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Knife World Publications, PO Box 3395, Knoxville, TN 37927 Vol. 37 No. 5 June 2011 www.knifeworld.com The Artistry of Aurum

by John Hunt and involved using the steel of a Timothy Dean blade as a canvas to One of the more interest- display a beautiful work of ing and yet unheralded art. Ultimately, these periods in the history of would be included in occurred from private collections around 1975 through 1989. During the world as well as in pres- that time, the Aurum idential and national histor- Etchings company produced ical museums. some of the most spectacu- The founder of Aurum, lar etches ever to be applied Samuel (Sam) R. Shortes, to the blades of knives man- was well prepared for his ufactured by such compa- venture into metal etching. nies as Henckels, Schrade, After graduating with a BS Gerber, Smith and Wesson, degree in chemistry in 1959, R e m i n g t o n , he joined Texas Coleman/Western, Alcas, Instruments in Richardson, Puma, and most notably, Texas working as a techni- Buck. Aurum would be one cal researcher. Over the of the first to create a total- next 16 years Sam received ly new category in the world many patents requiring of knives, referred to as “art knowledge of chemistry, Closeup of Schrade and etched by Aurum Etchings in the 1980s. knife collectibles,” which Continued on page 20 All photos by Timothy Dean unless otherwise noted. Knifemaker Jim Siska

by Stephen Garger interest. The knife’s price The process knife afi- fell within my range, so I cionados follow in discover- bookmarked the site’s page ing new makers undoubted- and ran a search on one of ly varies from individual to the blade forums. individual. For me, admit- Turned out, Jim Siska tedly somebody who likes knives are viewed quite nearly anything sharp and favorably by a number of with a point (including a posters whose judgment I good argument), the process hav e come to trust. In fact, begins with browsing my a forumite owned 117 of favorite internet purveyors. Jim’s knives! Descriptions I look at the pictures, of the maker included “One descriptions and prices. of the best stock removal Coming across a knife I like guys on the East Coast” or then sends me over to an “Best grinder in the knife online knife forum to seek making industry” and rec- out some opinions. A few ommendations of that sort months ago I came across a generally push me over the consigned 4-1/2” recurve edge, so to speak. I pur- fixed blade with a brown chased the knife and when SharpByCoop photo. micarta handle by Jim it arrived, even given the Siska that grabbed my Continued on page 14 Page 20 Knife World June 2011

The very first knife ever etched by Sam Shortes, a Gerber folder. The artwork of a fox was drawn on Sam’s kitchen table, and the blade was etched at Aurum’s first facility in Richardson, Texas before Aurum’s first commercial commission, the Smith & Wesson Collector Series bowie Aurum Etchings formally existed. Sam relates, “It knife designed by Blackie Collins and produced to commemorate the American was on the very basis of this single knife that I went bicentennial. Both the etching and the cast mounts were done by Aurum. into business.” One-of-a-kind. Continued from page 1 semiconductor technology to images into the steel. This, expand his process into a Sam, the etches on these electronics and metallurgy. the plating and chemical of course, was very slow and commercial venture incor- Smith and Wesson knives By 1974 he had started a etching of intricate artwork expensive. Sam’s methodol- porated as Aurum Etchings “had a very distinctive look side business casting gold onto knife blades. Others ogy was not only faster and (aurum being the Latin since we combined very fine and silver objects. It was at were accomplishing similar less expensive, but also word for gold). detail with deep etching. We this time that Sam began art using tiny chisels and resulted in superior detail. Aurum’s first commercial paid a lot of attention to the applying his knowledge of hammers to hand engrave In 1975 Sam left TI to commission in knives was quality of the art.” launched when Blackie The successful start-up with Collins visited Aurum’s Smith and Wesson was fol- shop in Richardson to dis- lowed by Aurum etching cuss Smith and Wesson’s seven knives for J.A. Collectors Series of bowie Henckels of Solingen, knives Collins had been Germany, one of the largest retained to design. A collab- and oldest cutlery compa- orative effort resulted with nies in the world. These Aurum etching three of the knives were included in four knives in the series. Henckels’ American Tribute The first of the four had a Set etched with very sterling silver guard and detailed scenes of American pommel with the blade etch wildlife from artwork depicting an American designed by Shortes him- Eagle and flowing banner self. The year was 1976 and celebrating the American the stated purpose of the Bicentennial. According to project was to celebrate

Sam Shortes, Founder and President of Aurum Etchings, presenting one of the Republic set knives to President Ronald Reagan. Photographer unknown. June 2011 Knife World Page 21

