heymatthew

Hello all,
Hope everyone has had a great Memorial Day weekend. The town I live in had a small gun show this weekend at the local Civic Center. I went with my uncle and brother-in-law to check it out. I wasn't in the market for a gun as I just blew my budget on a CZ Redhead Deluxe, but I like to go and do the touchy-feely thing with the guns on display. Just because you're on a diet doesn't mean you can't look at the menu, right?

While at the show, I stumbled on a table of handmade knives. The guy who makes them is Frank "Woody" Bridwell of Tamassee Bladeworks in Travelers Rest, South Carolina (near Greenville, SC for those familiar with the Upstate). I have a strong affinity for anything handmade, especially knives, metalworks and wood-carving. The knife blade is made from Alabama Damascus Steel with a Red Camaru handle. It only weighs a few ounces and is perfectly balanced. The blade doesn't seem to be even an ounce heavier than the handle. The style of the knife is a Kowee Razor knife, named for the shape of its blade. It's small and easy to wield.

I took several photos of it for you all to see. I'm really proud of it and hope to catch him at another show to add another knife or two to my new collection.

I'm a graphic designer and photographer, but product photography is not my strong suit so bear with the images. I tried my best to highlight the textures in the wood and blade. It really is more beautiful in person, though.

I urge you check out his work online at woodyhandmade.com and if you ever see him at a show, stop by his table and talk to him.

iceberg101

Beautiful...i want one
How much $?

heymatthew

This particular piece was $70 out the door. His prices range from $50-120. He has a few pieces on his website, but he had probably 70 knives at his booth during the show. You really have to see and handle them individually, but I would be glad to own any of his pieces.

I hope you'll be able to get one. You won't regret it at all.

shootist

Nice toad staber, so good to see something that's not a cookie cutter copy of a 100 million others made just like it in china on a production line.

heymatthew

Thanks shootist. I paid more than I normally would for a knife that isn't an EDC, but it just had some unique characteristics and I couldn't pass it up. And it's one-of-a-kind, as you said.

spartan88

I really like that knife. It is almost like the Canadian belt knife but even better looking. I want one.

bwinters

Very nice and I must put him in my buy soon solumn.

heymatthew

You won't be disappointed if you do. It's a well-made product.

West Texan

wow and that was a great price

TomP5

heymatthew, that is a unique looking knife, but I really like it. I make custom knives, but I don't sell them. I give them to family and friends. Thanks for telling us about that knife and showing us.

Oh, and great photography! Very clear and interesting photos with rich colors. I really like the knife and your photos both.

heymatthew

Thanks so much! Would love to see some of your knife work sometime.

heymatthew

Thanks! I thought it was pretty fair. My uncle bought a knife as well so we at least helped him cover his booth costs for the show.

Highhawk1948

Good knife, good trade for your money.

heymatthew

Thank you! It's still going strong. I don't use it much, but when I do, it doesn't fail me. This may sound stupid, but the shape of the blade lends itself perfectly to letter opening, which is what I love to do with it.

TomP5

Well, it probably won't fail you at letter-opening. LOL

I bet you'll use it for other things, too. Every time I look at your photos that knife grows on me more.

Hmm, I wonder if I could make such a good looking letter-opener.