I made my first knife from a worn out file in 1981 while working as a machinist. I remember looking at that knife after I finished it and saying to myself "This is what I have to do for a living! I wonder if anyone else does it?" My interest in knives and edged weaponry goes way back. I remember as a little boy putting on my Dad's blue plaid bath robe, slipping on the shield I had made from cardboard with my family coat of arms painted on it, and fighting black hearted knights and dragons with my Dad's silver plated, ivory handled Masonic sword. As you can see in the picture, I still have that old sword. I guess you could say I have had a dream job since 1989, when I went full time.
I make both folding and fixed blade knives. I sculpt many of my knives in an organic style. Damascus steel is my principle blade material, although I do use some stainless steels. I prefer natural handle materials, such as the ivories, woods, and some stones. While I consider myself an artist and prefer making art knives, I do make a few upscale hunters and other using knives.
Knives have been a passion for me for a long time now. After more than 40 years it hasn't dimmed.
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WARLORD This fighter was commissioned by the collector as a rugged adventurer's dagger. The 11" blade is Nick Smolen's custom forged zipper pattern damascus. The handle is leopard jasper. The guard was cast in bronze, then hand-detailed with a tree bark texture. The fittings include a cast bronze pommel meticulously hand-sculpted with textured leaves and sterling silver spacers with carved leaves. Photo: S Broadwell Similar Piece $2300 |
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SCULPTED FIGHTER Sculpted ribbons stream down the length of this fighter with Zowada's twist pattern damascus. Bronze guard and finial are stippled and patinated. The handle reveals the heavier colors common to the "bark surface" of fossil walrus ivory. Photo: S Broadwell Similar Piece $2600 |
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CONTEMPORARY WHARNCLIFF FOLDER Broadwell's curvy version of the popular wharncliff blade. All damascus knife with french curve sculpting on the handle that works with the raindrop pattern, reminiscent of paisley. Upswept tail, light texturing, a hand shaped thumb ramp and a gold pivot finish the knife. Photo: S Broadwell AVAILABLE $1600 |
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THE SPRINGBOK
As a dressy carry
knife, the Springbok
bridges the gap
between custom
semi-tac folders and
upscale, sculpted art
folders. This limited
edition folder is
offered with wood,
pearl, and ivory
options. ATS-34 or
damascus blade,
anodized titanium or
mokume bolsters,
titanium liners.
Available from the
maker, or exclusively
through Arizona
Custom Knives Price Range $600-950 |
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E-mail:
david@broadwell.com
Web:
http://www.david.broadwell.com