KNEWSLETTTER IN A KNUTSHELL  For over 2300 years  Boar Hunting with a  Club Knife Order form  Japanese Show theme  Model Number two  Snakewood  Custom Knife Competition

Our international membership is happily involved with “Anything that goes ‘cut’!” February 2015 Twenty Three Hundred Years of Swords Michael Bell For over 2300 years the smiths in Japan have been smelting and forging iron and steel to make a wide variety of tools, weapons and agricultural implements. Around 900 a.d., the Japanese sword, that iconic artifact of skill in forging, coupled with heroic feats of battle, had achieved the form it retains to the present day. In the late 16th century a new method of reducing ore and refi ning the iron and steel was developed which resulted in greater production at a lower price. This shows up in swords made after that time, known as shinto, or Along with Japanese exports of and tools went new “new swords.” words, like sanmai, meaning three layers, , three functions or uses, or hamon, the pattern of a differentially heat treated edge. And it is not uncommon now to see a made with a hamon, forged from sanmai constructed steel. Likewise, American smiths are successfully practicing arts hitherto done only in Japan, such as swords and traditional cooking knives and woodworking tools. Japanese patterns for knives used in the kitchen have grown in popularity to the degree that the big names in Europe, such as Wusthof and Trident and many of our own cutlery companies, make a version of the above mentioned santoku. The Western appetite for sushi has also generated new approaches to knives for this But swords, the “glamour boys” of Japanese cutlery, were not purpose, as well as keeping traditional smiths employed using the only benefi ciaries of the new technology. A wide variety the old ways. of cooking and work knives were soon developed along with myriad new patterns of wood working saws, chisels and The sword, too, continues to attract interest and respect as planes. The quality was high as was availability, while prices people come to learn more about its history and the challenges were lower. it presents to the smith. Many are attracted to the refi nement in shape and fi nish of a well-polished blade, or the pictorial art of These methods of iron and steel production remained largely the mountings, often of the highest artistic merit. Still others unchanged until the West came knocking on Japan’s door in fi nd a superbly sharp and well balanced weapon that will work the mid 1800s. The Japanese soon realized they would need a as intended if required. In this regard it helps that there are still more modern steel making capacity in order to participate in traditional schools teaching the various sword disciplines. the modern economy. At one time not so long ago, And modernize they did and at a furious rate. By 1900 modern the words “Stainless Japan” mills were producing the steel that built a modern navy, railroad was the most common system and consumer economy. cutlery marking in America. Today, Japanese steel is highly thought of, and their cutlery and This is now replaced by the tools are exported and used all over the world. A long tradition word “China.” of pride of craftsmanship and a strong work ethic has earned the cutlery industry in particular a strong customer base.. Boar Hunting With A Knife Owen McCullen At the December 2014 OKCA Show, accelerating and I saw a knife that caught my eye and arrived, much to sparked memories I had not experienced the pilot’s chagrin, in many years. It had a long blade, really in the vicinity of too long for most purposes, more blade the target before than you generally need. Further, it had his bullets. Shot a wicked shape that bespoke menace – himself down, double edged and sharply pointed. The he did – and it non-slip rubberized grip was thin, with was all caught a forefi nger grip to aid retention. It was on fi lm. Missiles a , model OSS, with Japanese were supposed Aus8A stainless steel blade. As soon as to correct that We had made quite a few improvements I saw it, the blade shape immediately problem because they could “fl y faster to the Sidewinder since then which we reminded me of a blade I had seen years than a speeding bullet.” Besides, missiles had no desire to share with the Soviets; before in Germany. are larger and easier seen by a pilot who and since Libya was a client state of the may perhaps avoid a midair collision Some years ago, I was stationed aboard Soviets, our lost plane with its missile with them. the USS Saratoga, CVA 60, a dadgum would have been almost as much of a big US Navy aircraft carrier. We were The photo bird had returned unharmed disaster as the stealing of the plans for cruising in the Mediterranean, with a from its original mission, but its escort the Sidewinder in the fi rst place. We nuclear strike mission against the Soviet fi ghter was lost in the desert. The photo were already in the phase of combat Union and for other purposes. So, how bird was refueled and sent out to fi nd its operations where everything is micro- did I wind up in Germany where I saw missing escort. It returned again with managed by higher ups. They felt that the knife? It all began with a photo pictures. Those pictures were the reason I they had to know everything that was F-8 Crusader, an unarmed