"Who's the Best" Question for ABS Member Smiths

Will York

Will York

Joined
Jan 21, 2000
Messages
8,888
A Question for ABS member smiths:

In your opinion, who exemplifies the best in design, execution, and finish work among forged-blade makers--specifically makers of fixed-blade knives?

I realize there are a number of stock-removal makers who are known for their excellence in these areas. I would like to get some opinions of today's bladesmiths on who among forged-blade makers is (or has been) the very best at flawless execution, including choosing and holding a line, visual balance of elements, symmetry of grinds, etc.--and also who exemplifies the very highest level of "fit and finish" work?

I'm specifically asking for opinions from bladesmiths themselves.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts,

Will
 
I would have to give more than 1, and in different areas. The following are guys that i have owned knives from, in most cases a few. Its really hard to narrow it down to 1, heck its even difficult to come up with this short list.

traditional work- Micheal Connor, Jim Crowell.
versatility- Don Fogg, Jerry Fisk

Gotta also give honorable mention to Jimmy Fikes, Tai Goo (although i havent owned one of Tais yet)Both of these guys can make knives that look like they "grew" from the Earth, really cool stuff. Hard to compare with the others i listed as the talent is not applied in fine finish but in a brutally elegeant and natural flow from the hammer....hard to describe without sounding goofy.
 
I like Matt's list.

I would throw Tim Hancock and Ron Newton in there.

One young Master to watch for versatility from swords to slip joints and everything in between - Bailey Bradshaw.
 
You cannot go wrong with ANY knife by Dean,Fisk, Crowell, or Massey.


For Journeyman smiths, my overwhelming favorites are Russ Andrews (The King of Clean), or John Fitch (The Prince of High-Performance!). Their knives are better than 90% of the MS Work out there in my opinion. Try to get their knives at shows. Otherwise it may take a while!

Bailey Bradshaw is perhaps the most versatile of the Mastersmiths as he makes folders, engraves, carves,used CAD, EDM.

Jerry Fisk's knives represent the best investment as they combine excellent quality, design, and the impeccable integrity of the maker.
 
There was a thread a few months back about whether the ABS needed a level beyond MS, and Jerry Fisk said, no, not yet, but in the future maybe. He did mention the following as the only ABS MS who in his opinion would qualify currently:

Dean, Harvey
Fogg, Don
Hancock, Tim
Hudson, Robbin
Newton, Ron
Schwarzer, Steve

I'm not sure I qualify as an ABS member smith, but I'll give my $0.02. To the list above, I'd add:
Tim Zowada (not ABS)
Larry Fuegen
Vince Evans (not ABS)
Kevin Cashen
Pierre Reverdy (no ABS)
 
That said, all I can add is "Wow". Didn't realize I left that question so wide open. Sorry about that. Let me try to re-focus the question and I guess I should try to limit the scope. How about this:

The question is specifically directed to those of you who are forged-blade makers:

Who, among forged-blade makers past or present, has come the closest to perfection in fit and finish work on fixed-blade knives?

Thanks again--great responses so far, just more wide-open than what I had in mind.

Will
 
Originally posted by WILL YORK
Let me try to re-focus the question and I guess I should try to limit the scope. How about this:

The question is specifically directed to those of you who are forged-blade makers
Click to expand...

Professionals? Full-time? Beginners included?
 
Dean Crowell and Connor are as close to prefection as you can get.
I listed them in no particular order but if you put them in the perfection sack and shook them up no telling which would fall out first as they are all three on the same level. And for what you are looking for sounds like any of the three ties and fits the bill. This is for Mastersmiths. There are several on their heels and do other things that puts themselves at a top list but for pure perfect fit and finish these three in my opinion.
 
Good list, and a bunch nipping at their heels.
Sensory overload coming up next week in Atlanta, don't miss it!!!

Go by and see Jerry at the Blade Show. Rumor has it he's learned to eat with a fork so may not need that face fur to hide the scratches.

:D :D
 
Originally posted by Joss
Professionals? Full-time? Beginners included?
Click to expand...
Joss--Thanks again. I'm especially interested in opinions from people who actually have to do this kind of work, which to my mind puts them in a very good position to appreciate it. Of course, the more masterful the smith, the more weight his opinion may carry on this kind of topic. But I wasn't trying to exclude anyone, and I do appreciate the comments from all those who've replied.

Special thanks to Matt and Jerry for responding here.

Looking forward to more! :D

Will
 
ahhhh a bit of clarification on the topic. if we are talking about just fit/finish perfection and i ONLY had to pick 1, would by Micheal Connor. That said, Fisk, Crowell and Fogg are in the same arena, easily.

I havent honestly handled enough of Deans work to comment, but what ive seen has been "perfect" in the fit & finish department. The others ive listed, i have owned or handled many, so i feel more comfortable commenting on them.

If you ask me who is currently "pushing" the envelope, and doing the coolest stuff with the hammer, that would be Tai Goo....but thats a different topic:rolleyes:
 
Of all the makers mentioned here and of all the Mastersmiths knives I've handled and scrutinized...there is only one I have NOT been able to detect even the slightest imperfection in their knives and that is Michael Conner. This is not saying the others aren't doing a really good job.
 
Closest to perfection for me would have to be Tim Hancock. He has consistently knocked me socks off. His flow of design, selection of materials and styles, and as of course this thread's topic, fit and finish.

I have not handled any of Connor's work, but understand it is some of the best.

Don Fogg is also hard to place anywhere but on top. His work really pushes the envelop in regards to syle and selection of finishes. He is also a true student of bladesmithing as well as being THE icon of American bladesmithing IMO.
 
Having never owned a Connor knife, I really cannot comment. I am on his waiting list, so someday I will be able to offer an opinion. I am going to agree with Bailey, and put Tim Hancock at the top of the list. There are several others EXTREMELY close though; Bailey being one. Fisk, Massey, Dean, Newton are all way up on my list too.
 
Lombardo, just shut up!! ;) It was a hunter, but yes i still wish i had it. Its in good hands with Uncle Al (who beat me to the bowie by a few seconds).
 
Where would you guys rate the knives of J.D. Smith? I have only had the chance to look over one of his knives, but I thought it was magnificent.
 
Joss,

J.D. Smith is a Mastersmith in the Boston area. Not to be confused with John W. Smith, who also forges, but is not a rated smith.

J.D.'s work is outstanding. He is not in the limelight as much as he used to be, but that is his choice. He runs a bladesmithing school in conjunction with a local college.
 
Doh! Stupid of me. JD Smith does amazing work. I love his carved handles and such. His work reminds me of Fogg's, Hudson's, and Fuegen's...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top