Al Dippold started making knives in the mid 1970's. He specializes in upscale folders of his own mosaic Damascus. His work is sole authorship, with excellent attention to detail. He is primarily making elegant, one-of-a-kind, locking folders in Mosaic and Pattern welded Damascus. All of his folders are extensively file-worked, with smooth action. Al does not duplicate his art creations, making each piece rare, unique and highly collectible. Al calls this beautiful sole authorship art folder The Scarab. The blade is a mosaic pattern Damascus. The handle is also solid scales of Damascus. Look closely at the shape of the knife / handle, particularly when the knife is closed. The lines and markings resemble that of a beetle, or scarab, right down to the line running between the wings, and the spiracles at the tail-end of the abdomen. It also features a beautifully file-worked backspacer and blade spine, with seamless integration between the two, when the blade is open. The thumbstud is also file-worked. There's even file-work on the liner, right where the thumbstud rests when the knife is closed. Al's maker's mark is located inside the liner on the lock side. It's at an angle that could not be photographed, and only seen under lighted magnification. Also marked on the liner is the number 45 - and we are uncertain of what it means. This knife is on consignment from the collection of a world renown Mastersmith. He acquired it directly from Al, and it has been in his collection since. Being a Mastersmith himself, the knife was well cared for, and stored properly. This Mastersmith is thinning out his collection, and Windy City Knives is honored to have been appointed as his chosen purveyor. The blade is in unused condition. Under the lighted magnification (not visible to the naked eye), there is some minor, light peppering on the blade. This is also true of the handle scales. The blade locks up tight with no blade play, and sits slightly off center when closed, favoring the presentation side. The knife will come in a storage case. This is a great piece to add to your collection.
Condition: Previously owned. Excellent Condition. Never used, carried, or sharpened.
