Would like to build a Scagel

rhrocker

rhrocker

Joined
Jan 18, 2004
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I've recently become inspired to make a Scagel style knife. It is my understanding(From Buddy Thomason, thanks Buddy!) that the type of steel used in his knives is unknown, and possibly came from overseas (England). I'm planning on using either 0-1, or D2. I've seen and saved a few photos of these knives, but would love to see more styles of them. Does anyone know of a site, book, etc., whereby I can find more? A quick google revealed a $4 booklet, not quite what I'm looking for. I know there has to be something else. I'd also be interested in the sites of Scagle type knives currently, like Dr. Lucie, and Jim the "treeman".
Thanks all.
Robert
 
I have a copy of Dr.Lucie's 1996 pictorial calendar with all the close ups of Scagle knives.I was fortunate enough to view and examine (holding those knives is awesome) about twenty of Dr, Lucie's Scagel knives (originals,not Dr, Lucie's impressive reproductions),including all the knives on the calendar.These calendars are still around and a check may turn up one.If not I would be glad to photo copy the pictures and notes for you.If you don't know of Dr. Lucie,he was Bill Scagel's doctor and friend.Bill taught him to make knives.He was the recipient of much of Scagel's stuff.He is the authority on Bill Scagel,and a real nice fellow to boot.As for the steel,it was listed on the invoices as "Swedish silver steel".It appears to be a low to medium chrome carbon steel somewhere between D2 and O1.Scagel purchased it from England,he did not like the steel suppliers in the USA (he didn't like a lot of people,the government,the power co.,and almost any large organization) .
Stacy
 
Robert, I've been a big fan of the Scagle style knife for a long time. It was my understanding that Bill's favorite steel was old Studebaker springs and he spent considerable time and effort locating them for his knives or at least this is what I've been told. Ron
 
Stacy, I'd very much like (love) to have a copy of the photos and notes! I appreciate that very much, and will pay whatever expenses you incurr in the process. Many thanks! Addr: Robert Hensarling, 4326 E. Main, Uvalde, Texas,78801. Yes, I know the story about Dr. Lucie, very interesting. I understand that it's now all but impossible to get one of his reproduction Scagle knives. Thanks also Jebadiah and Ron.
 
Robert, the $4 booklet you refer to is worth having, there are a lot of pics of Scagel knives in it. You can probably get that and the calendar from Knife World. If they're not listed on the website (I didn't check) give them a call, I've seen both listed regularly in the paper.

Can't wait to see what you come up with! Scagel's knives just blow me away.
 
Robert,I'll copy them this evening and send them to you.I will look in my notes and see if I have any construction info on the ones I examined.
Stacy
 
Thanks Dave, I've already ordered the $4 book. I'll check Knife World, however Stacy indicated he may have some notes also, so I'm going to take advantage of his kind offer. Thanks guys.
 
I am not a Scagel expert at all, but one of my very favorite pastimes in the world is enjoying a pipe full of tobacco and discussing the state of the world with my good friend Jim Lucie. Although Scagel's are not my thing, I have been privileged to handle much of his finer works and learn many little tidbits of information from the man who is beyond a doubt the final authority on the subject. Jim was his Physician, but did not apprentice under him. Jim has told me that his fascination was with the man, as Scagel was one of the most impressive and unique individuals he ever met. It was after Bill’s death that Jim decided to immerse himself in what many consider the man’s greatest works- the knives.

One thing that I think I can safely assume from my conversations with Jim is that the rumors of old leaf springs, or other scrap steel, are highly unlikely. There is much documented evidence that Scagel went out of his way to get the best, unused, steel he could obtain. I will leave the particulars of the sources to Jim, but one can count on the knives being made from a quality high carbon steel of simple alloy makeup. He probably used scrap steel for blacksmithing projects, as I do myself, but everything I have heard about the man tells me that he cut no corners on his knives, and this is probably why they are still some of the most valued blades in the world to this day.

