Custom Folding knife signed "BUSFIELD, RONOKE RAPIDS, NORTH CAROLINA". and engraved on the front bottom of the case " TC George and No. 3 of 3". The knife has a polished steel blade and a curved handle. There is a gold inly around the perimeter. The front and back of one side has a pair of beautifully engraved and gold inlaid love birds with engraved branches and leaves within a gold inlaid border. The shading in the birds is outstanding in its detail. In front and behind the birds is a finely engraved decorative pattern. The reverse is identical however withing the gilded border is a patch of engraved and rose and yellow gold inlaid flowers.
Engraver: TIm and Christy George, relieved scroll with 24K gold borders, bulino scenes inlayed with yellow, green and rose gold.
About the Maker: Jack Busfield first became interested in knives as a youngster; his grandmother bought him knives as souvenirs on the many trips they took together. Jack made his first knife in 1964, a bowie knife, from a car spring while stationed at Beale AFB in California. Jack got serious about knife making in 1979 after reading an article about custom knives. He purchased some equipment and taught himself to make knives. Jack began attending knife shows in California, Phoenix and Las Vegas winning many awards for his workmanship and designs. In 1982 he joined the Knifemakers Guild. Jack has won numerous awards throughout his career. He does all his own work and design including heat-treating, profiling, lapidary work, and photography. Jack was a pioneer in the use of mineralized materials for inlays such as jade, agate, charoite, etc. In the 80s and 90s Jack's knives, along with those of Steve Hoel, were the standard for inter-frame folders and it's took years for the rest of the market to catch up to them. Jack no longer attends shows nor does he take orders.
About the Engraver: Christy George began her career as a full-time engraver in 1981 as an apprentice under a Colt Firearms master engraver (Ken Hurst). After years of study I became efficient enough to design scrollwork and scenes and started his own career in 1985. In 1990 I earned my “Master” status from The Firearms Engravers Guild of America ( FEGA ). Since then I have been privileged enough to have my engraving featured in firearms and knife books and magazines all over the world. I am proud to say that I am one of the few American engravers that still uses the time-honored method of “hammer and chisel” to achieve small wonders in steel. In this day of robotic technology and pre-packaged designs I believe that adhering to this time-honored practice adds a true "craftsman's" touch to each and every piece I deliver. No machinery, no technology - just a concept, a design, and a craftsman at his bench, delivering a "one of a kind" work of art that can be proudly passed down for generations to come.
Provenance: Collection of Peter L. Via.
This exclusive collection containing an exquisite assembly 312 both folding and fixed blade knives, showcasing the unparalleled craftsmanship of some of the world's most prestigious makers and engravers.
Peter L. Via's curated collection was created over several years is a testament to a passion for fine blades and an unwavering commitment to quality. Peter Via hired experienced professional knife experts to help him vet all of the knives he purchased over the years. Each knife within this collection stands as a testament to the skill and artistry of some of the world’s most renowned craftsmen. From the careful selection of materials to the precision in execution, these knives embody the pinnacle of excellence in the world of custom-made knives. This collection features blades adorned with intricate engravings, handles crafted with meticulous attention along with rare and precious materials, culminating in an overall aesthetic that reflects the pinnacle of knife-making art. Each knife in this collection is a masterpiece that has transcended utility to become a work of art. Peter lived on Fox Great Farm in Roanoke where he raised champion horses. He also was a major collector of minerals. He donated his 16.8-million-dollar mineral collection to James Madison University which besides having a fine geology department, they had a well-established mineral collection. (KN0014)
Blade Length: 2 5/8 inches
Frame Length: 3 1/2 inches
Blade Steel: ATS-34
Frame Steel: 416 Stainless