photo plane going on with our search for the missing that had been dispatched to collect plane and recovery of the missile. It was certain pictures of the Libyan dictator obvious from the photos that there was Khaddfi (spelled 4 or 5 different ways) no need to be concerned about the pilot. and whatever he was up to, being your The US was also not in favor of the somewhat typical Muslim terrorist. Libyans knowing we were fl ying at will around their desert. It was all very hush- hush. The problem was how to let higher had my fi rst experience relating remotely authority see our photos so those higher to boar hunting with a knife. The heart of authorities could tell us in great detail the problem was that the escort bird had just exactly what to do. This was before been armed with the latest and greatest the internet, satellites and instantaneous air-to-air missiles in the US inventory – transmission of pictures. That meant the Sidewinder. The Sidewinder, a wholly The photo bird had been escorted by that an offi cer courier had to hand carry US invented infrared missile, had been another F-8, a conventional fi ghter armed the photos to the higher ups. Given the licensed to several of our good allies and with 20mm cannons and two air-to-air highly classifi ed nature of the subject a couple of neutral countries. Sweden Sidewinder AIM 9 missiles (Sidewinder material, the courier had to be someone was one of those neutral countries. The for short). AIM was military short with a Top Secret, Extremely Sensitive plans and specifi cations for building the hand for Air Intercept Missile. Missiles Information clearance, based upon a SBI, Sidewinder were given to the Swedish were intended to replace guns and be a or Special Background Investigation. Air Attache, Colonel Stig Wennerstrom “one shot, one kill” weapon, avoiding As it happened, I fi t the description and by name, for transport from the US to all those wasted shots so common could be spared for courier duty. in aerial gunfi ghts. Missiles solved Stockholm. He traveled via Finland and Once the pictures were developed and another problem. After all, planes had made a side trip to Moscow to deliver a packaged appropriately, I was issued an reached speeds where they could outfl y/ copy of the plans to the Soviet Union. airweight Smith & Wesson .38 special and outspeed conventional bullets. There is That was an intelligence disaster for us a classic video of an F-100 Supersabre and a great boon to the Russians. They Continued on page 5 who fi red in a strafi ng run, dove steeply developed the AA-2 Atoll, a somewhat unsophisticated copy of our Sidewinder. Page 2 numbered. The knife will come in a The Sizzler... OKCA Knews Great Eastern tube with the OKCA label. Don’t forget & Musings This offer is only available to OKCA our monthly ibdennis Club members. This is an organizational meeting at funding project and allows members to the Sizzler The 2015 April Show support the organization and get a great Restaurant. return on their investment. Look for an As of this writing, call it a Sold Out It is the third application form in this issue or on our Wednesday of Show. I am so pleased that the table website. sales have been as brisk as they are. Yes, the month which makes it February there are a few tables not spoken for; Display award knives 18, 2015. I always look forward to this but there ain’t that many. Like, really, We have three display award knives gathering, so mark your calendar and just a slight few. We have experienced in hand at this time. John “Slim” come be with us. Come smile with us a full Show, a few cancellations, a full Coleman, Jim Ort and Blair Todd. In with your latest purchase. Show, a few cancellations etc. By this keeping with our theme, these knives It ain’t too early to... reading we could be sold out once again follow the pattern of the Japanese tanto. Make lodging reservations for the if the bouncing ball settles down. They are beautiful and well executed. April Show. The Valley River Inn - 2015 Great Eastern Split Back Go to the OKCA website to realize the (541)687-0123 - which is our partner in Whittler beauty of these knives and the effort lodging for the Show, had a complete that each maker has put into this project. The Oregon Knife Collectors 2015 Club remodel; and, from the reports heard, knife will be unique with an etch of our Articles herein.... it is one awesome place to stay. Get state logo and a Beaver shield. The tang I want to thank Michael Bell, Larry your reservations in early. The rooms stamp will be Northfi eld. The handles Davis, Ray Ellingsen, Owen McCullen, fi ll up fast. Mention the Show when will be peach seed jigged chestnut Rick Miller and John Priest for their you register, as we are offered a special bone and the three blades will be 1095 words in this issue. More words are rate for the Oregon Knife Collectors. polished carbon steel. The blades are needed, and I know that they are out You might also note the Courtesy Inn - a clip, pen and coping/sheepfoot. Size there. Please share your knowledge, as (541)345-3391 - the closest motel to the closed is 3-7/8”. There will be a total this Knewslettter is a perfect medium Knife Show. A Budget motel that has of 52 knives of which 50 will be serial for contributions from our membership. worked well with us over the years.

