Forest of A Hundred Lums

Lums For 2012

2012-01-25T13:59:00.001-05:00

A belated Happy New Year, and Gong Xi Fa Cai to everyone.

Going into 2012, I'm happy to see Spyderco continuing to offer two versions of the Chinese Folders as part of their Ethnic Series. The C65CF, Medium Chinese Folder in Glass Fiber, and the C143G, the Large Chinese Folder in Black G10.

Benchmade is also continuing to offer the two Dejavoo models. 741 and 746.

And missing from the reporting front was the special run of the Spyderco Medium Chinese Folder with Pink Amalite handles. Perfect for the ladies.

Recent Ebay Stag Lum: Results

2011-12-25T19:54:00.002-05:00

Very surprised it sold for only $1200 after being relished again. That is a very good price for a Deluxe Stag Tanto. Bob's table price for something like it would be in the $800 to $850 range.

Recent Deluxe Stag Tanto on Ebay

2011-12-17T21:54:00.002-05:00

There was a Small Deluxe Tanto with Stag handle scales and steel bolster listed on Ebay recently. It was listed at $1500 with a BIN price of $2250. Unfortunately, it did not sell. The seller has re-listed it at a lower bid of $1300 and a BIN price of $1900. Hopefully someone would be able to score a great piece of Bob's work.

Lum Miniatures

2011-10-22T15:54:00.000-04:00

Bob has told me that he made about a dozen miniatures. He doesn't like making them, because they take almost as much time to make as it would a full size knife. But for me, he made three throughout our friendship: a Mini Darn Dao with Ivory scales; a Mini Darn Dao with Blackwood scales; and a Miniature Tanto with Blackwood scales.

Through the support of a good friend, I was able to score the Miniature Tanto that was offered on Nordic Knives earlier this week. And I am forever grateful for his generosity.

In my earlier post, I mentioned that the hamagiri tip and the tapered tang were two of the design elements that point to this being a Bob Lum original. Now that I have the piece in hand, I can add two more: the bolster shape and the angled spine treatment.

Twin Folder Pen Knives

2011-10-19T14:42:00.003-04:00

For today, another rare one. It's a Folding Jack knife and a Folding Wharncliff. Ti scales with contoured handles. Both with flat ground blades and Bob's Large Nail Nick.

Jack Knife:

Wharncliff:

You would think they could be twins since they have the same handle profile. Turns out they are twins.

Bob calls this his Twin Folder; his version of the two bladed folding pen knife. Style-wise, it's a cross between a Canoe (handle shape) and a Muskrat (blade shapes).

It does have one unique design: the two blades share a common center lock bar to help keep it thin.

He made this model in two sizes; Medium and Small (I'm pretty positive Bob never made one in Large).

The one above is the Medium, Small on bottom.

The one above is the Small, Medium on bottom.

Since the Medium one had Flat ground blades, the Small was ordered with Hollow ground blade. Same Large Nail Nick opener.

Gerber Legendary Knives licensed the Small Twin Folder and made a Production version called the Double Take.

Two Old School Knives Sold At Nordic Knives

2011-10-19T13:52:00.001-04:00

Two very unique knives by Bob was sold today at Nordic Knives. And thanks to David Harvey, owner of Nordic Knives, for allowing me to post the pictures of the Lums.

1) A small Deluxe American style Boot Knife with steel bolsters stag grips. Stamped "LUM" so it was made before Bob started using his "Chop" logo. Very beautiful 3 1/2" asymmetrical dagger ground blade. With a Bob made leather pouch sheath. Sold for $750.

2) A very very rare Deluxe Miniature Tanto with steel bolsters and ivory grips. 4 3/8" OAL with a 2 3/8" blade. While there is no maker's mark, the style and execution, points to Bob as the maker. The two definitive elements that confirms this as Bob's work for me is A) the Hamagiri tip, and B) the tapered tang. Plus, it matches a full sized version of a similar style tanto in my collection. The lack of a mark could mean that this was made before he started using the "Chop" logo, and probably did not have small enough letter stamps to mark the blade. Sold for $599

Congratulations to the new owners.

Folding Pen Knife

2011-09-26T01:24:00.000-04:00

For today, a rare one. Bob did not make many of these, as they weren't really well known. But when he sent me pictures of the first one he finished, I ordered one in this configuration as a birthday present for myself. This is Bob's Folding Pen Knife, Medium size, with Ti scales in full Rounded Treatment, frame lock.

I got lucky with this one, aside from being the only one I know of in this configuration, this one has a very crisp logo etch. I'm sure Bob was cursing me out under his breath when he was making this one, as the Ti scale are not thick scales, but standard .125" thickness.

And now for the details.OAL 7.25" open, 4.25" closed. BL is 3.25", .125" thick.This clip has an interesting story. It's made this way because Bob and I were discussing ways to carry the knife in the open without drawing too much attention. So the idea was inspired by Chris Reeve's Mnandi clip, where it could easily have passed as a pen. When I carried this, I usually had it clipped in between my shirt's placket. So with only the end and the clip exposed, you wouldn't have thought this was a knife.

A picture of the file work at the lock bar release area. Not perfect, but when you've done as much work on the knife at this stage, it's fine.

The trademark Chinaman's Hat pivot treatment. Which Bob hand turned on the lathe.