After looking at many of his knives, I simply do not understand why the publications always focus on the same disproportionate, and rather Spartan hunters that I personally find unattractive (no need to flame me, Jim will be sure adjust my attitude for you ;) ). I have seen stuff that is seldom published that is very proportionate, with nice elegant flowing lines, that may almost be described as Persian-like. One simply cannot pigeon-hole Scagel.

An expert on Scagel I am not, but I wish I had the time to spend to become the world’s foremost expert on his successor, Jim Lucie. Few people have impacted my life as much as this fine gentleman. His knowledge is only surpassed by his generosity, and every member of my family considers him family.

rhrocker, I may even have some of Scagel's actual bronze out in my shop that you could use for a guard, but I would have to check if there is any left.
 
Kevin, that was a great post. You are in a position with the Lucie family that people like me dream of. His closeness to Mr. Scagel was a gift indeed. I am interested in seeing as many photos and publications of his knives as possible. Yes, it seems the focal point is on the hunters, I would love to see the others also. I will be in David Daroms 3rd book Kevin, and my entry is a "Scagel Style Knife", as approved by David. If you do have that bit of bronze, then I could put it to great use, and it would get great exposure. Yes, Meeting Dr. Lucie would be a highlight! Kevin my address is Robert Hensarling, 4326 East Main, Uvalde, Texas 78801. I'd be happy to pay all shipping and handling on the bronze piece. This is a very nice gesture, and I sincerely appreciate it!
 
Hey Robert....no problem, glad I could help. I don't know what is up with my email....your not the first. I'll have to look into that.

Kevin, What a nice post. I think you should spend more time learning about Scagel from Lucie....and about Lucie as well. You are very lucky to have all that history near you.
Your post brought me right back to memories of my trip out there this past summer.....one of the highlights of which was being invited out to Dr. Jim's place for pizza and beer.......sitting at his coffee table looking at all those beutifull Scagels.........his shop(it's to die for)....
I can see how your family considers him family.......he makes you feel very welcome.
Mace
 
rhrocker said:
... Kevin my address is Robert Hensarling, 4326 East Main, Uvalde, Texas 78801. I'd be happy to pay all shipping and handling on the bronze piece. This is a very nice gesture, and I sincerely appreciate it!
Click to expand...

I did check and I have enough left of the piece that Jim gave me to make a guard, I will trim it up and package it tomorrow. I will say this, however, while it is quite attractive when done, finishing it was been an "interesting" experience for me. Scagel was a patient man as well ;)
 
Kevin,I couldn't agree more on your opinion of Dr. Lucie.He is a rare gentleman,and a library of knowledge on Bill Scagel.I also feel he should be given credit for his own contributions to knife making.He has inspired many with his love for the craft.I list the times I have spent with Jim along with time spent with Bill Moran.
Stacy
 
Kevin, this couldn't be a more perfect time for me to receive this gift from you. It's a treasure in itself as far as I'm concerned. I'm more than positive that this piece of Mr. Stagels actual bronze will be the only true "Stagel" item that I'll ever own, and I take pride in that. I don't know exactly what you may be referring to as far as the finishing of the bronze, but would appreciate any comments you could send along with the piece. Also, any other documentation, like a statment of how you acquired it, would add historical value as well. I only wish I could return the favor that would be close to the same magnitude of excitment I'm having in receiving it!
 
The bronze machines like butter and shapes very nicely, but this is due to the fact that it has some odd "brittle" qualities. I can normally go a to a nice 400X or 600X satin finish on brass and then start buffing with little trouble. This stuff will require a little more hand finishing with a very light buffing, I also found that it helps to spread a light oil in the surface before buffing. My observation is that scratches simply don't leave the stuff very easily.

As for it's provenance, it was given to me by Jim when I had a special project that involved bronze, it was from his personal stash that he refers to as "Scagel bronze". Jim did indeed obtain many items from Scagels shop, lending to the label.
 
O.K. I just got off the phone with Jim, the bronze is indeed from William Scagel's personal stash, so I hope it will add to the allure of your blade. Jim also mentioned that the steel most desired for use by Scagel was what he refered to as "Swedish silver steel" that he got from a firm in Birmingham England, which is interesting but doesn't seem to help choose a modern equivalant :( .
 
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