I was pointed at this man Owen Bush recently, “oh he lives near to you” they said “and seems to know his stuff”
This would prove to be a fair understatement.
Owen at work
I went along to see him on this (Bryan’s) recommendation,
with a very clear idea of what I wanted…a messer just like this
The very clear image, Hans Heim’s messer
and Owen, after having listened patiently and showing me round his workshop introduced me to this…
The serpent in the steel seax
A most amazing knife, with great heft and amazing workmanship (Owen at this point was also telling me why another damascus piece , which looked perfect to my eyes, was flawed from a modern smiths perspective).
So with my purpose and vision still clear and focused(and drooling slightly)
I changed my mind immediately.
I’d also planned to have it in plain steel.
I changed my mind immediately.
You see there is a big problem with going to see Mr Bush’s work in the flesh, the problem is, if you hold them, you can feel the intention and effort he puts into the balance and heft, if you look at them you can see the swirls and twists, if you are holding it too close you’ll get lost in the eddies and spirit lines of the steel.
The problem is this man is too skilled, for a simple blade in simple steel.
So, a new project was formed…
Based on a farmers knife mixed with a messer, this is the first pic he sent.
It’s still being made, but every now and then he sends through another picture, with his permission I’ll put more as they come in, but for now one more just to tease you…
I’m hoping that when it’s done that Owen will talk about the full process here the F.M site.
The long and short of this though is, Owen is extremely well known and respected in blade making circles, yet not well enough known outside of them. If you haven’t heard of him before, go and look at his work now, and be proud we have such a talent in this country.
It’s worth mentioning too that he has many leading smiths come over to lecture and share knowledge, he also offers sword making courses, which as these happy bunnies can attest to, is very hard work, but incredibly rewarding
Owen and the bunnies of happiness(aka the knight shop team).
