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  • From: Roy Morgan <k1lky AT earthlink.net>
  • To: homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [Homestead] Knife and tool site - virginia - interesting
  • Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:55:17 -0400


On Oct 29, 2008, at 11:25 PM, bob ford wrote:



If you look at these little knives and tools, then look at the prices, then notice evrything is sold out.

I'll check, but I think this fellow lived and worked not far from where we lived. If so, the reason that the stuff is sold out is that he passed away not long ago.

A quick check shows me that I'm wrong. But the Atwood guy is not far from where I grew up in Massachusetts (5 or 6 miles). Turners Falls and the area is/was home to LS Starett company, makers for a century or so of the finest machinists tools of all sorts.

The knifemaker I heard about made very different things altogether. He was the founder and long time president I think of the American Bladesmith Society. In a PBS special about him and his life's work he tells a story (paraphrased):

I got an order for a knife from the king of Jordan. I worked on the thing for a while and it came out very nicely. Very nicely indeed. I sent a letter telling him it was ready and got to worrying a bit when I did not hear back. Then one day a big car pulled up outside.
(Note: the shop is a *very* run down looking garage building on Rt. 40 west of Frederick, MD.)
In came the fellow with a group of body guards and we had a fine visit. He really liked the knife. I guess I'm the only knifemaker who had a king in his shop. Well, a prince - he was only a prince at the time.

Roy


Roy Morgan
k1lky AT earthlink.net
529 Cobb St.
Groton NY, 13073









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