Blackton Fixed Blade Knife Rams Head Heinrich Scrimshaw

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25 YEAR OLD FIXED BLADE KNIFE WITH SCRIMSHAW ART DROP POINT DESIGN - “RAMS HEAD” BEAUTY ANDREW “ANDY” E. BLACKTON MADE IN 1983 ACQUIRED IN 1983 The piece of knife art listed here is from my own personal collection. I purchased this knife from the maker “Andy” Blackton at a knife show. I was a regular visitor to such exhibits and as such made regular contact with many knife makers, one of which was Andy. This was 25 or so years ago. We struck up an acquaintance which I enjoyed very much. I wanted to learn about the knife making craft and Andy, a true gentleman and a voting member of the Knife Makers Guild with a wealth of knowledge, was always willing to talk. It was a great experience for me. I learned a lot and added some beautiful knives to my collection. The photographs present the detail you need to see in order to appreciate the artistic talent of Andy Blackton. The “Rams Head” (I coined the name) total length 7 inches, blade length 3-1/2 inches point to hilt - desirable drop point design. The ram’s head scrimshaw onto the left side scale is by the artist R. Heinrich, circa 1983. Andy’s logo is located on the left blade side. It is in a curvilinear line over the words “ Mt. Clemens , Mich ”. “380” is the design number I am told. The logo and city of origin are affixed using an electrostatic device. The handle scales come from sheeps head horn (not necessarily from the species depicted in the scrimshaw on the knife). The hilt is solid cast nickel silver. The full length of the tang is tapered along the top half. This adds considerable strength to the knife handle. You can see the artisan’s exquisite file work along the top edge of the tang. Note that the photographs attempt to show the tapered tang and the excellent file work from the bottom of the knife handle around the pommel to the top of the knife handle. This file work is extremely difficult. It’s not only beautiful to look at, but was intended to maintain the physical strength of the knife, while adding slim grace to the pommel. The brown leather sheath is hand made, saddle stitched with an acorn embossed in the center of a 4-leaf clover on the side of the sheath facing out. It is signed on the back “hand made by Blackton”. It’s the original sheath which came with the knife and is done in a traditional format. It has been my pleasure to provide for you the design criteria for this beautiful piece of knife art by Andy Blackton. I think it’s obvious to everyone that I greatly respect the man’s talent. You can count on the fact that I have never carried this knife, never sharpened it and never used it in any way. It has been a part of my collection continuously for more than 25 years. To the extent possible I always research the background and history of the maker and the piece being offered for auction. In the process I found that Andy had passed to his reward in 2004. Back then, I spoke with Andy’s widow who no longer lives in Michigan where I knew Andy. It’s always a shock to me when we lose one of these artisans. “Bo” Randall, chuck Stewart, Andy Blackton, Al Mar, and more. They were national treasures who we will miss. Take note in my photographs, the maker electrostatically applied is perfect. No wiggle. Andy had an issue with the electrostatic process which is impossible to correct once affixed to the blade. Obviously there will be no more new Andy Blackton art pieces. Whoever has the good fortune to win this auction will have a treasure. read more

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