February 2015 Page 3 Thank you to everyone who took the 2015 Show. We do not The Seek-Re-Tary time to stop at the Club table and express have a completed Report their enjoyment of the December/ list of the seminars elayne Winter/Mini Show, the April Show, the at this time. It will Knewslettter and also the work of the be announced The January meeting was held January Board. Positive reinforcement goes a when we have 21 at the Sizzler Restaurant. We had an long way to offset the time spent and the completed attendance of 22. The President, Craig the challenges we face to manage our list. If you are Morgan, was absent and the Vice organization. Also, thank you to the interested to President, John Priest, conducted the individuals who contributed money volunteer, please meeting. toward our organization to offset contact us. The confi rmations and membership our costs. The support is very much Thank you to the cards for 2015 have been mailed. If appreciated. individuals who you have not received your card or An additional way that individuals can have contributed confi rmation, please contact me (email support our organization is through articles for our or phone). Only current (2015) members the purchase of our Club knife. Knewslettter. It will receive this Knewslettter. You Unfortunately, we did not sell all is our vehicle must be a current (2015) member to be the 2014 Queen knife sets. There are to generate admitted on Friday, April 10, 2015 or several sets available. Please help us enthusiasm in our to be admitted early hours of the Show. with the purchase of a set. Show and in our We do not renew membership Friday We have an application for the 2015 organization. If you when the Show opens to the table- Club knife in this Knewslettter and have an interest to holders and members. We will renew also on our website. Place your order write an article, after 2:00 PM Friday and 9:00AM now for delivery at the Show. please do so. Saturday. You must have a table-holder Articles can be emailed. Typed or badge or a membership card to attend We are hopeful the 2015 Show theme, handwritten articles are also welcome the Show on Friday and early hours Japanese Swords and Cutlery, will and can be snail mailed. Saturday and Sunday. entice some new interest in attendance at the 2015 Show. Ray Ellingsen is We are soliciting our membership Please note there are only two table- coordinating this event. Any questions, and companies for items to be sold at holder badges per table-holder (not please contact OKCA, and we will our Silent Auction. If you can, please per table). A table-holder must be forward them to him. There will be an donate. It has been a large contributing a member of our organization, and additional judging category for these factor to the reduced fees we charge the second badge should also be a displays. for tables and memberships. It also member. Their membership can be adds an element of excitement to our an individual membership under their January was the election of offi cers. Show. Let’s keep the energy high. All of the current offi cers have agreed own name (receive their own personal If you are shipping items to the copy of the Knewslettter - $20.00), or to serve for another term. A motion to nominate the current offi cers OKCA, please use our special postal part of a family membership ($5.00 address of OKCA - 3003 W 11 additional to a single membership fee). for another term was seconded. By unanimous consent the Board has PMB 172 EUGENE OR 97402. The Since the Friday of the Show is only mailing address for correspondence, open to members, it is necessary the been elected for another year. The slate of offi cers for 2015 are: Craig memberships, table payments and table helpers be members also. The articles is OKCA - P O Box 2091 - table-holders receive a table-holder Morgan - President, John Priest - Vice President, Joshua Hill - Master At EUGENE OR 97402. You may always badge available for pick up at the contact us via email or phone. We do Show. If you are not sure you have Arms, Elayne Ellingsen - Secretary/ Treasurer, Dennis Ellingsen - Show return telephone calls if a message is advised me the name for the second left. badge, please contact me so it will be Chairman. Thank you to all who voted available the day of the Show. If it is and have supported the offi cers. We Meeting adjourned for Show-N-Tell. necessary to supply a table-holder do appreciate the support and hope to See you at the meeting, February 18, badge at Showtime, the cost will be an continue to do a job of which we will at the Sizzler Restaurant, Gateway additional $10.00. be proud and the membership will Blvd, Eugene/Springfield OR. approve. We will be a full Show in April. There are still a very few tables available, but that We are currently contacting changes each day as Showtime nears. individuals for the seminars for the Page 4 Boar Hunting With A Knife continued from page 2 fl own by COD (carrier onboard delivery) dressed in lederhosen and wool shooting could test a hunter’s courage by whether from the Saratoga to Naples, Italy, with a coats, wearing little trilby hats with a he hunted on horseback or on foot, with leather briefcase handcuffed to my wrist, feather brush in the hatband. We fi led a boar spear or knife and so forth. A lord and from Naples, I was fl own directly into an odd little Mercedes truck and who was highly regarded might ride a to Frankfurt Rhine Main in Germany headed off into the deep mountains and horse