John Beth Custom Knives
My fishing buddy, guitar playing, music composing, general all-around good guy, John Beth is also a very fine custom knife maker. He regularly sends out his “Knife News” email letter to any who want it. Unfortunately John does not have a web site, but anyone who want to receive his news letter can contact him at johnbeth@rucls.net.
If you love fine knives and hand work, you owe it to yourself to have a look at John’s offerings. Here are a couple from his latest newsletter.
John really does build every knife from a block of steel upward. He does not buy blades, he buys blanks and grinds every blade himself. He finishes and polishes them himself, too. Mine is thing of real beauty. And Oh, by the way, John hand makes every knife sheath, too.
The Zebra Drop Point !! This beauty is 7" overall with a 3 1/4" blade. Only piece of ZEBRA damascus I've had - hand forged damascus from Idaho Fall. This is very expensive and time consuming to forge as the pattern is so delicate. The handle is fossilized coral (with a few tinges of amber..) then white onyx (with gold veining..) and blonde box elder burl. Black blade/tang liner and spacers and fancy mosaic pins. I acid etched and carefully polished this steel numerous times. This is a very unique piece... one can stare at.. and into this knife forever ! Beautiful cowhide sheath too ! Want the best ?? Yours for $450.00
"SCAGEL" Tribute... This is a twelve inch " Scagel" style knife is made with the finest tiger stripe Damascus I've ever had.. A real handful and one of the finest "showpiece" knives I've made. Antler crown and stacked leather washer design as were the Scagel originals. Nickle silver guard and custom, heavy leather fitted sheath. A very impressive larger knife with spectacular Damascus. Original Scagels can fetch 5 figure selling prices.. This one (from my personal collection..) you can afford !! - $575 - SALE > > $475.00 Bill Scagel (1875-1963) is often considered the father of the modern custom knife - inspiring the likes of Bo Randall and others - Still copied my many top knife makers for over 100 years. Google him for fun sometime and learn a little more custom knife history !! ( Just a sample >> http://www.cartercrafts.com/scagel.htm )