KNIVES AND SWORDS

For much of the decade from 1985-1995 most of my work was on collaborative knives and swords. I came to this work mostly as an opportunity to be an engraver outside of the firearms field which I felt was limited in range of subject matter. As my work expanded to a more sculptural technique, under the influence of Japanese sword furniture, I found knife and sword work readily adaptable. I was fortunate to enter this field at the time when the bladesmiths' art was enjoying an unprecedented renaissance, and had the good fortune to meet and work with some of the very best of these smiths. I was also fortunate to know several active and enthusiastic collectors, and my work blossomed technically and , I think artistically during this time. Since the late 90's, for various reasons, I have been doing less of this work as I range into other fields, notably boxes.
The aspect of the edged work I miss the most is the collaborative experience working with such accomplished bladesmiths as Phil Baldwin, Don Fogg, Louis Mills and Yoshindo Yoshihara.
It's a great pleasure to work with such accomplished artists and there is always much to be learned.
An art knife or sword is a paradoxical combination of beauty and lethality, which I find appealing.
I will continue with this work, but on a more limited basis.