 1084 with giraffe bone handle. I love the lines on this knife - check out that swedge. (Pic from knifeart.com):

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And finally a 9 1/2" damascus blade (ladder pattern) with some gorgeous stag (pic from bladegallery.com):

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Cheers,

Roger
 
Thank you Danbo! Some really nice stuff!
Looking at these makes it now even harder to wait for my hunter from Mike....:(
 
Quite late for a 2003 BLade thread but still very worthwhile! Nice pics, all of the ones shown.
 
Got to check out all of those puppies in Danbos' posts. Mike's fit and finish are as good as they come and his designs (large or small) are such that the knives are a direct extension of my hand.
 
Thanks Danbo and Roger for the pictures and to all of you for the kind words. Hopefully the next crop will be better than the last. Though my knives are sorta plain by some of the standards of todays great makers; I think there is something to be said for clean and simple lines on a knife.
If i can ever go to full time I might just try to make a fancy piece too. Just to see if I can.
What a great bunch of people in the knife business; all of you come by and see me at Reno or Little Rock.
I really do appreciate the support. mike
 
I met Mike at the 2003 Blade show. Mike is a great guy and his knives are really clean and Mike you are right there is something to be said about nice clean lines. Look forward to seeing you in Little Rock.
Tom
 
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