Continued from page 20 importance of having out- with an incredibly detailed Today, that Alamo knife is chased one set, John Wayne America’s 200th birthday. standing artwork for the scene depicting the battle of in the Reagan Presidential and his son, Michael, each Only 200 sets were pro- etches, he retained some the Alamo. It is an impres- Library and another is on bought a set, and even a duced – one for each year. very talented and skilled sive looking 14 inch bowie display at the Alamo Saudi prince acquired one Near the end of 1976, artists. One of these artists, with stainless steel blade, Museum in San Antonio, for his uncle who was a Aurum’s early successes Ron Adair, an illustrator brass fittings, and a cocobo- Texas. The other three king. John Wayne’s set was and Sam’s aspirations to renowned for his art on U.S. lo handle. Sam cherishes a bowie knives in the set were recently donated to the expand the business neces- postage stamps, created the picture of him presenting also beautifully etched and National Cowboy and sitated a move to a larger artwork for one the most one of these knives at the handled with ebony and Western Heritage Museum. and updated etching facility highly detailed and intri- White House to President stag. President Reagan pur- Continued on page 22 in Garland, Texas. To secure cate knives etched in the Reagan. Interestingly, a competitive advantage in Garland plant. Reagan had been an Aurum this specialized technology, This knife, one of four in customer when he was Sam continually improved a set Aurum marketed as Governor of California, the etching process. Also, the “Republic of Texas” acquiring a knife etched for realizing the tremendous knives, was deeply etched the NRA Bicentennial.

All four bowies in the Republic of Texas set, with their ebony handles and blades etched on both sides. It’s estimated that just 25 to 50 complete sets exist today. Ronald Reagan and John Wayne were both proud owners of them. Page 22 Knife World June 2011

Continued from page 21 Aurum came in late 1976 Only about a dozen com- when they teamed up with plete sets were sold as cus- Buck Knives. The ensuing tomers preferred to buy the collaboration would prove to knives individually, show- be very beneficial for both ing a preference for one companies. During the next design over another. fourteen years, Aurum Finding one of these sets is would etch more Buck rare and it would command knives than any other a premium price. The proof brand. It opened up a whole set included one knife han- new and successful product dled with elk crown stag line for Buck. and another in ebony with Buck was impressed with an ivory insert. Aurum’s artistry and spe- Aurum continued to pro- cial process for etching and duce and direct market plating. In a 1982 American other beautifully etched Blade magazine article, knives including a seven writer Jim Williamson knife “Frontier Collection” explained that the process of Schrade knives and a began with pencil sketches series of small fixed and of the scene to be etched folding knives by Alcas, one with a final, magnified of which had a Harley- sketch in ink. Once the ink Davidson theme. However, art was finished, often at a The first Buck knife etched by Aurum Etchings, the “Spirit of ‘76” (the bicenten- the breakthrough event for cost of “about $2000-$3000,” nial inspired a number of commemorative knives.) 7600 of these were produced complete with the sheath, medallion, and a very nice case. Photo by John Hunt.

Another Schrade bowie etched by Aurum. The artwork for this scene was done by Ron Adair, an acclaimed artist whose extensive resume includes work for the U.S. Postal Service. June 2011 Knife World Page 23 the production process go down into the steel 12 could begin. The blades “are mils for the clouds.” Shortes cleaned and given a protec- added that “an enormous tive coating. This coating is amount of the work is done then removed in those areas by hand, often under a that will be plated or microscope.” One look at an etched. The image of the Aurum etched knife con- scene is then photographi- firms their attention to cally printed on the blade… quality, detail, and fine [which] is then put into a workmanship. solution to develop the print Although most of the on the steel, then put into etches for Buck were done an acid bath to etch the on their famous model 110, unprotected areas.” “Scenes Aurum also did scenes on with considerable detail Buck models 103, 112, 119, may go through several 124, 300, 401, 402, 500, 501, etchings. A deer may be 503, 505, 700/800, 826, 903, etched the first time, then a and 975. With a few excep- background etching of tions, all etched knives had mountains may follow, and mirror polished blades. The then clouds could be added. first Aurum design for Buck The deer will be etched appeared on a special 1/2000th inch deep, the bowie, “The Spirit of ‘76”, mountains will be five mils that Buck created to com- deeper, and the scene may Continued on page 24 Check us out! We offer a large variety of new and old knives. We have some