The raised backspacer. Which surprised me. Because the thickness is only .125". But typical of Bob, if you ordered the Rounded Treatment, you get the raised backspaced.

And a parting shot of the crisp logo etch in between the opening cutout, and another one of Bob's trademarks: the deep nail nick. Just one. And while you wouldn't think it would give you much in terms of traction, you can get enough of the fleshy part of your thumb in there for one-handed opening. Works amazingly well, without ruining the clean lines of the blade.

And in a case of proving Bob was just a maker, he wasn't entirely happy with the way this one turned out.What he was shooting for:

And the end result:

I would have never known if he didn't tell me. But the lock geometry changed while it was being put together, and he missed it by that much. I'm still happy with the knife.

Large Folding Chinese Framelock

2011-09-23T13:47:00.000-04:00

Trying something new with sharing Bob work: a photo study of one of Bob's creations per post.

First up today, is the Large Chinese Folder that I have in my EDC rotation for those times I feel like dressing up.

What makes it unique is that this one has some details that Bob doesn't usually do: full contour thick Ti scales (which he calls the Rounded Treatment) and frame lock.

Here you can see the deep relief cut into the lock bar.

Along with his usual details that often gets overlooked. Like his trademark Chinaman's Hat pivot. Which is normally missed because it looks just like a normal pivot in pictures.

And his raised backspacer. Which really makes the folder feel much more rounded in hand, and has the added benefit of increasing grip. The effect is much more pronounced in a folder with the Rounded Treatment than one with squared edges.

And his custom clip, which he makes individually to fit the profile of each folder. The one is installed so that I could take the folder apart for maintenance without needing to remove the clip.

Recent Sales: Small FG Chinese Folder

2011-08-10T14:03:00.002-04:00

A Small Field Grade Chinese Folder, with black micarta scales and a custom clip sold on Nordic Knive for $1495. A very nice sample with Bob's Finger Groove in the handle.

Benchmade Discontinues the Dejavoo's

2011-07-12T11:36:00.001-04:00

A little late, but for 2011 Benchmade has discontinued both models of the Dejavoo folders; the 740 Dejavoo, and the 745 Mini-Dejavoo.

Spyderco Sprint Run Folding Tanto

2011-06-15T11:45:00.002-04:00

Looks like Spyderco will be releasing a Sprint run of their Folding Tanto model later this year. A prototype of the unit was shown at the Amsterdam Meet in March. The model will have a grey handle with VG-10 steel blade.

Another Recent Ebay

2011-06-15T11:43:00.002-04:00

Looks like the Folding Tanto from the previous Ebay entry was relisted on Ebay for $1550. The auction ended without being sold, but the item was seen listed on some knife forums.

Recent Ebay Lums

2011-06-11T16:08:00.002-04:00

Recently there were two knives by Bob being offered on Ebay. One was a Large Field Grade Tanto with an original Lum kydex sheath being sold by a seller in Japan. It sold for $986 + $20 for shipping.

The other was a "major score" in knife collecting lingo. It was an used Folding Tanto with Black Micarta. There was a small chip in the left micarta scale towards the front of the bolster, aside from that, it's in very excellent condition. Best part, sold for $400 + $10.00 shipping.

Custom Folding Dagger On Nordic Knives

2011-05-11T14:24:00.000-04:00

A Custom Folding Dagger with Red/Black Carbon Fiber just sold for $1495 on Nordic Knives. Congrats to the new owner for a great knife at a great price.

Ebay: Small Field Grade Dagger

2011-03-23T06:44:00.002-04:00

Just watched a Small Field Grade Dagger (mis-listed as a Stalker), with a leather sheath made by Bob, not sell on Ebay for $800. Given that's really not much over Bob's table price, it surprised me. Market adjustment? Or is the Dagger not a popular design? Or is the Small size an issue?

John Barker's Hokkaido

2011-03-03T21:23:00.003-05:00

Bob's influence in the custom knife making world is still going strong. A custom knife maker named John Barker, from Cummins GA, came out with a fixed blade tanto named the Hokkaido that clearly shows Bob's influence. What's significant is that he has been able to execute Bob's clean lines and tip treatment, while still able to include his own personal design touches. The blade profile is among the best I've seen in the spirit of Bob's work. Below are a few of his original pictures of his latest offering.

Recent Ebay Knives

2011-02-23T21:23:00.002-05:00

Two recent Hunters were posted on Ebay. One was a classic style Hunter with Ivory Micarta scales, and the other was a very nice Stag Skinner with Integral Finger Guard. The Ivory Micarta one closed for slightly over $800, but has been relisted. Not sure what happened there. The Skinner closed at around $600. Which is a extremely low price for a stag handled knife by Bob. So a great score by the buyer. Congrats.

New Benchmade Onslaught: Model 746

2011-01-06T20:36:00.002-05:00

Benchmade announced a new smaller model of the Onslaught in their 2011 Catalog, the Model 746. It will have a 3.45" blade as has a MSRP of $160. The catalog also lists that it will be available in the same four variations that mirrors those of the larger Onslaught; Plain, Serrated, Plain Black, and Serrated Black.

Spyderco Carbon Fiber Chinese Folder Shipping

2010-12-09T01:38:00.002-05:00

Last week the new Spyderco production Carbon Fiber handled model of Bob's Medium Chinese Folder started to ship and should be available in the stores now. Makes a great present for the Holidays.

