Who Was The First Knifemaker You Ever Met?
The first maker I ever met was Larry Harley. (No wonder I'm so warped, right?) :) It was at the 1985 Peach State Cutlery Club Show in Atlanta. (It was also my first knife show.) The show was held in a school gym and here I was, a cub reporter for BLADE, walking around looking at all these knives and talking to knifemakers. Behind the first table I stopped at was this huge, Haystack Calhoun of a man who greeted me like it was old home week. He had arms the size of railroad ties and facial hair that was a cross between an old Charlie Chan movie and Gen. Longstreet, but his friendly manner put me immediately to ease.
He hasn't changed a bit since then.
How about you? Who was the first knifemaker you met, where and what were the circumstances?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John Dennehy on
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John Nelson Cooper - My Dad was stationed at Norfolk, VA Naval Air Station at the time. Must have been around 1965-66. He would take me to Cooper's Shop once in a while on a weekend. I remember lengthy converstations between them about knives as well as watching John work. My Dad would pull me over to watch John do something and explain to me what he was doing. It was the first time I smelled snuff and I remember my Dad taking a dip. John would show up once in a while with high rubber boots on and a bucket of oysters he had just dug. He was always very nice and patient with having me around.
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Permalink Reply by Kenny Ratliff on -
While a Den Leader with a Webelos I group, we were preparing to award their Whittling Chip. I contacted a local custom knifemaker by the name of Gil Hibben for some thoughts on a ceremony. He graciously invited the Den to visit his shop, where they learned about sharpening, caring, and appreciating a well-made knife. Turns out, he and I have a shared interest in knives (duh!), good cigars and good bourbon! For many, many years I've had an interest in making knives, but considered it beyond my understanding. However, with some great pointers and insight from him, I'm giving it a go. It is pretty neat to have such a renowned knifemaker less than a mile from home!
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Permalink Reply by Steve Shackleford on -
Great story, Kenny. Gil is a great guy, and this is just another excellent example.
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