This lineup of Buck 110 and 112 models stand as a testament to their popularity as canvasses for Aurum’s blade artwork. Note especially the rare two-blade for sale on the model at top. web site and eBay Stores. Follow our links

The relationship between Buck and Aurum was a long and fruitful one, and many in the site to different Buck models came into play. Here is a model 401 Buck Kalinga with a blade etch of a bugling elk. view all items CUSTOM STABILIZING BOOKS available. BRASS MICARTA EPOXY PEARL KYDEX POLISH EQUIPMENT Handle STEEL Phone Material SHEATHS (423) 894-5102 Belts & Damascus CATALOG: $3 Buffs Blades ORDERS ONLY We Buy Knife Collections! 800/972-1192 Immediate Payment! P. O. Box 458KW Lakeside, AZ 85929 Fax: 928/537-8066

www.bulldogknives.org $ Top Dollar Paid $ knifeandgun.com 928/537-8877 FINISHING SUPPLIES Page 24 Knife World June 2011

Continued from page 23 both sides of the blades. memorate America’s Also, with these early deep Bicentennial. It was a major etched Buck knives, (as well project with a run of 7600 as for the pre-Buck knives), knives, each one packaged Aurum often included in the with a sheath and brass etch the words AURUM medallion in walnut display ETCHINGS, and/or the case. This was followed in periodic symbol for gold, AU 1978 with the Wildlife over the year in a sunrise Collection of five Buck logo. This was discontinued knives (models 110, 112, around 1981 when Aurum 501, 401, and 402), with 25 changed to shallower etches different wildlife scenes and added 22K gold plating deeply etched in black. to the etch. The gold against Buck advertising brochures a shallow black etch con- announced, “these knives trasted well, adding to the The world famous Buck 110 & Schrade Bear Paw were often sold in direct com- eye appeal of the image on petion to each other. Aurum etched both of these. reflect a style reminiscent of a tenth century art form. the blade. Through a combination of Buck often enhanced the the centuries old process of presentation of their Aurum chemical engraving and etched knives by packaging modern technology, Aurum them in velvet-lined, laser achieves a level of technical engr aved walnut and oak excellence never before pos- display cases. They also sible.” A distinctive feature came in special Buck in these deep etches is an Custom boxes with display elegant, flowing scroll plaques as well as in hard photo by John Hunt design. and soft jewelry cases. Some Two more major Aurum models featured scales of deep black etch projects mastodon ivory, sambar were Buck’s 1979 Collector’s stag, or ivory micarta. A few Edition and the Grand Slam were also decorated by the set in 1982. The former was talented scrimshander, a collection of four of Buck’s Dale Fisk. Included with 700 series knives each most knives was a etched with a horse scene. Certificate of Authenticity The Grand Slam set consist- providing a brief description ed of four model 501’s with of the etched scene with the each featuring a mountain notation, “Blade Etch by Two significant Buck 103s. Upper knife (c.1989) with the portrait and signature scene and one of the four Aurum Etchings of of Chuck Buck is the last Buck knife etched by Aurum; lower knife with the grand slam sheep. These Garland, Texas.” These Frederick Remington-like scene (c.1991) was the first knife etched by Buck using knives are particularly spe- “extras” reflect the pride Aurum’s etching and plating technology. cial in that Aurum etched Continued on page 30

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Buck Collector’s Club Members Receive:

l Quarterly Collector’s Club Newsletters - Hear from Chuck Buck - Special Project Announcements - Free Classifieds and Knife Specials l Copy of Current Buck Knives Catalog l Eligibility to Purchase Annual Knife l Copy of Club Membership Directory l Help with Evaluation of Buck Knives l Membership Card Membership Application Name:______Address:______City:______State:_____ Zip:______Phone:______Email:______Check one: q Annual [$20/year) q Lifetime ($100/life) Mail to: Buck Collector’s Club Attn: John Foresman 110 New Kent Dr., Goode, VA 24556 email: [email protected] Page 30 Knife World June 2011