Jimmy Lile's Deathwind

2010-12-09T01:31:00.006-05:00

A little known fact, but the well known maker Jimmy Lile made a Fighter model that he named the Deathwind. The knife first appeared in the early to mid-1990's. I first saw it on Mr. Lile's table at one of the New York Custom Knife Shows (year unclear). What struck me was the similarity between the Deathwind and Bob's Stalker Model. When I asked Bob about it, he mentioned that it was a sore point, but that he noticed Mr. Lile started making the Deathwind after visiting his table at the Guide Show that July and looking at the Stalker. Bob then asked that I don't mention it to anyone.

I think it's time for that promise to be broken.

Recent Ebay Skinner/Hunter

2010-11-10T12:44:00.002-05:00

Good to see Bob's knives are still in demand. A recent Deluxe Fixed Blade Hunter/Skinner on Ebay (Item #150516290607) sold for $630.00.

I'll continue to track and report them as best as I can.

Custom Large Folding Tanto On Ebay

2010-07-02T10:39:00.002-04:00

A Large Field Grade Folding Tanto, with Black Micarta by a Japanese collector just sold on Ebay for $1225. It appears to be an early version given the Spyderco'esque clip. Not a bad price considering the US market price for a similar folder would be a little more.

Item #370401112307 for reference.

Comparison of the Blackwater Tanto to the BM LFTi

2010-05-16T16:58:00.003-04:00

Here are the comparison pictures promised of the new LFTi as compared to the previous iteration, the Blackwater Folding Tanto II.

I was able to obtain one of the R&D Prototypes to judge the development of the knife to it's current release.

As you can see, aside from the hole treatment/pattern in the handle, the three major changes made to the LFTi are 1) a new lock bar, 2) change of placement of the clip, and 3) the addition of the Lum Chop logo. Otherwise, the folders are identical.

Interesting item to note is the shape of the tanto tip from the R&D Proto to the released BW Folding Tanto II. The tip became more angular. Not sure what prompted the change. However, the tip, just like Spyderco's Lum Folding Tanto, lacks the Appleseed grind commonly found on the custom models. For the Spyderco model, the cause was a lack of manufacturing ability to replicate it. I suspect that may be one of the reasons that also limited the Benchmade models.

New Benchmade Onslaughts

2010-03-21T21:25:00.003-04:00

Benchmade has released two new versions of the Onslaught.

BM 741BK with a black blade.
BM 741BKS with a serrated black blade.

With the regular bladed 741, and the serrated 741S, this make a total of 4 models of the Onslaught released to date.

New Spyderco Chinese Folders Pictures

2010-03-18T11:38:00.004-04:00

Pictures of the new Spyderco Chinese Folders:

Reposted with permission from Spyderco. These were taken by Wouter at the Amsterdam Meet.

New Spyderco Chinese Folders

2010-03-10T15:25:00.003-05:00

Spyderco will be releasing two new Chinese Folders. A version with Carbon Fiber Handles.

And more exciting for me, a new Large Chinese Folder. When Sal Glasser first decided to make a production version of the Chinese Folder, he chose the Medium model to produce. I've always felt the Medium was a little small for a good general purpose cutter, and suggested the Large Chinese Folder. It's been a long wait, but now it's finally here.

I'll have pictures once I have permission from Spyderco.

Onslaught Now Regular Production

2010-03-06T17:00:00.002-05:00

Looks like the Pre-Production run of the Onslaught has sold out, and the model has now enter regular production.

Model 741 LUM Onslaught AXS.

Hopefully it will be a good seller for Benchmade.

BM Onslaught Comparison

2010-02-02T13:31:00.003-05:00

Below are some comparison pictures of the Benchmade Production Onslaught and a custom Forrester by Bob. Bob had always admired the AxisLock designed by Benchmade, and wanted to license it for use. He even went as far as producing a Stalker blade to fit into an existing AxisLock handle.

There are some slight differences:

* The handles are set up for ambidextrous opening with the hole cutout, and the Pinkie slot in the lower handle, in both sides of the handle. Yet, the clip can only be installed on the right side.

* The clip is based on Bob's version. But whereas Bob hand form each one to match the folder, the Benchmade clips are stamped.

* The swedge on the custom is beautifully hollow ground, as compared to the flat ground swedge on the Benchmade.

* The Benchmade is slightly longer. Most likely due to changing the pivot geometry to accommodate the AxisLock.

Overall, the execution is outstanding, and I think Bob would have been pleased with the result. Except for the choice of model name, as Bob preferred subtlety over aggressive sounding names.

New Spyderco XL Chinese Folder

2010-01-22T04:25:00.002-05:00

Rumors from the SHOT Show indicates a new XL Chinese Folder to be released in 2010 by Spyderco. Looking forward to this one.

Seki Cut's Tribute Page

2010-01-19T23:01:00.005-05:00

Just recently found out that Seki-Cut has created a tribute page to Bob. You'll find information on the models that Bob designed for them. What is especially appealing is the original sketches used in some of the photos.

Link is: http://www.japaneseknifedirect.com/BobLumDesign.htm

The Encounter is based on his Folding Stalker model. The fixed blade models are all new designs specifically commissioned by Seki-Cut. I've found the small Fixed Encounter to be an excellent steak knife. 8-)

Overall, Bob was very happy with the results.

What Happened to the Spyderco Chinese?

