John Horrigan M.S. Damascus Automatic Folding Knife, Lapis Stone, 24k Gold Inlays

John Horrigan built his first knife in 1982.  Today he is a Master Smith and member of the American Bladesmith Society.  He makes both forged and Damascus knives, as well as tomahawks.  He was a former saw gunner with Alpha Company 3rd 75th Ranger Battalion.  He has been in law enforcement for the past 15 years and is also a firefighter with the Austin Fire Department.  John is one of the most talented knifemakers I have ever met - a real gentleman, and a personal friend.  Please visit John's website, Elite Knives, to read and see more about his work.  His site is dedicated to his twin brother, Msg. Robert Horrigan who lost his life at the young age of 40 years in service to our country on June 17, 2005.  Msg. Horrigan was killed with Msg. Michael McNulty, age 36, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom while conducting combat operations in Al Qaim, Iraq.

This is a stunning automatic folding knife, new from John at the 2024 Blade Show.  Windy City Knives is honored to be able to offer this outstanding piece.  It truly demonstrates John's talent and ability and epitomizes his skills at sole authorship, engraving / inlays and working in fine detail.  This is a work of art that will stand out in any discerning knife enthusiast's collection.  The dagger ground blade is Feather Pattern Damascus and the frame is 416 stainless steel.  The blade is not sharp on the top edge.  The inlaid stones are Lapis.  Lapis is a deep-blue metamorphic rock with gold flecks, used as a semi-precious stone, that has been prized since antiquity for its intense color.  The leaf and vine engravings were all done by John.  And he has inlayed over 1 1/2 ounces of 24k gold in the engraving, including five (5) gold dots on either side of the blade, as well as gold leaves on the butt end of the handle frame.  One of the leaves has been "relieved", so that you can feel the spot where to depress the button.  This is clearly seen in the third photo.

The blade opens quickly and strong, locks up tight and sits centered in the frame when closed.  To close the blade, there is lock-back mechanism on the top of the handle.  John has stamped "Horrigan MS" inside the frame.  This knife is new from John and in perfect condition.  If you don't have a John Horrigan knife in your collection, you should.

Condition: New from the Maker

• Overall length:  9 1/8"
• Blade length:    3 3/4"
• Closed length:  5 3/8"

Photo credit: Mitchell D Cohen Photography