Custom Swellcenter Part II
Got an update from our friend and custom old knife maker, Mr. Jeff Claiborne recently providing us with additional behind the scenes of the knife getting real close to being finished.
He’s what he had to say about the later stage the knife is in:
“Scott, here is the next set of pictures- showing liners milled, stag cut and ground, blades handrubbed, and first fitting. Hope you enjoy behind the scene look at birth of the swellcenter. Thanks Jeff”
Here you go-
Don’t you love those Gen. Stag handles? I do.
Thanks Jeff for letting us see this beauty as she is being crafted.
August 10th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Hi Scott, When i first observed the jumbo sweelcenter i thought what a great piece of cutlery,then i thought the people that was there at the time this piece was being created had no way of knowing how much excitement this knife would have within the world of cutlery some 100 years later,however for the knife people who really love elephant-toes and what they ment to working people 100 years ago, this jumbo swellcenter that is being created by Mr. Scott Claiborne will prove tobe not just a great looking jumbo swellcenter but a knife that the person who first envision this working tool would be extremely proud of.looking forward to the next pitures. thanks Scott for posting this exciting stuff. Vernon
September 8th, 2008 at 2:26 am
Hi Scott, I dont know a Scott Claiborne, do you? I do know a Jeff Claiborne.I was really sleep deprived when i wrote that reply on 8/10/08.Have you talked with Jeff lately? i think he is close to completing the first jumbo swellcenter in about 100 years or so.Scott can you tell the difference between a platts swellcenter and a W.R.Case swellcenter without looking at the stamp on the blade? Looking at the swellcenter that Jeff is working on would you say that this was a Platt or a W.R.Case swellcenter being created by Jeff? Vernon
September 8th, 2008 at 7:04 am
Vernon-we also understand the typing errors…no prob. Most post I can go back and edit but haven’t figured out how to do it on comments.
Anyway..I’m expecting him to shoot a shot or two when it is finished.
Distinguishing between a WR and a Platts, as side from the stamp? Short answer is, “No.”
There as fine differences over the short period Jumbos were made but I haven’t studied them yet.
Scott
September 10th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Scott - if I had to make a living typing, I would have to consider going back to Alabama to try my hand at picking cotton again or NOT - being that was the only reason I left Alabama in the first place. I gave it my best ‘though. That’s been one of my biggest disappointments in life ☺ - enough about me and my failures in life. That was a great looking Platts jumbo swellcenter that sold for $5,795 a few days ago. Your prediction of jumbos in that condition going for $10,000 or more in a few years is something you can take to the bank!! I totally agree. If you should come across another jumbo in this condition that you or someone you know is not trying to purchase, please let me know. I am always looking. I am working on making the Parker’s Knife Show in November. Vernon