2010-01-07T14:42:00.004-05:00

Received a few emails asking what my thoughts were on why the last run of Foliage Green Chinese Folders from Spyderco is not selling well. I honestly don't know. It could be that the collectors were more interested in the previous Black handled run because the blade was made with ZDP-189 steel, and this one wasn't. Or that it followed the previously run too closely to the market. Or possibly Foliage Green isn't a popular choice.

If the demand isn't there, and they can be gotten for cheap, I would recommend getting one as a user. Save the ones in more demand for the collection. The design is sound, and makes for a great general purpose folder.

New Benchmade Lum Folder

2010-01-06T18:18:00.007-05:00

For 2010, Benchmade is releasing a folding knife based on Bob's Forrester model, called the Onslaught. This is good news for Forrester fans who really fancy the saber-tip leaf shaped blade. It will come with Benchmade's Axis lock. A locking system that Bob really appreciated.

Link to the Onslaught on Benchmade's website is: http://www.benchmade.com/products/741

When it is released, I'll post a comparison between it and the custom Forrester.

Lum/Begg Collaborations

2010-01-03T19:17:00.004-05:00

It seems that the first of the Lum/Begg collaborative pieces have finally been finished. These are the remaining blade blanks that were not completed by Bob prior to his passing, and are now being completed by Todd Begg, an excellent custom knife maker.

I wish Todd all the best in the completion of this project. And I'm sure that the results would be to Bob's exacting standards.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-25T04:15:00.001-05:00

Wishing everyone a peaceful holiday, and best wishes for the coming New Year.

New Tally - 115

2009-11-28T22:22:00.002-05:00

Was able to score a very old school LUM stamped dagger off Ebay. I really like his older pieces.

New Tally - 114

2009-11-21T19:03:00.001-05:00

The Extra Small Ti Chinese Folder, and the Extra Small Ti Folding Stalker are both gone.

New Tally -116

2009-11-20T22:39:00.003-05:00

The following folders are gone:

Chinese Slip-Joint w/Jigged bone

Deluxe Chinese with Damascus blade and Oosic scales

Black Micarta All-Rounder

Black Micarta Folding Stalker with Thumb Ramp

Copy Update

2009-11-16T18:59:00.002-05:00

Update: After speaking to the customer and the maker, both have agreed to acknowledge Bob as the influence, and will not make any further examples of the folders. I applaud their taking responsibility, even though it was strictly unintentional.

I encourage any maker to continue with the Chinese Folder design, as long as the design is significantly unique. The Chinese Folder has a strong following among knife collectors, and has proven to be a popular design because of it's versatility as a folding knife.

Design Influence

2009-11-16T14:08:00.008-05:00

Recently, on one of the popular knife forums, there was an instance of someone asking another knifemaker to make his rendition of Bob's Chinese Folder. When the pictures were posted, the end results were too similar to Bob's design that a debate arouse about what is original and what would constitute a copy. The age old argument that Bob did not invent the design surfaced again. As was the case when Bob introduced the tanto design, he never claimed to have invented the Chinese Folder design, so that accusation is invalid. What he did was based his design on the original and came up with his own version.

The original design, called the Shi Lin in Chinese, in an ancient design. It was a slip joint with narrow neck and rounded handles. What Bob did was to update the design to modern lines, and added his own design elements. These included a line lock, a different pivot geometry, and a new curved handle treatment. An additional design element was the use of the licensed Spyderco Hole to help with one hand opening.

The success of the production Spyderco Chinese Folder is what brought the design to the mainstream knife public. Since then, several makers have offered their own interpretation of a Chinese Folder. I've attached two below; the Whaleshark as designed by Johnny Liao and made by Warren Thomas, and the Chinese Friction Folder by my friend Belgian knifemaker Filip Deeuw.

There was a slight rumbling when Warren Thomas's version was made public. Even more when Microtech decided to issue a production version. But Bob's reaction was that, while the Whaleshark was piggy backing off the success of his Chinese Folder, the design was unique enough that it wasn't a "copy" as suggested. The same argument can be said for Filip's version. As well as a fixed blade version that is currently in the works by Tom Krein.

However, the version in question in the first paragraph, had too many similarities, and not enough unique features. The lines of the folder were near identical, down to the blade grind line. The argument offered for making these folders were:

1) Bob is no longer available to make Chinese Folders.

2) The maker came to the final design by extrapolating from the Spyderco version, and is unique because it did not include the Spyderco hole and is bolstered.

3) The maker only did this as a request from a customer.

All three arguments are valid. Bob has passed away, and can no longer make his folders. The maker did design the knife himself and the end result was very different from the Spyderco version. But all three arguments did not address the major issue of design copying. Singularly: that this version of the Chinese Folder design is still under the ownership of Bob's estate, with the present owner being Bob's widow, Jean Lum. Also, the Spyderco Chinese Folder was issued a design patent by the US Patent Office (Patent #434,631) to guard against being copied by competitors.

Which brings me to where I see are the main issues to avoid, so this won't happen again.

A) A maker's design protection does not expire when he passes away. Especially if there is valid copyright protection available. It does not become "public domain".

B) Knifemakers should be responsible when charged with making another maker's design. They should at the very least, discuss the order with the original maker. And at the very least, do a little research prior to coming up with a final design. In this day and age of internet sharing, it would not be too difficult to see what other versions of Bob's Chinese Folders exist. To think that Bob only did the Spyderco version is a very limited assumption.