to the site of the hunt; but once the to report to COMNAVFORMED woods. I was not hunting, I was just quarry was in sight, would dismount and (, Naval Forces, being shown around as a guest of the pursue the boar on foot. A noble lord and Mediterranean). COMNAVFORMED, Admiral. We drove through the woods brave warrior would carry a boar spear. a 3 star or Vice Admiral (Vadm) was and stopped several times where they A more noble warrior would go after the attending a conference in nearby pointed out deer or small game. Very late boar with only a knife. It was training Garmish, a beautiful spot on the border in the afternoon, a solitary pig crossed for medieval style warfare and was also of southern Germany and Austria. I the truck track ahead of us, and the truck proof of a lord’s actual courage. was put aboard an Army helicopter and would have come to a screeching halt if was fl own directly to Garmish, the site it had been on pavement. Instead, it just of USAG Bavaria (US Army Garrison, slewed around on the dirt and rock of the Bavaria) HQ. It was a site of the Winter trail. My guides checked out the sign and Olympics. It was close to Germany’s returned. two tallest mountains and lots of forests. We went back to the lodge, and there Once the photos were delivered, I was beer available all around. Warm, expected to return immediately to the but that very good German beer, unlike Sara, as the ship was my duty station. our watered down product. After a few However, COMNAVFORMED’s Chief beers we became more friendly (funny They had several wicked looking older of Staff directed me to wait for a reply how that works out) and either I became long bladed knives in a display case; to courier to the Task Unit Commander more fl uent in German or they became and each carried a slightly shorter, aboard Sara, who was the on scene more fl uent in English. In any event, we plainer version. The offi cial knives had commander. I had time to burn, and it became friendly, and they told me about long blades, with substantial brass cross was arranged that I might visit some of their lives at the lodge. It seems that guards, mixed bone and antler handles the local attractions. One of those local they were at least 4th or 5th generation or grips and large end bolsters. They attractions was a German hunting lodge. games’ keepers. I made the mistake of were designed so the lord could put Having always been a hunter, that referring to them as Jaegers which was both hands on the end bolster and push intrigued me, knowing nothing about entirely incorrect, I was informed. They with both hands, or all their weight, hunting in Europe at the time. I was were a Heger and Jagdaufseher. I had driving the long bladed knife deep into taken by jeep deep into a forest. I do them write that down to be sure I heard their quarry or opponent. Of course, the not know how long the trip took; and correctly. I have never known what those knives were not for sale, even to the since any trip in a WWII style jeep over words meant; but they meant something guest of an Admiral. unimproved forest trails can seem a lot to them, and it had a lot to do with status A noble who would charge off on foot longer than it really may have been, the or pecking order. It was the only job they with only a knife against a Russian distance is unknown. What I do know had ever had and ever would have. They black boar was thought to be very brave. is that at the end of the trip, I arrived at spent the war as games’ keepers at the He might even end up with the award what looked almost like a small hotel in lodge for some old noble family, had of the boar’s tusks (from one to four, the Catskills in New York. It was called actually seen a number of top German depending on the level of the bravery a hunting lodge, but I had expected generals, including Hermann Goring, and skill displayed). When hunting with something crude like the hunting camps head of the German Lufftwaffe. a knife alone, the tactic was to pursue the I had experienced here. Au Contraire! It They told me about how their distant boar until the boar tired of being chased, was the other side of pretty luxurious and forebears had been game managers for turned around and charged his pursuer. with room for about 75 of your closest the noble family who owned the estate That was virtually guaranteed to happen, friends. I did not see a lot of connection and arranged all the boar hunts for the given the temperament of the boars. The to hunting but thought it was probably lords. They were too young for the War; noble was not to draw his knife until the more of a luxury vacation destination in and so assumed the role of their fathers charge was initiated, in the classic case. the middle of a forest. However, shortly, when they went off to War and did Once the boar started its charge, the my opinions were changed. not come back. Like so much that was noble was to stop, prepare to receive the I was introduced to two very taciturn European, boar hunting was apparently attack and draw his knife. When close somewhat older German gentlemen, stylized and a very big deal. Further, you Continued on page 7 February 2015 Page 5 OKCA Free Classified Ads Free classifi ed ads will run up to three issues and then be dropped. Available only to paid members. Write your ad on anything you Free classified ads will run up to three issues and then be dropped. Available only to paid members. Write your ad on anything you have handy (except Pagophilus leaf