Aubrey G. Barnes was a friend, neighbor, and student of Bill Moran for 45 years, and he provided the inspiration for A.G. to become a knifemaker. He worked for AT&T Communications for 31 years. He began making knives part-time about 1982 as a hobby and continued until he retired from AT&T in 1991. Along the way he was able to attend the first class at the ABS School of Bladesmithing in 1988 that was taught by Bill Moran and Jerry Fisk. In 1992 he became a full time knifemaker. His work consists of fixed blades, hunters, camp knives, bowies, and fighters, all with the Moran influence. He has been a regular at the Blade Show in Atlanta since 1993, and will continue until "my anvil rings for the last time". His work has been published in Knife World, Blade Magazine, Knives Illustrated, Knives Annual, the cover of Knives ’97, The Wonder of the Blade, Art of the Knife, and magazines in France and Brazil.
This upswept hunter is testament to A.G.'s outstanding skills, attention to detail, and his Moran influence. It is about 10 years old, and in excellent, near mint, unused condition. The blade was forged from 1084 steel, and has a highly polished hand finish. The blade has a "Moran Edge", or what Bill Moran referred to as an apppleseed shape / grind. This is a slightly convex profile, extending to the back of the blade, with the radius of curvature gradually decreasing toward the edge. This seemingly gives the best possible edge for general use. The slightly wider angle at the edge gives the effect of a secondary bevel. The smooth transition to the nearly parallel sides of the blade causes minimal resistance moving through the medium being cut. The edge can be made very keen, but is still durable. A clear differential heat treatment line travels along the blade, showing the transition between the soft, supportive spine and the keen, hard edge. The ricasso is stamped "BY A.G. BARNES KEMPS MILL MD" on one side, and "M.S." on the opposite side of the ricasso. The handle is made from a solid piece of presentation grade curly maple. The single finger guard, and butt cap and nut, are made from brass. They are a little dull from age - nothing that a bit of polish wouldn't shine up nicely. The knife is on consignment from the collection of a prominent member of the American Bladesmith Society (ABS). He acquired this piece directly from A.G., and it has been in his collection since. He clearly knows how to care for, and properly store a knife. He is "thinning" out his collection, and Windy City Knives is honored to be his chosen dealer.
The knife comes with the original heavy leather belt sheath with keeper strap, also made by A.G. Barnes. A.G.'s knives are difficult to find and / or acquire in the secondary market. This hunter is a beautiful example of his work, and would be as comfortable (and functional) in the field, as it would be in any collection.
Condition: Previously owned. Excellent Condition
Never used, carried, or sharpened
- Overall length: 10 1/2"
- Blade length: 5 3/4"
- Handle length: 4 3/4"