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Tim Ridge is one of the preeminent makers of early American
style knives in the country. His knives reflect the style and artistry of
a time when a knife was an indispensable tool of the American settler or soldier.
A Swampfox knife is made using the same methods and materials the early craftsmen
used, making each knife a unique work of art. Beyond the strict utility of
early edge weapons is a grace and beauty, as these were prized possessions,
not just implements. It is this beauty and attention to detail and quality
that draws many of us to the traditions of our ancestors.
In the 28 years I have known Tim I have watched
much of the evolution of his knife making craft, though he had been making
knives for years when we met. My collection of Swampfox knives began when
Tim gave me a knife he made from the blade of an old bush ax. Over the years
he has made gifts of his beautiful work, not only to me but to my son Jason,
and to my wife Pamela (Tim's sister). I have also purchased a few "must
haves" which have caught my eye. Following is my modest collection of
Swampfox knives ranging from early and unsigned, to the later ones with the
well known running fox & TR logo. |
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My first knife from Tim. |
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The blade is made from a bush ax. It has a stag handle and copper
rivets. Tim's earliest knives were unmarked. 9 7/8" overall. |
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This small utility knife is still one of my favorites. The lines of the
blade mirror the
antler tip handle. It has very pleasing lines. Copper rivets, unmarked. 7
1/2" overall. |
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A coffin handled Bowie with walnut scales and brass bolsters. I made the sheath.
This one is stamped with the TR typical of Tim's early knives. 11"
overall. |
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Close-up of the TR stamping. |
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This dagger was a joint effort. Tim forged the blade and supplied the bone
handle. I cast the guard
in sterling silver and fabricated the pommel and band from sterling sheet
stock. 10 3/4" overall. |
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Wood
handled dagger with particularly elegant lines. It has a 5 1/2"blade and
is 9 1/2" overall. |
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Horn handled belt knife with brass bolsters. 10 1/4" overall.
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Bone handled bowie. My sheath. 11 5/16" overall. |
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Detail of guard. |
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Patch knife with Tiger Maple scales. 4 5/8" overall. |
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Utility knife. Tiger Maple scales. 6 5/16" overall. |
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Skin dubh. Antler handle with pewter bolster. There is file work on the
spine (shown below) and sheath hook, as well as the hilt. 6 3/4" overall. |
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This Bowie is my latest acquisition. I have wanted one of Tim's D-guard
Bowies for a long time, and this one is a real beauty. It
has excellent balance in both feel and design. The sheath has 11 stars and
some nice detailing with copper rivets. 17" overall. |
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A flint striker with fox logo on one side and a rattlesnake
on the other. |
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Rattlesnake blacksmith whimsy made from an old file. 8 1/2" overall. |
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More knives can be seen at the Swampfox
Web site - and these you can buy! |
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