STATE OF THE ART
Eliminate any need for embellishment, and the knives in the State Of The Art section will cut. Most knife enthusiasts have heard it said, or have said themselves, that there are too many makers out there fashioning pieces that are purely aesthetic in nature, that they aren’t practical utilitarian blades—they won’t cut. That might be the case in some instances, but by-and-large knifemakers are a conscientious group who understand that a knife must first cut, and then look good.
Now, enter the embellishments, and life is indeed good on Edgy Street. You see, ingrained in its very being, knifemaking is a handcraft, an art form. Not everyone can build beautiful utilitarian knives that are finely fit and finished, with blades that bend but don’t break, with crisp, clean edges, no gaps between bolsters and grips and that fit snuggly in leather sheaths. The guy typing this can’t do that! He’s about as mechanically and artistically inclined as the average bookkeeper, banker or, well, editor.
That’s what makes scrimshaw, sculpting, engraving, carving, jewel and wire inlay, damascus pattern making, casting and etching so fascinating to the average guy or gal, why there are artists and art lovers, bladesmiths and sword enthusiasts, knifemakers and collectors. Sometimes it seems the people who can’t create the art appreciate it the most. You’ll find plenty to look at and enjoy in the State Of The Art section of Knives 2013.
