Moroccan Koummya

Here is a beautiful ornamental piece I picked up from a collector some years ago, it is a Koummya. Researching this piece I have found the following information; The koummya is the characteristic traditional dagger of the Berber and Arabic peoples of Morocco, it is  variant of the Arabic jambiya.  Distinguishing features are the contoured handles, curved double-edged blade and exaggeratedly upturned scabbard tip. In the context of the traditional regional manner of dress, the koummya is worn visibly at the left side, generally about at the level of the waist and is suspended vertically, with the scabbard tip forward, by a long woolen baldric, attached at either end to one of the two scabbard rings.  I have had it on display in my study.  I was told it was authentic and that the gold fittings have been tested and are indeed real gold.  I am no expert on this type of knife, however, I like the looks of it and it is a great item for display. Enjoy.

Sergio Consoli/Simone Frezzardi work of art

I have enjoyed viewing and handling Sergio Consoli's  knives for some time now but never took the plunge to purchase one.  Appears he teamed up with one of my favorite engravers, Simone Frezzardi, and came up with something I could not refuse.  Love the knife and engraving combination.  The one image is of Uma Thurman but all others are made up by Simone and are in the spirt of the knife.  I call this knife "Kill Bill" as from the movie though it is not officially named that by the maker/engraver.  I hope you enjoy this one as much as I do.

Don Polzien Tanto

I have always been fond of oriental style knives, especially Japanese Tanto's.  I use to have a really nice from from Don Polzien and let it go.  I have now acquired another.  Here are some pictures.

Don doesn't make a lot of these, he mostly works at repair and restoration of older originals.  I think he actually wants to keep those he makes vs. selling them!

Art and Traditional Knifemakers Transitioning to the Tactical Genre

There has been an interesting phenomenon over the last year or two, makers of traditional pattern knives and also art knives have been transitioning into Tactical Knives.

For the traditional makers I believe the main impetus is financial as the market for traditional patterns has slowed.  Primary examples would be Joel Chamblin, Mike Zscherney, Richard Rogers and Enrique Pena.  They are among the elite, top tier fit and finish, when it comes to traditional style/pattern knives.  Due to demand, at one time, they sold their traditional style/pattern knives by lottery at the shows they attended or they would sell out very quickly on a first come first served basis.  That changed.

For the Art Knife makers I think the transition is more experimental or exploratory as they seem to continue to do well with and focus mainly on their high end pieces.  Examples are Michael Walker, Emmanuel Esposito and Matt Lerch.  I believe that they see the trend toward Tactical and are fascinated by it so they are "dipping their toes in the water" to see what it is all about.

Below is an example of a new tactical model from Matt Lerch, the Mako.  Fit, finish and innovation all continue at a high level but at a lower price point to be consistent with the market, though, a number of the tactical pieces command prices consistent with more refined art knives.

Here is the Mako.  A point about innovation, this knife has an adjustable detent!

Anyway, to me an interesting observation and an excuse to show off a great knife by Matt Lerch.

Jim Smyth is a retired airline pilot that makes a very few knives each year. His style is quite distinctive.

Here are some of his knives that I have had over the years.

Stoked! This piece is inbound.

I have long been a fan of the work of Deryk Munroe.  I don't know why but I had never asked Deryk for a knife for myself to carry and use, finally did and he said sure.  Can't wait!

Neptune & Mermaid

Here is a great knife, one of my favorite Dagger designs by Tom Overeynder with engraving by one of the best, C J Cai.  I have always been a fan of nautical themes.