C) When the final design is too similar, it really should be re-done so that a new and unique design is the end result. This will bolster the argument that the design was not a copy, if/when the accusations are made.

D) Even if the design is unique, if Bob's Chinese Folder was the inspiration, then an effort to acknowledge that would be a sign of respect for Bob's work.

The Custom Knifemaking world is fairly small, and many of the collectors can be very protective of their favorite maker's designs. Because, ultimately, it does infringe on a maker's livelihood. Proper attribution and research can easily avoid the drama and accusation of "copying". There is enough copying going one by overseas companies, that it's hard enough to be successful for makers to infringe on each other.

Comments are welcome.

For Lum Collectors

2009-11-09T21:32:00.004-05:00

I'm offering two new items with this post.

1) A new blog to help collectors of Bob Lum's work to buy, sell, and trade his knives. It's still a work in progress, but I hope it'll help succeed in it's mission.

2) A new item to show support of this blog: a collector's embroidered patch. The design is a variation of my LumNut avatar, and reflects the purpose of this blog.

Both are available here: http://lumknivesmarket.blogspot.com

New Tally - 120

2009-11-03T15:45:00.002-05:00

Four folders are gone.

Large Folding Stalker with Black Micarta

Large Ti Folding Tanto

Medium Ti Chinese Folder

Ti Folding Skinner

New Benchmade Folding Tanto

2009-11-02T12:33:00.004-05:00

Benchmade released a version of the Lum Folding Tanto II for 2009. The model is 760BK LFTi. This is a Benchmade branded variation of the Blackwater Folding Tanto.

When I obtain one of the Blackwater versions, I'll post a comparison.

New Spyderco Chinese

2009-11-02T12:26:00.004-05:00

Spyderco released a new version of the Lum Chinese Folder in June of 2009. Here are the latest versions in Foliage Green. They came in two configurations with VG-10 blade steel; Plain blade, model C65FGP; Black blade, C65FGPBK. Total run is 600 units each.

Lum On Ebay

2009-10-30T09:11:00.003-04:00

The Lum in question in my previous post has sold on Ebay. If the buyer is a reader of his blog, I would appreciate it if they could send me a picture of the engraved initials "B.L.", and a clean picture of the tip if possible. I'm still not sure it's one of Bob's work, but it does have many traits that would make it one.

Real or Fake?

2009-10-24T07:56:00.008-04:00

There is a knife being sold on a well known auction website currently, and I've gotten a few emails asking about it's authenticity. Based on the pictures posted in the auction, I can't for certain say it is a Lum custom.

Which begs the question: how can you tell?

For starters, Bob always signed his work. Prior to the famous "Chop" logo, he would stamp the letters LUM on the ricasso of the blade. See the picture of the two ivory tantos by Jim Cooper for an example. There are exceptions. I have one knife he has authenticated to be his where he signed the knife with his Chinese Lum character on the brass pin, but this was one of his earliest work.

Then there is his hand-rubbed satin finish. One of his signatures. It's very easy to spot the Lum finish once you've seen it before.

His grind lines. As mentioned before, Bob is considered by many knifemakers to be one of the best grinders in the business. His grind lines are always clean and symmetrical. The best way to describe it is "crispness", the lines are well defined and lacks a sense of "softness". Some of his grinds are easy to spot; the diamond tip on his daggers in an earlier post; the Hamagiri (appleseed) grind of his tanto tips. Others are not as easy. But generally, for his fixed blades, most of them will have tapered tangs.

The "Lum Style". This is harder to explain, much less describe. Bob had a very specific eye for lines. A trait that came from his skills as a photographer. With the grind lines, there is always a sense of flow with his blades. All the lines should just seems to tie in together.

Finally, the balance. Unfortunately, this can only be ascertained with the knife in hand. Bob had a way of making his knives balanced regardless of size.

So, based on the above, the following is what stops me from asserting that the knife is a Lum.

No signature
The grind lacks that crispness
The blade's flat treatment is atypical of Bob's style
The tip is atypical of Bob's tanto grinds

I'm hoping that we won't have too many examples of fake Lums on the market, as his work is not easy to duplicate. But with the prices of his knives at their current status, it's something we need to be wary of.

Aftermark Pricing

2009-10-12T23:41:00.003-04:00

I've gotten a few emails asking me about the current aftermarket prices for Bob's knives. To be honest, it's hard to explain the Custom Knife market prices. Just before Bob was diagnosed with his illness, the prices for his knives in the aftermarket climbed tremendously. People were willing to pay a very high premium for his knives, if they were not able to buy one from him directly. At the time, it was simply a matter of low supply to high demand. The prices climbed a bit more once his illness was made public, when there was a further increase in demand for his knives. Since Bob's passing, they seem to have maintained the same level as just prior to his illness being made public.

But not all of his pieces are selling at the same level of premium. There is currently a distinct advantage in prices for his folders over his fixed blades; and even more with his later models.

The ultimate price for any of Bob's pieces will be determined by the market. It will be set by the buyer's willingness to pay for that piece. So, there is no specific formula to use to help calculate a current price/value. Capitalism at it's best.

My wish is that the aftermarket prices at least maintain some level of a premium over his original asking price. This way, at least there's a tangible means of showing Bob our "appreciation" of his art.

