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I am a big fan of Jess Horn knives. Given his knife making fame, I always wondered why it was hard to find much personal information about Jess, and almost impossible to locate a photograph. I recently had a nice long conversation with someone who knew him well. He sent me a photo of Jess, the only one I have ever seen. It turns out Jess was quiet and avoided attention.
He might not have been outgoing, but Jess made a hell of a knife. They speak for themselves! My favorite patterns are the ones designed by Bob Loveless and Jess Horn. This sambar stag “Small Horn Pattern” is an example of one of those. Loveless wanted to sell Horn folders thorough his shop to his customers looking for folders in addition to his fixed blades. The two legends collaborated on several patterns. It is easy to see the Loveless inspiration in several of the patterns Jess made. The opposite is also true, Jess obviously influenced some of the Loveless patterns such as the Stiff Horn which was apparently named after Jess.
My friend also told me that Jess made almost all locking knives and did not make many slip joints. I was happy to find this rare Horn slip joint in used condition, because I plan to carry it often and use it a lot! The knife is an early one, made in the 1970’s, and the stag has aged nicely over the decades.
Have a Blessed Sunday everyone!
Thank you
@Mitch Will , it took a while but finally made it to Louisiana!