The former full-time musician went to work for a knife maker in southwest La Plata County in the 1980s. In 1991 he started his own business. He traveled extensively to gun shows and flea markets, hawking his knives (and winning awards that are “sitting in a box somewhere”).
The craftsmanship is apparent, even to the untrained eye: The colors and grains, the intricate designs, the blade lines. What you can’t see is the process. Largent treats the antler and wood handles with a special amber that strengthens them and brings a shine. The blades begin as 1½-inch-wide bars of steel that Largent heat treats for strength in a furnace, the process taking most of a day. Pins and epoxy connect the blade and handle, and a metal “bolster” creates a transition between the two.
Largent is 70 and says, “I’ll go as long as I can,” but he’s set on having his son Jimmy take over eventually. Jimmy is a fishing and hunting guide who makes knives with his dad in the winter. “He’s got it down,” the father says.
This knife from the Largent's features a 4.25 stainless drop point blade with a unique etched / bead blast pattern that is a wonder to behold. Capped in stabilized burl wood scales and adhered to the tang with mosaic pins. Comes in a stitched leather sheath.
Specifications:
- Blade length: 4.5"
- Blade Thickness: 0.125"
- Handle Length: 4.5"
- Handle Thickness: 1"
- Overall Length: 9"
- Blade material: Stainless Steel
- Handle material: Burlwood
- Sheath: Stitched Leather
MODEL: JAMESL-DPHUNT