Wallpaper Version 2

2009-10-07T02:11:00.003-04:00

Version 2 completed. Format is now 16:9, perfect for my iMac.

Same link as before.

Lums on Leather Wallpaper

2009-10-06T17:52:00.009-04:00

Created a high resolution collage of the "Lum on Leather" pictures and uploaded it to Picasa. It's in a 4X6 format.

The link is here. To get the full resolution image, you will need to download it. Size is 2.3MB.

New Tally -124

2009-09-26T21:50:00.001-04:00

Small Upswept Skinner sold.

New Tally - 125

2009-09-22T12:57:00.001-04:00

Carbon Fiber Slipjoint traded....

New Tally - 126

2009-09-18T15:55:00.005-04:00

Ti Folding Dagger has found a new home.

New Tally

2009-09-15T13:01:00.003-04:00

The result is the same, at 127, but the the smallest Stag Tanto with guard was traded for a Lum Hunter with Ivory Micarta scales, and another knife not made by Bob.

The culling's begun!!!

Culling the Herd

2009-09-14T03:20:00.003-04:00

Since it was alway my intention to keep my collection at 100, I will be selling off any excess from my collection. Not quite decided on which ones, or how and where to sell them. Which currently means I'll be selling off 27 from the collection in the near future.

Once I get to 100, the procedure will be to sell off one if I purchase another. Ideally I would like it to be fifty folders and fifty fixed blades, but we'll see how that goes.

Tally

2009-09-10T18:00:00.003-04:00

So, based on the picures posted, we have:

42 Folders

83 Fixed Blades

For a total of 125.

Missing from the photo series are two more knives; a Fixed Chinese in Stag and a Large All-Rounder in Carbon Fiber.

Blade Blanks

2009-09-10T17:55:00.003-04:00

Twenty-third in the series: two blade blanks. The Tanto was a template meant for Timberlines knives. While the Grandmaster Darn Dao was my second custom Lum. It's made with L6 steel and was extremely rust prone, so I sent it back to Bob for a refit. Unfortunately, it sat in his shop for years and was never completed. Normally Bob would never have a knife leave his shop unless the knife was completed, so this is a very rare item.

First Ever Lum

2009-09-10T17:52:00.002-04:00

Twenty-second in the series: My first Custom Lum, a Large Field Grade Stalker.

Deluxe Stag Tantos

2009-09-10T17:44:00.007-04:00

Twentieth and twenty-first in the series: ten Deluxe Tanto in Stag.

Deluxe Tantos

2009-09-10T17:39:00.002-04:00

Sixteenth through Nineteenth in the series: fourteen Deluxe Tanto in various sizes and shapes.

Temple Guards

2009-09-10T17:37:00.002-04:00

Fifteenth in the series: three Temple Guards. A special model made for Northwest Knives.

Field Grade Tantos

2009-09-10T17:35:00.001-04:00

Fourteenth in the series: three Field Grade Tantos.

Field Grade Fighters

2009-09-10T17:23:00.002-04:00

Eleventh through thirteenth in the series: 10 Field Grade Fighters

Large Deluxe Fighters

2009-09-10T17:21:00.002-04:00

Tenth in the series: three Large Deluxe Fighters.

Deluxe Chinese Fighters

2009-09-10T17:15:00.003-04:00

Ninth in the series: three Deluxe Chinese Fighters

Darn Dao's

2009-09-10T17:13:00.001-04:00

Eight in the series: four Darn Dao's.

Utility Blades

2009-09-10T14:20:00.003-04:00

Sixth and seventh in the series: seven Fixed Utility Blades.

Deluxe Fighters

2009-09-10T14:15:00.000-04:00

Fifth in the series: five Deluxe Fighters.

Stag Fighters

2009-09-10T14:14:00.004-04:00

Fourth in the series: three Fighters in stag.

Deluxe Hunters

2009-09-10T14:12:00.002-04:00

Second and third in the series: eight Deluxe Hunters.

Daggers

2009-09-10T14:10:00.002-04:00

And now, the Fixed Blades.

First in the series: six daggers. Technically four daggers, as the two small ones are singled edged.

Tanto II's

2009-09-08T13:26:00.003-04:00

Sixth, and last, of the Folder Series: the three Folding Tanto II's.

Folding Tanto's

2009-09-08T13:23:00.003-04:00

Fifth in the Folder Series: the six Folding Tanto's.

Utility Folders

2009-09-08T13:19:00.003-04:00

Fourth in the Folder Series: the nine Utility Folders.

Tactical Folders

2009-09-08T13:16:00.003-04:00

Third in the Folder Series: the seven Tactical Folders in my collection.

Gents Folders

2009-09-08T13:14:00.003-04:00

Second in the Folders Series: the seven Gents Folders.

Collection

2009-09-07T22:02:00.008-04:00

I've received a few emails asking if I do indeed own 100 of Bob Lum's custom knives. I figure the best way to answer is to just put them up and then follow up with the series. Using my current photobox setup, I'm titling this series "Lums on Black Leather", and every knife photographed is currently owned by me, in my possession, and is made by Bob Lum.