paper) and email or snail mail to the OKCA PO Box 2091 Eugene OR 97402. The number and have handy (except bamboo leaves) and email or snail mail to the OKCA, PO Box 2091, Eugene OR 97402. The number and size of size of ads submitted by a single member will be accepted, or excepted, dependent on available space and the mood of the editors. ads submitted by a single member will be accepted, or excepted, dependent on available space and the mood of the editors. The best Koa available outside of Hawaii will again SOG Knife Collector is a new book by Michael W. For Sale: . Large consignment. List be at the April 2015 OKCA Show. Look for me at Silvey in the military knife series. It covers a narrow available from Larry Oden. Typically have Buck table S-06. Also available will be outstanding Mango area of collecting and helps the collector identify standard production, limited edition, BCCI, Buck and the ever popular Spalted Maple Burl. 253-653- honest specimens and distinguish them from fakes. Custom and Yellowhorse models. 8742 Steve Hughes The format is 8.5 inches by 11 inches and is all in Email [email protected] color. The soft cover book is less than fi fty pages but FOR SALE: Handle material - horn, antler, paired or call (765) 244-0614 8AM-8PM EST. includes all the know variations of SOG knives. The wood slabs,. Also blades and some power tools - /Goddard Model C16POD $85.00; free information covered by this book will be valuable to grinders and buffers. Can deliver to the Oregon Show shipping when you mention OKCA. Goddards 473 both the new and advanced collector. The printing is in April. If interested contact me Dewald Boswell Durham Ave Eugene OR 97404 (541)689-8098 limited to 2,000 copies. $20 plus shipping. Mike at (541)786-9833 email: [email protected]. (530) 644-4590 or [email protected] . Buy, Sell, Trade. Also a good For Sale: Duplicates of my old “WOOD HANDLE” WANTED : Western Wildlife Series knives produced selection of Case knives, and many custom knives for Coke knives, $100.00 each.. from about 1978 to 1982 (letters B, C, D, E, F). I’m sale or trade. Jim Schick www.nifeboy.com email: [email protected] missing the knives with blade etches of eagle, elk, (209)295-5568. cougar, hunting dog, antelope and bear. Call Martin For Sale: older knives. Please visit HHknives at FOR SALE: Remington Bullet knives, new, orig. at (406)422-7490 www.allaboutpocketknives.com. Thanks for looking. boxes. 1987-2015. 29 knives plus 4 anniversary WANTED: Custom knifemakers and collectors for Knife Sheaths: Many, many different sizes and editions, plus 2 wood display cases - $2,000.00. the fi rst annual Portland Knife Makers Show. The styles. If we don’t have what you want, we can make Will deliver in OR/western WA. Roger Metzger show will be held at the Portland Expo center Oct. 24 it for you. Ray Simonson Wild Boar Blades P.O. (541)593-2988. & 25, 2015. That’s next year. Open to knifemakers Box 328 Toutle WA 98649 (360)601-1927 www. I am a jewelry designer and manufacturer in Salem only, no Chinese stuff, no factory knives, no factory wildboarleather.com - [email protected] OR, and I do custom work. I can set stones into blems. Limited to 175 tables the fi rst year. The Mosaic pins and lanyard tubes by Sally. See at www. steel, blades and handles of various materials. I have show will be held at the same time, but in a separate customknife.com, email at [email protected]. studied gemology and have a small collection of hall, as the famous Antique show so there will be Phone (541)846-6755. gemstones and Oregon rocks that can be cut to size thousands of potential customers. Or at least their and set. I also work in silver and gold and do just husbands. For more details contact Dave Rappoport, Hot off the press - 2ND edition The Wonder of about any design. Meghan Donahue Jewelry Design Hawthorne Cutlery, Portland OR (503)234-8898, Knifemaking by Wayne Goddard, revised and - 189 Liberty St NE Unit B2a -Salem OR 97301 or sword [email protected]. You can also contact in color! $30. shipped by priority mail. Get -( 503)967-5581 www.meghandonahue.com Christine Palmer at [email protected]. your autographed copy now by calling Wayne at (541)689-8098. Custom leather work. Sheaths, holster and belts are KNIVES FOR SALE: Antique, custom & factory, my area of focus. All my sheaths are lined with a fi ne , folders, fi xed blades, , , Blades and knifemaker supplies. All blades are leather for protection of your blade...The fi t on these bowies, military, Indian, frontier, primitive & ethnic. ground by Gene Martin. I also do custom grinding. sheaths is lock tight and strong. See my work on Other collectibles also. Current colored catalog - See at www.customknife.com, contact Gene at my website www.countyholster.com. John Schnase, FREE, Northwest Knives & Collectibles @customknife.com, Eugene OR (503)501-6067. Table F08. (503)362-9045 anytime. or call (541)846-6755. Sharpening Stone - Non functioning for display SPYDERCO KNIVES wanted. Entire collections. Useful reference books on blades. Collectible only. Make an offer - Ed Holbrook - (503)266-2478. River Valley Knives (715) 557-1688. knives, custom knives and knifemaking, military knives, swords, tools, and anything else that has an For Sale - Oregon yearly Club knives, 1979 to 2012. AL MAR, , PACIFIC CUTLERY edge. E-mail for a list. Quality Blade Books C/O Selling singly, 10% off current pricing. Call Fred wanted. Entire collections. River Valley Knives Rick Wagner P O Box 41854 Eugene OR 