Virgil Cambell Oosik Handle Damascus

[Chromebuck]

An Oosik is the male reproductive organ of a walrus.  They are quite collectable in these parts.  I'm not expecting anyone on here to know this Alaskan maker, but was wondering what the opinions of this damascus blade are.  Certainly not as beautiful as some of the makers here, but I'm considering putting this knife into my collection.

I'm certain this maker is not a TG member so please give your honest opinions.  Forged in 1996.

Keith
       
       
     

[Lin Rhea]

From what I can see, I don't know the maker. Some knives are worth more by virtue of the name of the maker if it is an early work. That aside, it looks like a nice little knife design. It could be made from cable that has been welded. About the dark lines on the blade: I hope they are not bad welds. If they are not but just patina due to the topography of the layers, you probably have a good knife. If they are bad welds, I would not pay much for it unless I really liked the maker and may have some other factors leading me that way.

Does the knife have a reputation for holding a good edge? If so, it would make a great using knife.

[Chromebuck]

Lin- Thanks for responding.  The seller is asking $300 and I'm not familiar with the maker.  It almost appears to be painted and the paint looks to be chipping off.  Ascertaining a good weld from a bad weld is definitely not one of my current skill sets.  Think I'll pass...

[j.j.johnston]

I agree on passing.  Mr. Campbell had a shop near Seward for years.  His fit and finish leave room for improvement.  I bought a big bowie from him in the late 70s and kept it but a short time.  It did not hold an edge well and the handle loosened up shortly after I bought it.  

He was a nice guy and enjoyable to talk to, but his work was rustic at best.

[Bobby Urban]

I see cable too - not that it is a bad thing - just not nearly as technical as a pattern welded blade IMO.  I like to use cable for the outside layers of a san mai allowing for the unique look of a cable patterned blade w/o the issues of unknown steel(all my cable comes from crane cable drops or junk chokers so origin and steel type is uncertain)  I have made a few pure cable blades that finished out nicely and held a great edge but it is somewhat of a crap shoot.  
Looks to have a nice fit and finish where the handle meets the blade.

[Chromebuck]

Thanks guys!  John, so Mr. Campbell is the I.R.B.I. shop in Crown Point that has the knife sign covered in CDs?

[j.j.johnston]

He was.  I think the shop was sold in the early eighties.  I remember stopping in and a younger guy was there.  I think the original owner passed..  He used to have an eagle caged next to the shop.  He was involved in the raptor rescue program.  It was fun to stop in and visit with him on the way to Seward.