A custom that needs help

A

Alaska Andy

Joined
Nov 18, 2006
Messages
8
I bought this custom last summer from a fellow who purchased a boat and later found the knife in the bottom somewhere. Obviously, it needs help, but the price was right, and I couldn't resist.

The maker is IRBI out of Seward, Alaska. The man who made this particular knife is Irvin Campbell, who passed away in March of 2006. I found a web photo album that features him at his trade HERE.

Even though the knife is in rough shape, I'm pretty pleased to own it. I'm in the process of getting in touch with one of his son's who has taken over the IRBI shop. Hopefully, I'll be able to get this piece of Alaskan knife history reconditioned back to it's original beauty. By the way, IRBI stands for "I'd Rather Be Independent".

IRBI_IrvinCampbell.jpg


If anyone has any suggestions, I'd be happy to hear them. I'm definitely a novice when it comes to knives, and looking to learn a great deal on this site. Thanks!

- Andy
 
You could leave it as is, and use it-or have a maker refinish it, and put it away. To refinish, and then use it seems counterproductive.
Bill
 
What part of Alaska are you in? Fairbanks has Bob Hook and Mark Knapp. And I know there are a few others across the state.

I'm sure going to his son's shop will give youo some good direction.
 
WOW! I just got an amazing email from the IRBI knife shop. And I quote:

Looks like an easy fix, there is never a charge for repair of an IRBI as we guarantee them for the life of the maker. I still honor Dad's guarantee so all is well. Just shoot it down to me and we will take care of it.
Click to expand...

I can't say I expected such service! I'd point you all to a web presence if IRBI had one, but alas, they don't that I am aware of. But I find this to be way more than I expected - what a great email to start my day off with. Didn't think such service & attitude still existed these days!
clap.gif
clapping.gif
clap.gif
 
Andy, have you considered trying to find the original owner of the knife? The Campbell/IRBI people might be able to help. Could be a lot of history and sentiment to that knife for somebody .... if it were me I'd make at least some kind of effort to find out. Making it possible for someone to reclaim a lost or possibly even stolen custom knife just seems the right thing to do IMO.
 
Hey DoW,

The fellow whom I purchased it from stated that the previous owner of the boat had moved out-of-state long ago and he hadn't been able to contact him. But checking with IRBI is a good idea. I'll ask if they have any way of knowing who the original owner of the knife is.
 
That's great to hear, Andy, and nice to know the guy you bought it from made a good faith effort, too. This is one aspect of the blade hobby I think many really enjoy, a level of respect that's sometimes lost in the modern world.

Hope you keep us posted what happens, sounds like there's a good outcome here either way.
 
My grandfather made the knife. It might be an early example of his work by looking at the shape of the blade.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top