Well I hope Mr. Tichbourne won't mind but I thought I would share my custom I got from him the other week with you folks.
I went to his shop and met George and his wife Carol and they are really nice people. Had a blast and saw Georges shop. Saw some very nice knives and even managed to pick one up. His knives are awesome. Mostly he uses 440C but he did have some other exotic steels. I bought a Wood Century with Cocobolo handles and a nice black leather sheath. Then knife it self is beautiful, by far the BEST mirror finish polish I have seen. Heck of a time taking a pic because I kept seeing myself in the blade. I have not had much chance to use it yet but I will. After my first week: very sharp, excellent edge geometry(flat ground). Handle is very comfortable. Pins are nicely finished off aswell as the lanyard hole.
It really is a difference when you are holding a handmade knife, it is almost warm to the touch. Spydies are the best production knives IMHO, but handmades are something else. I had never held one till now. They are works of art. I like Georges designs because they are meant to be used. Can't wait to start camping and fishing this season. I will post more after I have used it more. It has stood up well preparing some meals but the test will come this summer. Hope you enjoy the pics Take Care!!!
"everything else is just a jeep"
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OT: George Tichbourne Review/Pics
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samosaurus
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java
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CKE,
Sweet little skinner there. She looks great and the slight palm swells must give her pretty comfy grip.
I have to agree on the work of art aspect. Many customs are made to be workers but the attention to detail makes it hard to do so. I have a giraffe bone Prinsloo and a coral Rob Parish skinner and both makers encourage their hard use. The mirrored finish on each is flawless; the pins, as you say, are nicely finished; and the file worked spines are beautifully sculpted to add to the overall ethetics. Each is razor sharp and the sheaths are equal to the quality of each knife.
It's great you actually met the maker and had a chance to view his shop - you walk away with a better perspective on what it takes to fashion blank steel and other "raw" parts into the finished piece before you and gives special meaning to your own customs. (Also whets your appetite for more...) I met Allen Elishewitz, Don Polzien,and William Keller at the last Spirit of Steel and live close enough to visit each of their shops.
Congrats on the Century and hang on to your wallet from here on......<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Sweet little skinner there. She looks great and the slight palm swells must give her pretty comfy grip.
I have to agree on the work of art aspect. Many customs are made to be workers but the attention to detail makes it hard to do so. I have a giraffe bone Prinsloo and a coral Rob Parish skinner and both makers encourage their hard use. The mirrored finish on each is flawless; the pins, as you say, are nicely finished; and the file worked spines are beautifully sculpted to add to the overall ethetics. Each is razor sharp and the sheaths are equal to the quality of each knife.
It's great you actually met the maker and had a chance to view his shop - you walk away with a better perspective on what it takes to fashion blank steel and other "raw" parts into the finished piece before you and gives special meaning to your own customs. (Also whets your appetite for more...) I met Allen Elishewitz, Don Polzien,and William Keller at the last Spirit of Steel and live close enough to visit each of their shops.
Congrats on the Century and hang on to your wallet from here on......<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Not too sure how much time he has in this one, on the making of.
java>no kidding I have a Lightfoot in for a tune up right now and can't wait to get it back. Just something about a custom/handmade knife, all the attention to the small details. Each one different in it own way. Quick someone take my wallet...
Take Care!!!
"everything else is just a jeep"
java>no kidding I have a Lightfoot in for a tune up right now and can't wait to get it back. Just something about a custom/handmade knife, all the attention to the small details. Each one different in it own way. Quick someone take my wallet...
Take Care!!!
"everything else is just a jeep"
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On/Scene Tactical
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Hi CKE...
Yes George does some fine work...
I get the honor of doing some sheath work for him from time to time, and really like his knives....
The polish on his knives is always Top Shelf.. and you are correct,, George and Carol are some of the nicest people you'll meet...
ttyle
Eric E. Noeldechen
On/Scene Tactical
Yes George does some fine work...
I get the honor of doing some sheath work for him from time to time, and really like his knives....
The polish on his knives is always Top Shelf.. and you are correct,, George and Carol are some of the nicest people you'll meet...
ttyle
Eric E. Noeldechen
On/Scene Tactical
Mr. Noeldechen nice to see you here, welcome. Your reputation is also very good. I have seen a few of your sheaths, excellent workmanship. I believe the Salsa neck rig I have is your work. George did mention your name while I was there. He was looking at my SPOT and noticed the kydex was tight and marking the set screw in the blade. He said you suggest using teflon spray and although I have yet to do that it is a great idea. Keep up the good work. Take Care!! I hope we can do business in the near future.
"everything else is just a jeep"
"everything else is just a jeep"
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vampyrewolf
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Craig: yep, that rig is eric's work. I've got my share of his work so far.
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Mei Fides, Mei Victus
Coffee Before Conciousness
Vampyrewolf@yahoo.com
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Mei Fides, Mei Victus
Coffee Before Conciousness
Vampyrewolf@yahoo.com
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george tichbourne
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Thanks CKE but you forgot to mention that I am about to begin offering Spyderco at our new store which is beginning take shape. I am not certain but it looks like we will be able to hold a grand opening early in February. I never imagined that there was so much work involved in converting a knife shop showroom into a proper retail operation.
Reconstruction is finished and paint is drying, the electrical work will be finished at the end of the week then the real work of laying out and decorating the shop begins.
We decided to expand from the showroom setup with just our own knives to a full retail operation with selected product lines that compliment our own line because we feel the Toronto area will support another knife shop if it offers quality and value.
george tichbourne
Reconstruction is finished and paint is drying, the electrical work will be finished at the end of the week then the real work of laying out and decorating the shop begins.
We decided to expand from the showroom setup with just our own knives to a full retail operation with selected product lines that compliment our own line because we feel the Toronto area will support another knife shop if it offers quality and value.
george tichbourne