A Retrospective Highlighting Landmark Custom Knife Designs
From 1973 to 1988, the world of custom knives witnessed some groundbreaking innovations that set industry standards and continue to influence modern knife-making. This retrospective highlights the most influential custom knife designs from that era and explains why they remain iconic.
1. Bob Loveless Dropped Hunter
- Significance: Bob Loveless revolutionized custom hunting knives with his tapered-tang, delicately ground dropped hunter design. This knife became a benchmark for quality and craftsmanship, inspiring many makers to create their versions.
2. Bill Moran Damascus Knife
- Significance: Bill Moran’s introduction of Damascus steel to the custom knife market was a game-changer. His commitment to the forged blade and the beauty of Damascus steel fostered a new segment in the custom knife market.
3. Ted Dowell Integral Cap-and-Hilt Hunter
- Significance: Ted Dowell’s integral cap-and-hilt hunter popularized the integral knife design. This strong and handsome design became a common feature in custom knives, thanks to Ted’s innovation.
4. Ron Lake Interframe Tab-Lock Folder
- Significance: Ron Lake’s interframe tab-lock folder introduced a secure locking mechanism for folding knives. This design inspired many custom makers to create high-quality folders, contributing to the proliferation of folding knives in the market.
5. Michael Walker LinerLock
- Significance: Michael Walker’s LinerLock set a new standard for one-hand operation and smooth action in folding knives. This design was widely copied by both handmade and factory knife makers, showcasing its influence on the industry.
6. Buster Warenski King Tut Dagger
- Significance: The King Tut Dagger by Buster Warenski is considered one of the greatest art knives ever made. Its complexity and craftsmanship established a new world standard for art knives, proving what could be achieved by a master knifemaker.
7. D.E. Henry English Bowie
- Significance: D.E. Henry’s English bowie knives set a new standard for exemplary workmanship. His near-flawless craftsmanship inspired many makers to improve their skills, elevating the overall quality of custom knife making.
8. Jimmy Lile “First Blood” Rambo Knife
- Significance: Jimmy Lile’s “First Blood” Rambo knife ignited incredible interest in survival knives and popularized the concept of “movie knives.” This design set the stage for modern fantasy and movie-inspired knives.
9. Jim Schmidt Goblin Folder
- Significance: Jim Schmidt’s goblin folder is celebrated for its beauty and craftsmanship. This design proved that makers could infuse a piece of their soul into every knife, making it a true work of art.
10. Bob Lum Tanto
- Significance: Bob Lum introduced the tanto design to the custom knife market, leaving a lasting impact. His first tantos were superb and created history by bringing this unique blade shape to prominence.
11. Henry Frank Fancy Engraved Folder
- Significance: Henry Frank’s engraved folders were at the top of the heap in the mid-1970s. His work inspired other custom makers to learn engraving, paving the way for superbly engraved folders and sole-authorship art knives.
12. Bob Loveless Big Bear Sub-Hilt Fighter
- Significance: Bob Loveless’ Big Bear sub-hilt fighter is another influential design that has been widely adopted by many makers. Known for its functionality and aesthetics, this knife remains a classic in the custom knife world.
13. George Herron Hunting/Utility Knife
- Significance: George Herron’s hunting/utility knives, such as the Little Dude, are celebrated for their perfect design and functionality. These knives are considered some of the most perfect using knives ever made.
Conclusion
The period from 1973 to 1988 saw the emergence of some of the most iconic and influential customized knife designs in history. These knives set new standards for craftsmanship, design, and functionality, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire knifemakers today. Each of these landmark designs represents a significant milestone in the evolution of custom knives, showcasing the skill, creativity, and innovation of their makers. Investing in a custom knife from this era means owning a piece of history that embodies the artistry and excellence of its time.