This incredible folder represents the zenith of custom knifemaking today. It is an heirloom quality collector’s piece down to the minutest detail. The hand forged leaf pattern Damascus blade represents a level of craftsmanship that defies logic. The red hot metal was manipulated and hand forged in a fashion to create a perfect aspen leaf pattern in the steel. Every detail is flawless. The components include wooly mammoth ivory handle, leaf pattern Damascus bolster, single Damascus leaf thumbstud for one handed opening, hand shaped leaf pattern screw heads, textured liner lock and Damascus and stainless steel frame. Rarely will you see an art piece that represents this level of master craftsmanship, design aesthetic and number of hours of work at this price.
Jon Christianson has truly earned his ranking as an American Bladesmith Society Mastersmith.
Knifemaker: Jon Christensen
Blade Length: 3inches, Overall length 7 inches, Closed length 4 inches
Blade Composition: 1084 and 15n20 Leaf pattern hand forged Damascus steel.
Handle Material: Wooly mammoth ivory
Bolster: 1084 and 15n20 Leaf pattern hand forged Damascus steel.
Screws: Hand shaped leaf pattern stainless steel screws.
Frame: Random pattern Damascus and stainless steel frame.
Thumbstud: 1084 and 15n20 Leaf pattern hand forged Damascus steel.
Jon Christensen
I've always been interested in creating things with my hands. As I look back on the path I have taken it seems designing and creating have always been a part of my life. I remember, while in college, watching a program about blacksmithing and saying to my wife, "I'm going to try that someday." Little did I know it would become part of my career as a knifemaker.
After changing my college major from Architectural Design to Mechanical Design, I finally settled into the Horticulture Department in Landscape Design receiving my Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University.
I worked in the horticulture field while living in the Willamette Valley of Oregon until 1999, when we moved back to Montana to be closer to family.
After moving back home to Montana, I knew I wanted a career change, which included working for myself. My brother introduced me to a knifemaker, and I thought I'd give it a try. So in August of 1999, I picked up the Barney and Loveless book on how to make knives and tried to figure out what a ricasso was. I loved it and started making stock removal knives. A short time later, Ed Caffrey introduced me to the forged blade. I was hooked!
Being able to make knives fulltime, I focused on perfecting my art, becoming a Journeyman Smith in 2003 and a Master Smith in 2006.
I am most proud of winning both the George Peck and B.R. Hughes awards. These awards are given by the American Bladesmith Society to the best knife submitted by an applicant for Journeyman Smith and MasterSmith, respectively.
I see my work as creating functional art, heirloom quality cutlery that will be in your family for generations to come.
I prefer to work with natural materials and use traditional finishes. I make my own Damascus steel and am always trying to create something new that will inspire.