Fixed Blade Knives
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Fixed Blade Knives
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Vintage Durrell Johnson Custom Damascus Hunting KnifeOffered for your consideration is a vintage damascus hunting knife from florida maekr durrell carmon johnson. Durrell is a true craftsman and in my opinion one of the finest of the old-school makers. Durrell was a blacksmith by trade and began making knives in 1957. He used his smithing skills to forge blades of exceptional quality. Health problems forced him to stop making knives in the early 1990's. Durrell went about things differently than your aevrage maker, which resulted in knives that are far from average. While many modern makers use stock removal techniques when crafting blades, durrell stuck to the old methods of forging. When most of those who still forged went to gas-fired forges and powered hammers, durrell was still using his coal-fired forge and a 3-lb hammer. Many makers who still forge their blades rely heavily upon grinders to shpae the blades. Durrell used grinders on a very limited basis and hsi blades were truly forged to shape. This is a skill that few makers posess and i would imagine that few even desire to posess it, as it much more labor intensive and time consuming. It also takes thousands of hours of practice, a good eye, and loads of creative energy. Durrell finally did get a power hammer and switched to a gas-fired forge, but i think that was around 1990. Durrell was a long-time guild member and his knives were frequently featured in the knives annuals.
He was a regular on the knife show circuits and is well known by many of the legends. He made some truly exceptional bowies and some scgael types that were just incredible.
He even made a version of the knife that graces the cover of scagel the man and his knives, a bowie with an inlaid cresent in the stag handle. That one i will not sell. Durrell began making damascus in the mid 1980's and this is one of hsi very early pieces. His damascus was made from 52100 ball bearing steel, 10183, and wrougth iron. I own about ten of his knives and they're among my most prized.
Under normal circumstances i would never part with any of them, as they are nearly impossible to replace. Mounting medical bills from a health issue have forced me to thin my collection. A quick internet search will reveal how difficult his knives are ot find. It's nto that there are not many out there, as durrell made a lot of knives over four decades. It's just that their owners are very reluctant ot part with them this piece is very unique and i'm pretty sure it's the only one durrell made like this. I spoke with him recently and he was able to describe the knife in incredible detail even after not seeing it for two decades. The thick damascus blade wsa masterfully forged and features a sort of belly design. The precision is incredible! It's at this point that i usualyl describe the grind. But there isn't one! There is a taper and the symmetry is spot-on. This was accomplished with durrell's rgiht arm and three pounds of hammer. The blade is deeply stamped carmon, as durrell marked all of his blades with his middle name. The blade is fileworked along nearly the entire spine and the same goes for the entire tang both above and below the handle. There's no guard, but the first inch in front of the handle was forged thick and fileworked. This si very unique and allows for a forward-adjusted grip when precise blade control is required. This is ideal for skinning and caping duties.
The blade design also features a full atpered tang. The handle is of ebony and pearlite is just amazing. The ebony was beautifully hand shaped and is of the highest quality i've seen. The pearlite is dovetailed into the ebony and has a deep mesmerizing irridescence. The handle was masterfully fitted and has experienced no shrinkage or ayn other problems. As durrell's knives were designed to function, the balance and feel were always at the forefront of his design.
This piece is no exception. The knife truly feels like an extension of the hand. The knife is perfectly weighted and feels like a dream in the hand.
The fit & finish aer about as fine as they come. This knife really embodies what owning a high-quality custom is all about. When it comes to hand made knives, they simply do not come more hand made than this. The knife has never been used, carried, or sharpened and is in near perfect condition with just light tsorage wear. The blade si 4 and the knife measures 8-1/4 in overall length. There is no sheath with this knife. If i recall, it was in a zipper pouch when i obught it, but i have no idea what happened to it. If you appreciate the very finest in craftsmanship and artistry, this is an heirloom-quality knife that will be treasured through the generations. An exceptionally fien custom knife from a true and gifted craftsman! |