Continued from page 24 line was a Model 103 with a • Smith and Wesson Buck and Aurum had with stunning etched and gold • Western this run of knives. plated design reminiscent of • Coleman-Western Sheffield The Buck/Aurum collabo- a Frederick Remington Though the focus of this ration resulted in Aurum painting. Today, Buck con- article is on the knives that Knifemakers Supply etching on the blades of tinues the Aurum legacy of Aurum etched, it should be PO Box 741107KW, Orange City, Florida 32763 Buck knife models nearly superior artistry and crafts- noted that the major activi- two hundred different and manship in their plant in ty at Aurum was engraving Phone 386-775-6453 spectacular commemorative Post Falls, Idaho. firearms for the following A Major Source of Supplies and wildlife designs. To those interested in col- companies: Customers for many of the lecting these knives, the fol- • Colt Firearms (once a to the Knife Making Profession commemorative knives lowing is a checklist to help major stockholder in Aurum STEELS included such organizations identify an Aurum etched Etchings) 440C, D-2, A-2, ATS-34, 304, and 416 as fire and police depart- knife: • Ithaca Brass (Bar, Sheet, Rod, Tubing) ments, states celebrating • Etch includes the words • Remington 18 Percent Nickel Silver (Bar, Sheet, Rod, Tubing) statehood anniversaries, “Aurum Etchi ngs” and/or an • Smith and Wesson Handle Bolts (22 different sizes and types in stainless, Ducks Unlimited, Harley- AU symbol over the year in Firearms brass and 18 percent nickel silver) Davidson, Colt, the North a sunrise logo, usually posi- • Weatherby Stag (Extensive selection of scales, sticks and crown) American Hunt Club, the tioned in very small letter- • Winchester (U.S. Exotic Hardwoods (12 different species) Shenandoah Apple Blossom ing along the bottom of the Repeating Arms) Popular and Current Cutlery Related Books Festival, and Sports Afield. blade and close to the tang. One final note: As of this Square Wheel Grinders, Baldor Buffers, Heat Treating Ovens, One particularly striking Not on knives after 1979. writing, Sam Shortes is in Cone LOC, Drum Sanders, Abrasive Belts, Soldering Supplies, • Comes with Certificate of the development stage of Pakkawood (Extensive selection), Extensive Micarta selection, Buck bowie commemorated and Contact Wheels. H.H. Buck’s first shop and Authenticity (COA) noting creating an engraving Send $5.00 for Catalog another recognized the four etch by Aurum Etchings. process incorporating new generations of the Buck • Etched between 1975 and technology engineered for family. Most of the knives 1989. high precision and cost etched with wildlife scenes • Chemically etched, not effectiveness. It will utilize were offered directly to indi- laser etched or hand deep relief and precious vidual customers through engraved. metal inlays rather than Buck’s dealers and catalogs. • Plated with 22K gold, not plating. Watch your Knife History is replete with 24K. World for more information great things coming to an • Deep, black etch with as tthis project develops. end and the same is true detailed, intricate design. The authors would like to here with the closing of • Distinctive, flowing scroll extend their thanks to Mr. Aurum’s operation at the design. Shortes for all the time and end of 1989. The last knife • Knife comes in special valuable contributions pro- etched by Aurum was prob- packaging. vided to them in the course Our ably Buck’s Model 103 with Although over 90% of of putting this article togeth- a beautiful gold plated etch Aurum’s knife etching work er. International of a portrait of Chuck Buck. was on Buck knives, they Ed. note: coauthor John Membership is Happily Involved with However, Shortes then also had direct accounts Hunt will be displaying “Anything That Goes ‘Cut’!” teamed-up with Billy Bates, with the following other cut- many different Buck knives manager of Buck’s Custom lery companies: etched by Aurum in the l Knife “Knewslettter” Shop, to engineer the suc- • Alcas Buck Collectors Club section • Gerber at the upcoming Blade l cessful transfer of Aurum’s World Class Show April 14-15, 2012 etching and plating technol- • Henckels Show in Atlanta, and l Mini-Show December 10, 2011 ogy into Buck’s El Cajon, • Ka-Bar (Cole National) invites Knife World readers PO Box 2091, Eugene, OR 97402 California facility. The first • Puma to stop by and say hello. • Schrade (541) 484-5564 knife produced from this p www.oregonknifeclub.org

WOLVERINE KNIFE COLLECTORS FALL KNIFE SHOW September 24, 2011 Knights of Columbus Hall 870 N. Main St., Clawson, MI 48017 SHOW HOURS Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM Set-Up: 8 AM - 9 AM 8' Trade Tables $40 Members, $65 Non Members ADMISSION Members FREE Non-Members $5.00 For Reservations and Information Contact Frank Meek 586-264-2031 Evenings or Patrick Donovan 586-786-5549 Evenings Make checks payable to the club and mail to: These seven bowies comprise the “Frontier Collection,” a collaboration between Pat Donovan, 56600 Edgewood Dr., Shelby Township, MI 48316 Aurum and Schrade. The knives were delivered to Aurum unassembled, and assembled after etching.