Tony C.
1239
Excellent questions
pplater –
I have recently developed an interest in custom knives, and, while not as knowledgeable as those with more experience, I'll get the ball rolling.
My interest was sparked about a year ago when I stumbled across a custom knife seller's website. I was particularly taken by the beautiful contrast of the highly polished, high-grade steel, and the extraordinary natural handle materials such as fossilized mammoth ivory, etc.
There are quite a number of possible collectible themes, including the type of knife (e.g. folder, fixed blade, integral, etc.), and/or more specific characteristics such type of blade (e.g. clip-point, drop-point, Damascus, etc.), handle material, maker, and so on.
I don't really know the history of knife making well enough to fully answer your question about there being an acknowledged hierarchy or court family (a la PP, VC, etc.). I can, however, tell you that there are acknowledged modern master makers, and highly regarded younger makers who have, in many cases, apprenticed with those masters. For example, Dietmar Kressler is considered to be the European master maker of integral (i.e. created out of a single piece of steel), fixed-blade knives. One of his protégés is a Utah-based maker named Ricardo Velarde, who also worked under the American master Steve Johnson. So Velarde had, in a sense, the pedigree (or credentials) to become a top maker, and is now fulfilling that promise.
It might interest you to learn that the most sought after makers have waiting lists which range from several months to several years for custom orders!
I'll let those who are more knowledgeable answer your other questions, but will add the following. I believe that knives are highly interesting objects beyond their intrinsic, individual beauty, as they have been used throughout history in very different, though fundamentally crucial human activities. They have obviously been used, and continue to be used for creative activities, for survival, and for violent purposes. So to my mind (and eye), it is very gratifying to own a unique work of art which also has primal significance, and important practical potential.
Regards,
Tony C.
The cutting edge...
