Handmade custom knife - Knife Legends - Featured Artists, Ryuichi Kawamura, John Young

Featured Artists

Occasionally we come across less well-known artists who we feel are deserving of more attention and interest from collectors. In the case of the two gentlemen listed on this page, John Young and Ryuichi Kawamura, it's safe to say that at twice the price their work would still be fairly priced. And at current prices their work represents an incredible value. If you enjoy flawless Multi-blade Slip-joints or ultra clean Classic Hunting Knives don't wait to long because these prices will be
going up!

Ryuichi Kawamura: I was born in 1964 in Nagasaki Japan. I was graduated from the University of Tokyo in 1987 as a computer technology major. My first experience with custom knives was at a Gun Shop in Miami, and although I cannot remember who made the knife I do remember that it was beautiful!

In 1994 I entered the Sanada Knife Making School of Tokyo, where I studied for 8 years under Mr. Sanada who is my knife master. In 2002 I transitioned from being a computer graphic arts designer to work as a

full time Knife Maker. My work has been influenced by Joseph Rodgers and IXL in Sheffield England, as well as Jess Horn, Ron Lake and Tony Bose in America. Since I specialize in classic slip-joint multi-blade folder patterns Tony Bose is one of my greatest knife making idols.

Comments on Ryuichi Kawamura from Tony Bose:

I find Ryuichi to be an outstanding maker. His fit and finish are excellent, but just as important, they work very well. I would have no trouble recommending his knives to anyone. He is also a very humble man, which goes a long way with me.

Best Regards Tony Bose

Click here to view Ryuichi's knives

John Young: I have been interested in knives since I was very young, and I spent much time as a kid making them from old files that I warmed up to soften them a bit. After making a few knives the hard way I began to acquire some tools to make the process easier and faster. Although Bob Loveless, Harvey Draper and many of the great Utah Knife Makers impacted the way I think about knives, my biggest influence by far has been Steve Johnson.

I met SRJ through a nephew who told me I should

meet his uncle. Now at that time I had no idea who Steve Johnson was, but after reading about him in several magazine articles I knew I had to meet him. And after that first tour of his shop I was hooked! Looking back I realize that I had the best knife making instructor possible, and seeing his knives and the quality of his work has helped me move a long way towards meeting my knife making goals.

In 1997 I began making knives seriously, focusing mostly on small hunters. Since then I've expanded to include double-edge and sub-hilt knives as well. I generally use ATS-34 steel and prefer natural handle materials such as stag, ivory, mother of pearl and sheep horn. I also enjoy using exotic woods and Micarta for its toughness on using knives. In addition to creating functional knives I strive for perfect fit and finish on every knife I make.

Comments from Steve Johnson on John Young:

A native of Central Utah, John Young is a soft-spoken man who speaks loud and clear when it comes to his workmanship and the desire to make an outstanding knife. He is constantly pushing himself to produce better; cleaner and often more complicated knives. He is a family man with tremendous integrity, and a steady focus on the goal of making a better knife and giving the buyer more than his moneys worth. I am proud to call him a friend. S. R. Johnson

Click here to view John's knives

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