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;

Tony Bose .......a couple of Prototypes

I was lucky enough to pick up a couple of very unusual Tony Bose #0 prototypes.  First is a Barlow that I understand is a one-of-a-kind with this size/material.

The next piece is a Lanny's Clip with Oosik scales.  This is the only Bose knife I have come across with Oosik.  I am usually not a fan of Oosik but the color of this one is really nice.

Thanks for looking.

Latest Acquisition from Peter Carey

I have long been a fan of Peter Carey's knives. As a matter of fact, I have a very hard time selling them [not because people don't want to buy them] because I want to keep them for myself.  They usually end up in my collection.  Here is a piece I just received, his Rubicon Flipper model with Damasteel blade and pocket clip, Lightning Strike Carbon Fiber scales and Titanium frame and bolsters that have been anodized a gold color to match the color within the scales.

Here is the same piece with some of it's stable mates;

Marsh Madness is approaching!

Yes, you read it correctly Marsh Madness as in Jeremy Marsh one of the "hot" makers on today's handmade tactical knife scene.  Jeremy is approaching a new levels of recognition and popularity in the tactical knife world.  I've known Jeremy for a few years now and we have become friends over the past couple of years.  Great guy and great knife maker, very creative and expressive with his knife designs.  For your enjoyment here is some of his work.

Assassin

Flamed Mini Vanquish

Mini Vanquish

Mini Vanquish

CPK (Columbian Pocket Knife)

Custom Knives Community Page on FaceBook

I've started a Custom Knives Community Page on FaceBook, please check it out and go to the Discussions page and let everyone know Why Custom Knife Collecting.

Warren Osborne an exceptional Knife Maker

Warren Osborne is one of my favorite knife makers, his level of fit and finish is second to none and his sense of design is outstanding.  Warren has done several knives with inlays inside of inlays, usually pearl within pearl.  This pearl within pearl is very difficult to do but the effect, alone or combined with engraving, is spectacular.  Here are some examples;

Recently I approached Warren about using disparate materials do create an inlay within an inlay knife, specifically Lapis and Pearl.  Warren wasn't sure how this would work out, but, after consulting with Scott Sawby who encouraged the effort as doable, he gave it a shot.  I have now had a couple of knives from Warren done this way.  Here is the most recent which I am looking forward to having engraved.

Warren is one of the most talented knife makers on the scene today.  Check out some of his work.