william scagel

LizardKing

LizardKing

Joined
May 7, 2001
Messages
1,138
Tell me about william scagel, i was looking through a knife book concerning customs of 2003 and one section featured knives made in "the style of. . ." , many were "loveless style" but the vast majority were made in "Scagel Style"

Other than elegance what charictorizes william scagel's work?
 
Wow, if we only had Dr. James Lucie as a member you could get a definitive answer to your question.

I would not call Scagel knives elegant, though some people probably would. My description would be; purpose built. William Scagel is quite often called the father of modern day knife making. He is regarded as the first maker to produce knives purpose designed for different jobs. He made hunters, skinners, fighters, camp knives, folding knives and knives for food preparation. Before him, most American makers made knives of only one or two basic designs and they were usually styled after the bowies of the day.

It is said that W.D.(Bo) Randall was inspired to make knives when he saw someone using a Scagel knife to clean the bottom of a boat. So it it quite possible that if there had been no William Scagel, that Randall knives may never have come to be.
 
I have always found Scagel knives fascinating, and so do many other people apparently. From the photos I've seen, some are more elegant than others, but its pretty easy to discern the stylistic/design traits that make a Scagel look like a "Scagel." It's The way they are constructed, plus the natural forged blade forms that give them that characteristic form. It's a lot harder than you might think to make a knife that has the same look.
 
Fox Creek: You said a lot! Many have tried to copy the surface of the Scagel look, most do not understand the soul of the Scagel knife. Scagel was a whole man, he worked in many areas of the art of metals. He fully understood the knife as a tool of man. These traits are essential aspects of the foundatin of a true Master. When you get a chance, (Blade Show Dr. Lucie had Scagels afailable for inspection) hold them, study them and take particular note of the overall design and the freedom he demonstrated in his handles. There is a lot to a Scagel knife.
 
Now i am even more interested, maybe i will get one of those books about Scagel.

Anyone have any Scagel knife images? There was a Calander of Scagel Knives made in 96 anyone have scans?
 
The only time I actually have seen a rare Scagel was in a exhibition case. When I came in the room, I recognized it immediately, and I swear the hair on the back of my neck stood up. These knives have a great presence.
 
For those interested in images of authentic William Scagel knives and related discussion, chase the link below. Also, FYI, I will be in Dallas, TX this weekend (9/12-13-14) at the Spirit Of Steel show displaying ten Scagel knives; the "Scagel Set" of 6 matched knives plus 4 more including a very big one with an S-curve fully sharpened double edge that is simply mind-blowing. Come check 'em out and say hello!
Buddy Thomason
 
Mr. Thomason:
You provide a wonderful opportunity for many to visit your Scagel Knives. I saw them in Atlanta and appreciated the opportunity.
Thank You
 
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