Ron Newton NYS Feather Damascus - Just in From Solvang Show

[Bob Betzner]

I'll let the images tell the story. This was one of the knives I dropped on at the Solvang Show today, and I got lucky. What a beauty. And my second feather damascus in a week, how'd that happen??!! Oh, sorry, I couldn't figure out which images were best, so here are a bunch. And yet another Paul Long sheath!

Saw lots of good friends, great time, etc. More later.

Oh, note that this damascus integral needs no modifying adjective to describe it - it's from one billet, not pieced and forged together.

[Buddy Thomason]

Very nice, Bob.

[Kevin Jones]

Yes, that's an amazing knife from an execution perspective, actually from every perspective.

Congrats Bob, great acquisition.

[Jim Treacy]

Bob,

It's nice to see you finally collecting Damascus knives!

You should attend the next ABS Hammer-in that they have in California.

Jim

[Kenneth Springer]

That knife really puts the "special" in New York Special. Ciongraulations, Bob!

[Bob Betzner]

Originally Posted by Jim Treacy

Bob,

It's nice to see you finally collecting Damascus knives!

You should attend the next ABS Hammer-in that they have in California.

Jim

Jim, actually the damascus has nothing to do with it. Design rather than damascus is the compelling feature in these acquisitions. The feather design in the damascus, in both cases, is for sure extraordinarily beautiful. But it's the design and construction treatment of the NYS that puts the Newton over the top. And the Kevin Casey piece - well, again we are looking at it's slim and sleek appearance, ie, it's design and construction. The icing on the cake happens to be the damascus.

Take out design and construction from the equation and the damascus could just as easily be on a Bowie, all of which - in one way or another - have the same design, which, IMHO, gets really old, really quick.

[Jim Treacy]

Bob,

I was kidding about the Damascus, I know that forged blades are not normally your thing.

Take out design and construction from the equation and the damascus could just as easily be on a Bowie, all of which - in one way or another - have the same design, which, IMHO, gets really old, really quick.

You could say that about any type of knife, maybe engraved art daggers, but that would be a matter of opinion.

That is why we all collect what we like.

Jim

[Bob Betzner]

Originally Posted by Jim Treacy

Bob,

I was kidding about the Damascus, I know that forged blades are not normally your thing.



You could say that about any type of knife, maybe engraved art daggers, but that would be a matter of opinion.

That is why we all collect what we like.

Jim

Jim, you are 100% absolutely right. You hit the nail right on the head. And wouldn't it be a dull world if we all were attracted or deterred by the same things.

Lord knows, there are plenty of collectors who abhor engraving on knives, instead believing in the purity of the knife. Sometimes, there are knives I feel the same way about. And there are exceptions to every taste and rule. I have said many, many times that one day, I am gonna own a really nice Fisk Bowie (damascus, of course), which is definitely a breakaway from my mold. But I'd be crazy not to, especially with that purdy chicken scratchin' he does.

Hell, if we all went for the same type and style of knives, everything would cost WAY too much!

Best,

Bob

[Jerry Manuel]

Super Special Bob -

[Jon Klein]

Congrats Bob on a fine addition. Ron is outstanding and these NYS Inegrals he makes are really cool. I think but am not sure he calls part of the design the Key Hole. In any event a fine, fine piece for sure.

Enjoy, Jon