97404 (541)915-6241 (715)557-1688. (541) 688-6899. Looking for 1902 US Saber marked “ 1st. Lt. Wanted: 2012 Case XX USA medium stockman or [email protected] Robert M. Porter”. Please contact Don Hanham at #6318 PU CV jigged bone w/punch w/signature of Knife Laws on-line. Federal, state, local. Bernard [email protected] Skip Lawrie. Ralph Nuno Sacramento Levine (541)484-0294 www.knife-expert.com. Theviews and opinions implied or expressedherein by authors(916)682-9305. and advertisers are not necessarilythose of the Oregon Knife Collectors Association, its editors, or its officers; and no Theresponsibility views and opinions for such viewsimplied will or be expressed assumed. herein The OKCA, by authors its officers and advertisers and its editors are assumenot necessarily no responsibility those of forthe claimsOregon of Knife advertisers Collectors for the Association, quality of goods its editors, and services or its theoffi advertisercers; and no responsibilityprovides. The for act such of mailingviews will or deliveringbe assumed. a manuscript The OKCA, or its advertisement offi cers and shallits editors constitute assume an expressno responsibility warranty onforthe claims part of theadvertisers contributor for the that quality the material of goods is original and services and in the no wayadvertiser an provides.infringement The act upon of themailing rights or of delivering others. The a actmanuscript of mailing or or advertisement delivering a letter shall or constitute question an to theexpress editor warranty shall constitute on the permissionpart of the tocontributor publish the that letter the or material portion is thereof original unless and thein no Oregon way an infringementKnife Collectors upon Associationthe rights of isothers. informed The otherwiseact of mailing in that or letter.delivering This a Knewslettter letter or question is devoted to the to editor the general shall constitute interest of permission the knife communityto publish the and letter does or not portion include thereof personal unless information the Oregon Knifesuch Collectors as births, deathsAssociation and illness. is informed We also otherwise strive to usein that only letter. material This that Knewslettter is directed is to devoted the world to ofthe cut. general Our charter interest mandates of the knife that community our mailing and list ofdoes the not membership include personal cannot beinformation sold or used such as bybirths, other deaths than the and Oregon illness. Knife We also CollectorsAssociation. strive to use only material that is directed to the world of cut. Our charter mandates that our mailing list of the membership cannot be sold or used by other than the Oregon Knife Collectors Association. OKCA Club Whot-zits & Whos Zits

Craig Morgan Joshua Hill Letters to...... President (541)345-0152 Master at Arms (503)580-8998 OKCA P O Box 2091 Eugene OR 97402 Packages to...... John Priest Dennis Ellingsen OKCA 3003 W 11 Ave PMB 172 Eugene OR 97402 Vice President (541)517-2029 Show Chairman (541)484-5564 Copyright (C) 2015 Oregon Knife Collectors Association. Elayne Ellingsen Knewslettter by elayne & dennis No part of this Knewslettter may be reproduced without Sec/Tres. (541)484-5564 permission of the OKCA. Web page --- http://www.oregonknifeclub.org/ Layout and printing by instaprint - 1208 W. 6th - Eugene, OR 97402 - Club email --- [email protected] Phone (541)686-8591 Page 6 Boar Hunting With A Knife continued from page 5 enough, the noble was to knock the boar to be crazy to be hunting wild boar, on off his feet, grab a front leg once the boar foot, with a knife. I might do that with a was down on its side, pull the leg up and big rifl e, perhaps even with a big pistol stab the boar with an angling knife thrust (which I did do later when stationed in up under the boar’s leg into the armpit Florida); but I did not at the time or now like area of the boar directly into the think I would do that with a knife. What boar’s heart. Russian black boar, I am about you? informed, can weigh between 220-600 Like some of my other work in the Navy, pounds of pure meanness and muscle. this entire episode was highly classifi ed. They can allegedly jump up to fi ve feet I was unable to discuss it with others trousers with smelly brown fecal matter and run at top speed up to 25 MPH. outside the immediate command circle after the boar’s charge. Perhaps that is Done correctly, one clean thrust of the on the ship and could never write home why Scots wear kilts, sans underwear. knife would kill the boar very quickly. about it. It had to stay in my memories for But, admittedly, it would take a fair Apparently, according to the two just almost exactly fi ve months short of amount of courage to stand stock still gamekeepers, there was a technique 50 years. I had not thought of it in years in the face of the charge of an enraged to hit the boar just so, knocking it over before seeing the knife at the December 600 pound black boar with murder in so its front foot was available to grab. Show. Now I have the opportunity its heart. No wonder the noble who did Doing the deed following the correct to fi nally share it with someone who that was respected and thought a worthy technique brought great respect to the will understand and appreciate my leader. noble. Nothing was said about when fascination with wicked German blades the noble on his fi rst boar hunt fi lled his At the time, I was pretty sure you had and fi erce Russian boars.