First photo is the ten Chinese Folders I currently own:

Lum Knife Pictures Wanted

2009-08-12T02:21:00.004-04:00

As part of the new focus for this blog, if you have a knife from Bob, I would very much appreciate it if you would email me some pictures. The intent is to make this blog the ultimate reference library for Bob's work. I hope that on top of my collection, we can gather in one place, as much of his work as possible. Please let me know as much information as you can when you send in the picture (date of purchase, directly from Bob, which knife show, etc.), and please include your name for proper credit. Thank you.

My email is: twangnyc@aol.com.

Hiatus Is Over

2009-08-06T12:46:00.008-04:00

My apologies for neglecting this blog. Had some very serious personal issues, as a direct result from Bob's passing, that had me rethink what to do with the blog, and if I really wanted to continue. The conclusion I came to, was that I will not let those issues affect my friendship with Bob, and they do not diminish his excellent body of work.

New updates will be forthcoming on a regular basis.

Thank you for all your support.

Message From Jean Lum

2008-01-13T12:58:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to share a message Jean Lum asked me to post in the Blog.

Jean Lum said:

As Bob Lum's wife, through my tears, I thank you with all my heart, Tony, for your tribute, kind words and support for my husband. I, also, want to thank all the knifemakers, collectors, customers and spouses for their prayers, love and support through his illness. He was buried with full Military honors yesterday, January 11 at the West Lawn Memorial Cremation Garden amongst the Oregon trees and a stream running through the garden. I chose to have the military service due to the fact that his lung cancer was determined to be from Agent Orange from his service during the Vietnam War....thus he gave his life for his country. Since we were married 29 years, I, too, have been a part of the knifemakers world along with my own career that gave us the benefits we needed so Bob could pursue his dream of knife designs and creations. I have enjoyed, and hope to continue, some very special friendships with the most wonderful people: makers and customers alike. We are a unique community and I hold so many years of memories of knife shows all the way back to the Kansas City Knifemaker Guild shows. While working so hard on this art form and craft, we still had time for friendships with lots of great dinners through the years. I mention all the dinners because you can't talk about my husband without mentioning food! With that light note, God bless you Tony for this blog and all of you who share in my loss of Bob. It helps me a lot to know that you are grieving with me.

Photo credit to Craig Morgan.

Field Grade, Deluxe?? Small, Large?? Huh??

2007-12-13T21:15:00.000-05:00

For some reason, Bob's naming scheme would often confuse people. It can be if you don't follow his work. Here's what I've come to understand of it, and what I use when I'm asked questions about his models:

Bob offers two classes of knives: One-off customs that follows a style/pattern, and his "Regulars".

The One-offs could be fashioned in any way, often determined by the customer who placed the order. And in the early to middle part of his career, most of the knives he made would fit into this category. These include Hunters, Skinners, Large Tanto's, Fighters, and his Armour Piercing Dagger (including the Americanize Tanto variant). This is also where Bob exercised his creativity with his tantos. They would come in any size, with multitudes of details and finishes.

His "Regular" offerings were his "Bread and Butter" models. In the later stage of his career, the naming scheme would apply more to his Folders than his Fixed Blades. Of his Fixed Blade offerings, he had a few models; Tanto, Stalker, Chinese Fighter, and Sabertip Fighter. Of his Folders they were many, among them; Chinese Folder, Folding Tanto, Folding Stalker, Folding Skinner, Folding Dagger, All-Rounder, Folding Tanto II, Forester, Two Bladed Folder, and others.

What differentiates his models are the handle treatments. Bob's low end models were always the Field Grade ones. These usually were handled with Micarta, G10 or Carbon Fiber, and in plain Titanium for his Folders. The other range is the Deluxe models. These will include wood and other natural materials for handles (the most popular choice being Stag), and would very often have bolster treatment(s).

Regular models have one additional variation: they come in several sizes. Small, Medium, and Large. For Fixed Blades, Small came with a 3" blade; Medium with a 4" Blade; and Large with a 5" Blade. For Folders, Small came with a 2" Blade; Medium, a 3" blade; Large, a 4" Blade. Some Folders also came in an XL size with a 5" Blade.

Hopefully this has helped demystify Bob's offerings. If not, and you have one of Bob's knives that you're not sure which model it is, I would be more than happy to help you sort it out. Just email me some pictures of the knife.

Miniatures: Lums #007 to #009

2007-12-12T02:11:00.004-05:00

Few people knew that Bob makes miniatures. I only found out when I stumbled onto a Stag Handled Tanto Miniature in the hands of a Japanese collector. I then asked Bob to make me a few. Of course I had to have a Tanto, and one of the Grandmaster Darn Dao. They were made as a match set with African Blackwood handles. I then asked Bob to make one more Grandmaster Darn Dao, but to dress it up. He did so with Ivory handles. These are scaled replicas of his full size models; including such details as tapered tangs, full bolster, and even the full spine swedge he often did on his tantos (see photo below).

#7, #8, and #9 (Top to bottom):

#7: is an Ivory Handled Miniature Grandmaster Darn Dao. Blade length is 3.5", OAL of 5.5".

#8: is an African Blackwood Handled Miniature Grandmaster Darn Dao. Blade length is 3.5", OAL of 5.5".

#9: is a African Blackwood Handled Miniature Tanto. Blade length is 2.25", OAL of 4".

