Raymond Thorp Rehandle-Birthday Project

Several months ago I had an idea to create something special for my upcoming 60th Birthday. I had already acquired a new Randall Thorp and a really unique FWI artifact tip. About the same time there was a brass back bowie thread discussion including a few back club articles about Bo's first bowies. You can read more here but this is what sparked the idea:
http://www.randallmadeknife.com/2010-september/

So I called Grant and said "I have an idea for an 'inner-hilt' re-handle on a Randall Thorp". "Send it" was the reply.
So we got Mudbone involved too; told him I wanted the knife rendered on the sheath.
So here it is folks, an absolute stunner. The guys at BMK went above and beyond. Everything about this knife is flawless. They just keep moving it up a notch.
I couldn't be more pleased to open that package and see the results.
As for the sheath. Mud used British tanned hides which are free from barbed wire damage. He calls it the most perfect leather you can use all from his stash. Oh and check out the Eagle reverse side, not to forget his wife Theresa who made the beaded flag slide.
To everyone at Behring Made and Mudbone, THANK YOU guys for making my 60th a happy one.

A few more that Grant sent:

.

My gosh, how does this one get topped? Probably never. I have run out of expletives.

Pap

Warren!!!
Enough is enough!!!
Jesus!!!
Good God man!!
:-)Rocky

Translation:Rocky approves

Warren, and the Behring Gang--

That is a bee-ooo-tiful package.

I don't think you'll want to be clearing any brush with it!

By the way, did the James Gang also add the brass back? It looks like a meticulous job.

Larry

Yes Larry the brass back was done at BMK and it's flawless.

Well Warren at your age it won't be long before your doctor will tell you that that big knife is throwing your back out and you need to sell it!!!!
Just remember that when that happens I'm here for you!
Great job on this one!!!
I for see Mudbone going to work for his lady as she is doing some cool work .....making him look good Ha!!!

Happy Birthday Warren
Know that feeling
Sharpi

Very cool Warren. One of a kind, for sure.

Thanks guys for all the kind comments. We are all very lucky here to have access to some very talented craftsmen and artists.

So Chief I hear ya. Mud is doing great work and his wife Theresa needs some credit for her hand in some of these projects.

Wow Warren...

Happy birthday! Congrats on designing a gorgeous Thorp Bowie with a sheath to match. That is one stunning blade. Love the brass back. RMK + BMK + Mud = best of all possible worlds!

Like I said, the James Gang is gonna need a bigger shop. I've been there, so I know.

Pap

Simply outstanding! The subject to detail within the the knife, re-handle, and sheath is amazing. Enjoy it!

Jay

Thanks guys for the reply, glad you like it.

Now Pap that wouldn't be such a a bad thing

Warren,

Awesome Thorpe!!! Everything about it is perfect.

Tom Flynn

Thanks Tom. This one turned to be a centerpiece.

Damn Warren, that's nice.
Cool package, all the way

Oh my my that is true art all the way around. So very nice!

Warren,

What was the original handle material on the Thorpe?

Tom Flynn

Tom,

Leather stacked with aluminum butt cap

Warren,

Well done! Looks great.

Tom Flynn

Thanks buddy!

Steven and Mike,

Missed you earlier, thank you.

Warren initially had included a photo of what I believe is an old RMK Smithsonian Bowie for inspiration on his Thorpe (please excuse me if it's not the Smithsonian- I'm learning!! Warren, maybe share the picture here?) It had a tall sub-hilt that he wanted reproduced as well as a brass back so I went to James with his thoughts and asked just how far we could take this one. The Thorpe already had the necessary lugged guard to match the original so the base concept was there and Warren simply provided the pieces for us to put together. I was surprised when James went for the brass-back because after the last one he said "no more"- extremely labor intensive. However we knew this one was Warren's birthday present to himself so James made it happen and from the main man to Travis to Kyle to myself, we all agree that this one is uniquely astounding. I was skeptical as to how the odd sub-hilt would feel but in hand the added top part holds exactly like a standard guard, tipping the blade forward- what I presume is desirable for fighting. Whatever it's for.... it's incredibly comfortable.

My hat is off to James' eye for detail and equally to Warren for his ability to source some of the prettiest ivory you'll ever see, not to mention his excellent ideas. Happy Birthday sir!

Thanks Grant and once again to James for the nod to move this project forward.
The knife that inspired this was in fact a Smithsonian one of Bo's first from 1953. The photo is included in the article from the back newsletter which I found on Tune's site. To Bo's credit he really had a great idea for an inner-hilt bowie. I'm not certain why it didn't take hold.
Fantastic workmanship fellas,you really outdid yourselves with this project. All of you deserve my deepest thanks.

Is that the proper terminology, "inner-hilt"? I'd ask, but James is out for the week.

So said the newsletter.

Either 1 makes the point, Inner or Sub... sub makes more sense. But no matter, it's all awesome!

Aha! I don't get the newsletter.... Sign me up!

This one was from 2010 and was an article written about the first bowies.
The RKCC now publishes the newsletter. Contact the Captain.

Dropping a copy of the newest 1 in the mail tonight.... DONE!

Warren
Truly amazing and happy birthday. If this was for your 60th, I am looking forward to what will be created for your 65th.
Great job by all of those involved

Peter

Thanks Peter. For my 65th, who knows maybe a pen knife to open my SS checks

Holeee cow. I'm speechless. I think my look at art-knives has changed!

It's not an art knife... it's his Mountain Lion knife.

Thank you Wally. James well heck yes I plan out to reach that cat.

LOL bet it's to keep his lady from boxing his ears !!!

Belated Happy B'Day Warren.

Great Knife & Sheath combo.

Hey Big Jim,

Thanks for checking in and all the well wishes. It's good to hear from you. Don't be such a stranger.

WOW Warren! I just saw this thread and.....DAYUM SON!!!

Thanks Bill

Warren, Happy Belated Birthday, and What a Great Behring Knife. WOW!!! If "Big Jim" can wake up , and wish you a H.B., I guess I can too! Do they give you Walkers, when you turn the Big 6-0??

Kent
RKS 109
NRA Life.

Thanks Kent, good to hear from ya. No walkers yet possibly training wheels on my bike.

Chief special!

Nice, just remember It'll be my turn someday if I can remember

Now that is funny and fitting for many of us!!!

Chief,

Now That is Funny, Warren behind a Walker!!! Who knows??? Maybe I'll be pushing one...Someday!! Noooooo!!

Kent

RKS #109
NRA Life.

LOL Kent. I need one for a hover board. Ever try one of those things? Aint as easy as it looks. Especially when the flames reach your ButtCap.

Insurance Guys say .... NEVER!!!

Steve,

Rest assured, I don't need to be insured.

Talking Hover Boards!

Yes jokingly!