planning to enter a display you should razors, , and any other smaller Japanese Show contact Elayne immediately. Unless of traditional Japanese blades. Judging will course, you are reading this article and based on the same qualities as those Theme for 2015 it is after midnight. I can tell you from in the sword category, and the same Ray Ellingsen fi rst-hand experience that placing calls rules of entry will apply. These cutting As most of you may (or may not) know, to the Ellingsen residence after 12AM implements can be older, traditionally the theme for the Oregon Knife show is extremely frowned upon by that forged cutlery by makers long since this year is Japanese cutlery (see last particular establishment, and you will passed or new custom makers. month’s Knewslettter for details). Since not like the results of such a decision... To enter into either of these two new we are only two short months away from Trust me. categories, you will need to bring your the Show, I thought it was about time This year we are also creating a special entries to the custom knife judging that I lay out some of the particulars and judging for Japanese cutlery. There will room on Saturday during the hours details. be two categories. The fi rst will be for of 2PM - 3PM. As with the custom Displays: If Japanese swords. The criteria for entry knife competition, you will be able to you would into this category is somewhat broad, reclaim your entries once the judging is like to present in that it can be an older sword forged completed. a display by a maker fi ve hundred years ago, or The winner(s) for each of these new of Japanese a custom sword by a new maker. The categories will be awarded one of cutlery, be it swords in this category can be katana the display award knives that have a collection or wakizashi only. Judging will be based been embellished by some of the top of swords, Japanese culinary knives, on uniqueness, rarity, quality, artistic knifemakers in the country. Again, you or any other type of Japanese cutting creativity, fi nish, etc… can take a look at these award knives on curiosities, you are highly encouraged to The second the OKCA website. do so. The awards for best display this category year are pretty impressive and worth There’s not much time left, so whip will be for taking a look at (you can see them on the together your displays and dust off your Japanese OKCA website if you’re curious). old Japanese cutlery now. As always, if cutlery. This you have any questions, suggestions, or A word of warning though. There are a will include ideas, please contact us directly at the very limited number of display tables culinary OKCA. See you all at the Show. available as of this writing, so if you are knives, tanto, February 2015 Page 7 About The Handmade Knife Judging the contest without them. John Priest What time do I enter? (Answer) 2PM The following rules are in effect for the will be kept for display until 6:00PM. - 3PM on Friday April 10, 2015. 2015 Oregon Knife Show Handmade All other knives will be returned What time do I get my knife back? Knife Competition. Any after judging is completed. (Answer) After the judging is completed, violation of these rules will The winners will also be there will be an announcement. We make the knife and the maker announced at the Saturday ask that you pick them up as soon as ineligible for awards. Any Nite Awards Presentation. possible. The only exception: If you win, infraction identifi ed after 8) The submitted knives then we will keep them long enough to the awarding will result in must be 88% made by the take pictures and display them. forfeiture of the award. knifemaker who submits the I’m undecided about which category The categories for the custom knife knife for judging. Disclosure of the other to enter. (Answer) The judges can competition are : ART KNIFE - BOWIE 12% must be noted. change the knife to another category if, KNIFE - DAMASCUS - FIGHTING 9) Damascus knives can be placed in in their opinion, it’s better suited to a KNIFE - FOLDING KNIFE - HAND any category, except hand forged. Hand different category. FORGED - HUNTER/UTILITY - forged knives can be placed in any What about disclosure? (Answer) We MINIATURE - NEW MAKER category, except Damascus. A knife can are judging knives that were carried 1) Knives can be submitted and only be entered into one category. from concept through fi nished product accepted only from table-holders at the 10) Knives for the Custom Knife by one person. We realize that this isn’t 2015 OKCA Show. The exception is Competition will be always possible, but we the New Maker category which can be accepted in Meeting also expect you to tell entered by any OKCA member. A “New Room #3 during the us what you did not do Maker”is one who has never entered any hours of 2 PM to 3 to the knife. We do not competition, anywhere, ever. PM Friday - April 10, want a knife made by 2) The maker must personally submit 2015. The cut off time committee. the knife and identify himself as the will be 3 PM sharp. What about cheating? maker of the submitted knife. It will be the (Answer) We work on 3) The Oregon Knife Collectors shall responsibility of the the honor system. If not be held liable in any way for the knifemaker to abide by you cheat, your fellow submitted knife after it has been turned these rules. The Show makers will know; and over to the Oregon Knife Collectors Chairman shall be you will know. Association. the absolute decision What if you haven’t 4) If there is a question by the judges as maker on any confl icts or questions, answered all of my questions? to the class/division/category into which should it become necessary. (Answer) THEN READ THE RULES. the knife is submitted for judging, that FAQ They are available on the website online or at the head table at the Show. In the knife may be ineligible for that class/ Why do I have to cover my logo? division/category. The judges, at their event of a question not answered, the (Answer) To keep the judging fair and Show Chairman will be the last word. discretion, may change that knife to a not distract the judges and also to have more suitable category. somewhere to put the contest number. 