May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
By 1973, when he reinvented Damascus steel, W.F. "Bill" Moran Jr. had already been handcrafting knives for 25 years. His ability to craft high end custom knives earned him a reputation as one of the most well known modern bladesmiths of his time. He is rightfully known as "The Father of Modern Damascus" and would go on to found the American Bladesmith Society. Bill was inducted into the Blade Magazine Hall of Fame in 1986 and the ABS Bladesmithing Hall of Fame in 1996. This is a very nice example one of Bill's ST-23 knives, one of his most sought after models. The knife features a mirror polished carbon steel blade with dramatic clip point marked "W.F. MORAN" on the obverse ricasso. Blade exhibits scattered light blemishes. Pronounced brass crossguard with upturned and pointed edges which match the pommel that features the same elements. Guard and pommel exhibit a pleasing patina with scattered marks. Hidden tang construction with curly maple grip and inlaid silver wire. Complete with brown leather scabbard. The scabbard exhibits scattered blemishes and scuffs but remains supple. CONDITION: Very good.
Item Dimensions: L: 15"