B.R. Ledford Custom Knife

[Tony2much]

I received this knife as a gift for my 30th birthday in 1987. It was given to me by a neighbor and dear friend Ken Kern. He was 85 years old at the time. (He passed on many years ago, but is still greatly missed)

He was an avid custom knife collector and one day mentioned his disappointment of being unable to attend a major knife show in Orlando, FL (about 120 miles away). It was too far for him to drive and he had no other means of getting there. I offered to take him and we became instant buddies. He shared countless stories about his service and antics in the Army as well as his engineering career in the armory. It was never boring to be with him.

Many of the custom knife makers at the show knew him by name and smiled broadly with an outstretched hand as he approached. He was that kind of guy. I don't feel right asking about this knife without mentioning it's sentimental value and my high regard for my old friend Ken.

He gave this to me from his collection, but I cannot find anything about the maker. It looks like it says "B. R. Ledford" and the scrimshaw says "Craig '85". The inside and out have diamond shapes filed into the blade and handle.

Has anyone heard of this maker and is he still around?

 

[steveno]

you might check on the Knifemakers Guild website to see if he was a member

 

[kwselke]

I know nothing about the maker, but can tell you that knife is priceless. Beautiful knife and great story!

 

[Tony2much]

you might check on the Knifemakers Guild website to see if he was a member

I checked the Guild's website and nothing is coming up in a search. I did find a Bob Ledford knife maker on Google, but I don't think it's the same. Maybe it's his son now? The style looks very different and all looked like fixed blades in their photos. I'll probably send him an email anyway to be sure.

 

[TX-Dennis]

That is beautiful work.

 

[Narragansett]

I have and love knives. Never heard of the maker, bit I am confident in saying that you have something very special there

 

[Truckin]

That is beautiful. Anyone would be proud to carry that. A wonderful remembrance of a friend.

 

[shouldazagged]

Gorgeous file work, among other splendid features. I believe I've heard the name Craig associated with scrimshaw, but I can't remember the context.

You might try Knifeforums.com. I haven't used the site in some years, but it used to carry a lot of good information.

 

[Truckin]

Arizoniacustomknives.com has a knife with similar file work on spine by maker Bracy Ledford. The signature appears to be two alpha characters and Ledford.

 

[Tony2much]

Arizoniacustomknives.com has a knife with similar file work on spine by maker Bracy Ledford. The signature appears to be two alpha characters and Ledford.

That's him!

I did a bit more research and his full name is Bracy R. Ledford. The inscription is the same on the other knives he makes (B.R. Ledford).

I never would have guessed "Bracy". I tried searching Bob, Robert, Brian, Bill and every other name I could think of that starts with a B.

Thank you so much for the lead. Mystery solved!

 

[Onomea]

Tony, that is a great story and an absolutely gorgeous knife!

You are a very fortunate man to own it!

 

[Maddog 521]

Your knife is a thing of beauty. I bet you are very proud of your birthday present.

 

[Usmc5811]

That is one beautiful knife!!! I've never heard of the maker, but looks like he does some top notch work. Thanks for sharing.