5) The submitted knife must have been We realize that some makers have a very made after April 15, 2014 and never distinctive style, but this is the most previously received an award to be equitable way we have found. eligible for competition, . How many knives can I enter? 6) Knives submitted will have their (Answer) One per category. marks covered and will be numbered. Who are the judges? (Answer) We Cover material will be provided if you aren’t telling. It’s hard enough to get do not have any. You will be asked to people to leave their table for an hour cover your mark on your own knife. or so on Friday without making them This must be done before you submit justify their decisions. I will say that it for judging. we have three judges: one local, one a 7) Awards will be announced Friday maker and one a collector. They are all afternoon about 5PM. - Winners knives highly qualifi ed, and we couldn’t have Page 8 collector, Louis Chow. The message was A Model 2 Randall Knife Comes Home simply, “I believe that I have found your After Forty Years Randall knife.” It was too late to call Jim, Rick Miller and needless to say I didn’t sleep very well I fi rst became interested in collecting that night. The next morning I called Jim at knives when my college gymnastics a reasonable hour, and sure enough he had teammate, Bill Beavers, showed me a 1959 spotted a Model 2 Randall knife with my Randall knife catalog. I can still remember name on the blade at an upcoming auction. how amazed I was as to the beauty of the In 2004 at the Oregon Knife Collectors The auction was to close the following knives illustrated in that catalog. However Annual Show, I told my story to Rhett Sunday. it wasn’t until 1965 when I purchased and Janie Stidham; and they agreed to I had a bit of a predicament, as I was leaving my fi rst collectable knife. That’s the year run an ad in their Randall Knife Society that very Sunday with my wife to attend I began my career with the U. S. Public Newsletter. I received only one telephone our nephew’s wedding in Chennai, India. Health Service. call from a fellow who wanted to know if Jim, being the friend that he is, agreed In 1969 I was working as a Venereal I collected Model 2 Randall knives! And to bid on my behalf. The high bid was at Disease (now called Sexually Transmitted that was that! $440.00, and Jim asked me how much I Diseases) Investigator for the Monterey Now, fast forward ten years to the 2014 wanted to bid. Well, that was somewhat County Health Department in Salinas, Knife Expo in Pasadena, California, more than the $75.00 I had paid so many California. I decided to order a Model 2 presented by the Southern California years ago. I told Jim that my chances of Randall knife with an ebony handle and Blades Knife Collectors Club. I again getting a second crack at that knife would requested that my name, Rick Miller, be told my story to my friend, Jim Schick, be slim and none! I said, I’ve got to get my stamped horizontally on the reverse side a Randall knife collector knife back.” Jim’s response was, “OK.” of the blade. As I best recall the knife and dealer. I’m somewhat Now the long wait began. I had a price tag of $75.00, and I had to surprised that I hadn’t told didn’t return home from India wait seven months to receive it. Shortly him this story before. At until May 7. The fi rst thing I did thereafter, and for some unknown reason, any rate he found this sad upon returning was to give Jim I sold this beautiful knife to my friend, tale interesting and said a call. He said, “I’m looking at Fred Bratmon, a well known military that he would be on the your knife as we speak, and it knife expert. lookout for my knife. went for $475.00.” As the years passed by, I on occasion On April 27, 2014, my I’m happy to say that thought about trying to buy back my wife, Evelyn, and I went to a music concert my Randall knife Model 2M in Randall knife, after all it had my name at a local college and returned home about excellent condition with the original on the blade. But, alas, Fred could not 10:30 p.m.; and bingo, there was a message #28 leather scabbard now hangs on the remember the name of the person that he from Jim who had obtained my cell phone wall in my knife room, and it isn’t going had sold the knife to. number from our mutual friend and fellow anywhere!!

Invariably, Snakewood: Friend or Foe? the handle Larry Davis will split Snakewood, Piratinera guianensis, is also known as and crack; Letterwood (which alphabet is arguable), leopard wood (when and the dotted) and speckled wood (when speckled). maker will Origin is Central and South America, with the primary source swear to never use Snakewood again. I swore to never stock from Surinam and Northern Brazil. Trees are not large (8” Snakewood again for this reason but got very lucky and found diameter average), and only the dark heartwood is marketed. some 50 year old dry lumber in Brazil. Most stock is imported and sold as half or quarter logs or Snakewood is not easy to work with sharpened tools because pieces of logs. Lumber is very rare; and a large board is 3” of its hardness and density, although these characteristics wide, with most in the 2” range. The timber is very dense and make it a beautiful wood with high polishing capabilities. heavy at 81 lb per cubic foot and 1.30 specifi c gravity. That’s Anders Hogstrom recommends grinding and shaping with a heavier than Lignum Vitae!!!!! new 50 grit sandpaper belt, followed with a used 50 grit paper Most working problems originate with using green material. for smoothing the shape. Care must be used to not overheat Snakewood is so dense it takes years to dry a small piece the wood, causing a burn or heat fracture. Always check with carefully without degradation of the material. When a maker the supplier regarding moisture content before purchasing uses this partially-dried material, it is a disaster waiting. Snakewood to avoid major trouble. February 2015 Page 9 The Knewslettter Oregon Knife Collectors Association PO Box 2091 Eugene, OR 97402

PageP10 10