[2021 AKI (Art Knife Invitational) Highlight: The Third Masterpiece]

Included in topics: #AKI #Art #Knives #Collectibles #Engraving

The Story Behind a Collector’s Dream Knife

Thirty years ago, a doctor and knife enthusiast designed a straight blade based on his professional experience and sent the design to his favorite knife maker. Years later, he owned a knife bearing his name — the ultimate achievement for any enthusiast.

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Before we dive into this masterpiece, let’s meet the craftsman who brought this design to life — Edmond Davidson. With 35 years of experience as a knife artist, Edmond is a relentless pursuer of the ultimate straight blade. In the Western knife-making world, Edmond is already a renowned figure, having been among the top-tier American knife makers for over a decade. As President of the American Knifemakers Guild and an AKI member, Edmond has crafted over 3,000 pieces in his career, counting sultans and racing legends among his clients. His works captivate a wide range of knife enthusiasts worldwide.

Edmond’s custom knife for NASCAR legend Richard Petty

A Life’s Work in the Pursuit of the Perfect Blade

Since the 1980s, Edmond has focused on the “ultimate form of the straight knife,” believing that, regardless of design, performance is key. For Edmond, the ultimate straight blade requires unmatched strength and ergonomic perfection, best achieved through integral steel construction. He sees integral steel knives not only as highly functional but as sculptural art pieces.

The Signature All-Steel Craftsmanship

Edmond has spent his career mastering all-steel straight blade construction, jokingly calling himself an “integral steel perfectionist.” All his works, aside from the very earliest, are crafted from integral steel, earning him recognition and even patents for some designs. His workshop is filled with templates showcasing his dedication to all-steel blades.

The knife we discuss today, “Von Kars Death Cross Double-Edged,” is a standout from his portfolio and AKI 2021. Initially designed by a doctor named Frederick Von Kars in 1991, this piece includes the unique cross-shaped tang that maximizes strength — an innovation that received acclaim and was replicated by other makers. Edmond first crafted this design in 1995, naming it after Frederick.

Details and Craftsmanship

The "Death Cross" measures 31.5 cm in length and weighs 531 grams. Edmond’s all-steel approach uses traditional machinery and hand-finishing techniques — no CNC involved. Integrating weight-reducing features while maintaining strength was a challenge, leading to strategic thickness variations throughout the piece. The blade has a hollow grind and a satin finish, embodying masculine aesthetics.

Edmond explained, “Crafting from integral steel is about continuous subtraction, turning a heavy steel plate into a balanced masterpiece that feels natural in hand.” The handle features premium desert ironwood fixed with hidden pins, preserving the knife’s elegant look.

Artistic Embellishments

The knife is nearly fully adorned with bold, leaf-pattern engravings by Jerry Davidson, a veteran engraver with 40 years of experience. Jerry's traditional hammer engraving method adds a classic, rugged feel, perfectly complementing Edmond’s work.

A Collector’s Piece With a Story

The "Death Cross" comes with a leather sheath by renowned sheath maker Paul Long. Edmond values collaboration with specialists, noting, “Paul’s sheaths set a benchmark here in the U.S. — better than anything I could make myself.” This attention to detail, including outsourcing heat treatment to experts like Peters (after Paul Bos’s retirement), ensures unparalleled quality.

A design by an enthusiast, perfected by experts, now stands as a testament to artistry and innovation. Hope you enjoy this story of dedication and craftsmanship.