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I and my Rhodesian Ridgeback live about 150 meters from the Pacific Ocean on the NSW Mid North Coast. Despite the problems that ensue from the salty air on metal and electronics, I have not yet found anywhere else I would prefer to live.
I purchased my first item of edgeware, a twin bladed pocket knife of about 2inches oal, at ripe old age of eight years from a fellow school mate in 1964. The deal was made in the school plaground at lunch-time but the transfer did not occur until the end of class for the day. When he handed it to me, the little folder had a rubber band wound around it, which was an immediate worry, but I was not prepared to open it until I was off the school grounds. As soon as I undone the rubber band the large blade fell out and onto the ground. I consoled myself that at least half of it still could be used.
I wish I could say my skills and discernment in purchasing had improved since then, but honestly I fear they have not. I feel these days that I still only get about half my purchases right. But I keep buying because edged items have been one of my longest interests, only beaten by a love of dogs. Next oldest interest would be guns, then motorcycles but I have had neither of these since the end of the 20th Century but if I won Lotto that would quickly change.
I have a wide interest in edgeware, especially ethnographic items such as the Khukuri as well as historical items. Modern frame and liner lock folders appeal greatly but last year I developed an appreciation of tomahawks which gained a high priority on my acquisition list. But my favourite edged item would be the sword. I wish I had the ability to have a few of each, whether in the style of a 12thCentury Japanese Katana, or the wavy lines of the Philippino Kris or the triangle shape of the Indonesian Klewang.
At present I am enjoying learning more about the making and production side of items to improve my appreciation and understanding, not as an aspiring maker as sadly my health issues preclude it.
Great to see many familiar names here already.
Regards,
bruce
I purchased my first item of edgeware, a twin bladed pocket knife of about 2inches oal, at ripe old age of eight years from a fellow school mate in 1964. The deal was made in the school plaground at lunch-time but the transfer did not occur until the end of class for the day. When he handed it to me, the little folder had a rubber band wound around it, which was an immediate worry, but I was not prepared to open it until I was off the school grounds. As soon as I undone the rubber band the large blade fell out and onto the ground. I consoled myself that at least half of it still could be used.
I wish I could say my skills and discernment in purchasing had improved since then, but honestly I fear they have not. I feel these days that I still only get about half my purchases right. But I keep buying because edged items have been one of my longest interests, only beaten by a love of dogs. Next oldest interest would be guns, then motorcycles but I have had neither of these since the end of the 20th Century but if I won Lotto that would quickly change.
I have a wide interest in edgeware, especially ethnographic items such as the Khukuri as well as historical items. Modern frame and liner lock folders appeal greatly but last year I developed an appreciation of tomahawks which gained a high priority on my acquisition list. But my favourite edged item would be the sword. I wish I had the ability to have a few of each, whether in the style of a 12thCentury Japanese Katana, or the wavy lines of the Philippino Kris or the triangle shape of the Indonesian Klewang.
At present I am enjoying learning more about the making and production side of items to improve my appreciation and understanding, not as an aspiring maker as sadly my health issues preclude it.
Great to see many familiar names here already.
Regards,
bruce
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