There are some great Italian knifemakers.

The Italians are doing some really cool work.  Here are two examples, the first is Emmanuel Esposito's Pike model with mosaic inlay;

Next up is a two blade beauty from Salvatori Puddu with engraving by Valerio Peli of Creative Arts;

Cowboys & Indians

Always liked Westerns and Cowboys and Indians.  Here is a Warren Osborne model called the Breech with engraving by Lisa Tomlin.

 I gave Lisa the basic concept of what I wanted then she came up with the images.  I like the way she incorporated the concho and the feathers with the cowboy and the indian.

Knifemaker Randy Doucette

I have bought/sold quite a few of knifemaker Randy Doucette's knives.  Randy is a full time maker working out of Ontario Province in Canada.  I have always been impressed with the fit and finish of his knives, his actions are as smooth as can be.  Here are pictures of a few of his pieces;

This model is the Fuse

Loveless homage 

A rare double bolstered knife; the Persian

Seeker ltd. ed.

Hard Core Adventure One-Off knife with beautiful Mother-of-Pearl overlay

Icon model

This model is the Wizard

Tony Bose Zulu

Thought I would share some pictures of this beauty, the Pre-ban Elephant Ivory is luscious.

Mosaic Damascus Bolsters

Received two sets of bolsters from Anthony Metsala who creates his own Mosaic Damascus making it available to others and for his own knives.   I can't wait to give them over to a knifemaker for incorporation into the bolsters of a knife, here is a picture of one of the two sets, check them out.

Knife Shows

As a collector and purveyor of Custom Knives I encourage anyone interested in the hobby to try to attend a knife show.  Looking at knives in magazines or online is fine but the actual fit and finish of a knife cannot be seen or felt or appreciated without holding the knife.  Talking with knifemakers and knowledgable purveyors is a great education and will enhance one's appreciation of the hobby.  Great knife shows are held all throughout the U.S. and an internet search will turn up many opportunities.  The biggest and best knife show is around the corner, the Blade Show, is June 10, 11 & 12, 2011.  If your truly into knives it is worth considering planning a vacation around this show.  I will be there, table 9F.

Peter Pan, one of the most spectacular knives I've ever seen.

In September of 2009, while at the Chicago Custom Knife Show, I had a conversation with Ron Skaggs about engraving themes and we discussed children's tales as a source for ideas.  Well this knife is something that came out of that discussion.  The knife is a Joe Kious Double Pocket Locket; there are hidden pockets [panels] under the handles and the engraving is by Ron in the style for which he has gained much renown.  Many questioned the wisdom of this theme feeling it would have little appeal if I wanted to try to sell the knife.  Well I'm keeping it.  I think it is spectacular and so has just about everyone else I have shown it too.  Enjoy.

 Tinker Bell on the blades

 The pockets contain an engraving of the clock that resides within the Alligator which alerts Captain Hook to his presence and the other images of the Lost Boys;