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Question About Wolfgang Loerchner Knives

I was going to put a post out somewhere asking if any of you folks own one of the Wolfgang Loerchner knives, they are all just so stunning. Then a search (yes, I do thast) first brought me to this string. So many intriguing posts and so many stunningly beautiful knives!

But I sill have my first question: does anyone own one of the Wolfgang Loerchner knives? I want one of his folders so bad! They are way out of my price range.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on April 11, 2012 at 18:48

WOLFGANG LOERCHNER

Wolfgang Loerchner belongs to the most outstanding knifemakers in the world. His works are creations of art and he is a protagonist when it comes to art knives.

"When started making knives in 1984, I used only hand tools to craft my blades, fittings and handles. Today I still use hand tools to create the components of each knife. Although time consuming, this method of work allows me to pay close attention to the fine detailing and permits total freedom of design. The collector of my work will enjoy a truly unique handcrafted knife, finished to the best of my ability. Since I very much enjoy the design process, all my knives are of my own design, and mostly one-of-a-kind pieces incorporating the flowing lines for which my work is best known.

Although I do not specialize in any particular knife style, the majority of my work consists of large intricate daggers and back lock folding knives featuring fine inlays and file work. Smaller knives allow expression of form in a compact package, and because they are such little gems and a pleasure to work on, I make several of these each year. As I am constantly striving to refine the combination of fine materials with form and function, my work is becoming more involved, hopefully resulting in creations that will stand the test of time.

Originally from Germany, I moved to Canada in 1967. I graduated in 1975 as an Architectural Technologist from Conestoga College in Waterloo, Ontario. I currently work at the Bruce Nuclear Power Development as a Nuclear Technician. The beginnings of knifemaking were somewhat humble, actually. When I started knifemaking seventeen years ago, I didn't even know where to buy the steel for blades, so I converted some old files into knives. Ever since then, knifemaking has grown into an all-consuming passion for me. It is easily my favourite form of artistic expression.

It is my belief that the art knife offers the widest possible freedom of design, and this has become my field of expertise. The "using" knife, in contrast, imposes a great many more restrictions if it is to be truly practical. Some of my most creative and expressive designs are those where it is difficult to define where the art ends and the knife begins.

Despite this, it must still function well for its intended purpose. I frequently design knives of integral construction, which permits a smooth, uninterrupted flow from blade to handle. Since all of my work is accomplished entirely by hand filing and polishing, I am able to produce the finely-sculpted lines and intricate detail that I find so enjoyable. In many ways, the feel of the knife is as important as the appearance. It must achieve balance which essentially means that when you hold it, it feels right. To me, the best knives are sculptures in steel that one takes pleasure in holding and only reluctantly puts back down. Most of my work is "one of a kind" and I don't make pattern knives. This provides my collectors with a truly unique work of art. I have created many knives in collaboration with some of the finest artisans in engraving and scrimshaw; these works are always designed to compliment the chosen theme as well as the individual skills of the contributing artists.

It is my fervent hope that knifemaking will find its rightful place among the more mainstream forms of artistic expression, and I will always strive to contribute towards my goal to raise awareness of the art of knifemaking and along the way, originate some truly unique pieces.

Materials are the integral component of the overall design and are always chosen during the design process. My favourite blade steel is 440C, since it is available in many sizes, making it ideal for integral construction. Damascus steel for blades and handle components is forged by Brian Lyttle of Alberta, a friend and exceptional bladesmith. Because of it´s stability and beauty, mother of pearl is the perfect material for inlay work, and I use it extensively. Wood and ancient ivory can be very beautiful, but are inherently unstable. When I am working with these materials I start by obtaining the finest quality available. Future problems with the materials may be minimized by designing the handles to accommodate any movement. I will occasionally use jade or other types of stone, but since I work and fit this material with hand tools, it is time consuming and adds to the overall cost of the knife.

The large amount of handwork required to complete each knife severely limits the number of pieces I am able to complete each year. Though I make an attempt to have a few knives for sale at the shows I attend, the majority of my work consists of commissioned pieces. If you wish to place an order, please contact me by telephone or e-mail to discuss details. I will usually prepare an accurate drawing for the proposed work and provide an approximate delivery date and price. I do not accept deposits, but I do request payment prior to shipping. Since most of my knives are one-of-a-kind, it is impossible to set fixed prices. The cost will vary depending on the complexity of design, materials and size. As a general guide however, small knives fall in the $500 to $1,500 range, folders $3,000 to $5,000 and larger daggers start at $5,000."

If you would like to order a knife from Wolfgang Loerchner please send us an e-mail to info@arscultri.com or contact him directly loerchner@tcc.on.ca:

Wolfgang Loerchner P.O. Box 255 – Bayfield, ON – Canada N0M 1G0 - Phone: +1-519-565-2196

Wolfgang Loerchner is a member of the CANADIAN KNIFEMAKERS GUILD, the CORPORATIONE ITALIANA COLTELLINAI, the GERMAN KNIFEMAKER´S GUILD and THE KNIFEMAKERS´ GUILD.

Awards
• 1998 - W.W. Cronk Memorial Award - Knifemakers Guild Show, Las Vegas, Nevada • 1998 - Finest Art Knife - East Coast Custom Knife Show, New York • 1998 - Best Period Knife - Metal Werks Exhibition, Seattle, Washington • 1998 - The F.E. Anglade Award - Knifemakers Guild Show, Orlando, Florida • 1996 - Finest Art Knife - East Coast Custom Knife Show, New York • 1996 - Best Art Knife - Canadian Knifemakers Guild Show, Toronto, Ontario • 1994 - Best of Show - East Coast Custom Knife Show, New Jersey • 1994 - Art Collaboration Award - East Coast Custom Knife Show, New Jersey • 1993 - Best Of Show - East Coast Custom Knife Show, New Jersey • 1993 - Judges Award - Wolverine Knife Club Show, Detroit, Michigan • 1992 - The Wooden Sword Award For Innovative Design Knives • 1992 - W.W. Cronk Memorial Award - Knifemakers Guild Show, Orlando Florida • 1991 - Art Collaboration Award - Knifemakers Guild Show, Orlando Florida, 1991 • 1991 - Beretta USA Award - Knifemakers Guild Show, Orlando, Florida, 1991 • 1991 - Art Collaboration Award - East Coast Custom Knife Show, New Jersey, 1991 • 1990 - W.W. Cronk Memorial Award - Knifemakers Guild Show, Orlando, Florida • 1990 - Art Collaboration Award - West Coast Custom Knife Show, San Francisco, California • 1990 - Best of Show - East Coast Custom Knife Show, New Jersey • 1990 - Best High Art Knife - West Coast Custom Knife Show, San Francisco, California • 1989 - Art Collaboration Award - Knifemakers Guild Show, Orlando, Florida

http://www.arscultri.com/en/messermacher.php?messermacher=14

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on April 11, 2012 at 18:50

Lee,

Thanks for asking about these knives, they are extraordinary. Also thanks for the complements

Permalink Reply by Lee Saunders on April 11, 2012 at 20:56

Thank you for posting this Jan.

There are a number of knifemakers and bladesmiths that I consider artists and view their knives and blades as works of art.

Loerchner is at the top of that very small list.

I would be honored to have one of his knives join a cherised spot in my collection. Other knives I would be happy to have, but these....I would be honored.

Maybe I have to think small and save money for a "small" Loerchner.

Amazing. Just amazing.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on April 12, 2012 at 18:58

My pleasure Lee, will see if I can find some more on him

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on April 13, 2012 at 20:08

Lee,

I had seen his ornate items but never he EDC kinda stuff. Check out this Bowie