Unfortunately, Bob did not enjoy making these, as they took the same amount of effort as a full size model. Which may explains why he made so few. It may also explain why he tends to charge near full price for them. :-)

Wooden Sword Award 1983

2007-12-11T22:28:00.000-05:00

Here's a little gem I thought I share. The image was scanned from the Knives 1983, Third Edition Annual, as edited by Ken Warner. Which during it's time was THE book on custom knives. A complete complation of all the goings ons in the knife world (primarily for the US) for the previous year. It covered custom and production, and would be something to look forward to for any knife fan.

In 1983, KenWarner started his Wooden Sword Award in recognition of deserving knife makers. In the first year, he award Bob Lum the award for his introduction of the tanto style knife. Quoting from the article (pertaining to Bob):

"... the third defined a trend, perhaps a change."

" Lum tantos have, over the past two years at least, caught the consciousness of other knifemakers, and you may look to a lot of tantos in the next few years."

"The Wooden swords point at knives you could own, knives well worth owning."

Knives well worth owning. Words I took to heart. And when Bob finally showed up at the New York Custom Knife Show in 1986, I took the time out to meet him. I needed to see for myself that there was indeed someone of Asian decent doing well in the custom knife market. We spoke for a while and I placed my order for one of his Large Field Grade Stalkers, to be delivered when completed. Little did Bob, or I, know what that one meeting would turn out into.

Thanks to Jim Cooper for sending me this scan.

Memorial Service

2007-12-10T03:01:00.000-05:00

From those that were able to attend the service on Saturday Dec. 8th, I was told it was a very moving service. A tribute to the man and all those he touched. In attendance were many of his peers from the knife making community. In tribute to his craft, a table was laid out in the lobby, decked out with his signature red table cloth, adorned with a photo album that he always had at the knife shows he attended, and a few of the knives he made.

One thing that surprised me to have learned about Bob, was that he was an excellent singer. I was aware of his guitar playing (and that's a story for another time), but now I regret never having heard him sing.

As I could not attend the service, I would like to share my favorite memory of Bob here:

It was a few years ago when he asked me to help him get an anniversary present for his wife Jean. While at the same time, Jean also called to ask me to help buy him a present. I was greatly tickled to be in the middle of this, as I didn't let on that I was helping both of them. They found out later once the gifts were exchanged. I don't know if Bob was more mad at me for helping Jean get him his present, or that I didn't tell him, but I do know that they both enjoyed their presents that year.

I miss you Bob. You were among few I can call "Brother". And although I never told you, you were very much a Father figure to me. I've learned so much about being a better person by listening to you, and by simply being around you. The times we spent together after the shows were among my most memorable; the shopping trips to B&H, the meals we shared, and the talks at Paul's place. I'll miss our multi-hour phone calls about knives, photography, watches, food, and life in general. Thank you for including me in your journey through life.

Gerber Knives: Double Take

2007-12-08T02:02:00.000-05:00

Another factory collaboration, this time with Gerber Knives of Oregon. This is a production version of Bob's Small Twin Folder. For some reason, this association is not as well marketed. And that's a shame. Because, for less than $25 street price, most people can own one of the most technical folders that he makes. The unique feature here is that both blades share a common liner that acts as the locking bar when opened.

Daggers

2007-12-08T01:09:00.004-05:00

My first set of pictures; my daggers by Bob.

Daggers are often the true indicator of a maker's grinding skills. Not only does the grind need to be symmetrical (both side by side and back to back), but the spine needs to be maintained perfectly straight. Bob's daggers reflect his ability as an excellent grinder. One thing of note about Bob's daggers, is that they are often finished with a Diamond Cross-Sectioned Armour-Piercing Tip, not the simple needle point more commonly done with daggers. See picture below. The hollow grind is maintain until the very point, where the diamond tip is formed.

#1 & #2:

This set of Stag Handled are my favorite of the daggers.

#1: The large one was delivered to me as a companion piece to a similar sized Deluxe Stag Handled American Tanto (it's the one seen right below in in the top picture by Jim Cooper). I asked Bob to make it with Double SS bolsters in the lines of an Medieval styled dagger. The front bolsters are flared for the thumb and forefinger control, while the rear bolster acts as a counterbalance. The blade length is 9", OAL is 13.5".

#2: The smaller one is more representative of Bob's Deluxe Dagger offerings, with a single large front bolster. This one has an 8" blade, OAL is 12".

#3, 4, 5, and 6 (Left to Right).

By virtue of being daggers, and wanting to have them posted together, these are #4 through #6; the remaining daggers in my collection.

#3: is a Small Deluxe Dagger with Burl wood handle. This one is unique in that the blade is waisted with what is called a Leaf Shaped Dagger. Blade length is 4", OAL is 8.25".

#4: is Bob's standard Field Grade Dagger. Handle is Black Micarta (sans bolsters). Thong holes are includes for a lanyard. Blade length is 5", OAL is 9.5".

#5: is a special request by me. It's similar to his Field Grade Dagger, but in Military finish; with a bead blasted blade and Green Linen Canvas Micarta. This dagger has a full tang, not the tapered tang that Bob prefers to do. Blade length is 5.5", OAL is 10".

#6: is a Deluxe Dagger with Mammoth Ivory handles. Blade length is 6.5", OAL is 11.5".

As you can see, there is no regularity in his work. The length of the bolster is determined by the balance; width of the blade is mostly determined by the OAL length to maximize his sense of lines; and the handle's end treatment is a result of both balance and lines.

Bob's Website

2007-12-07T16:57:00.000-05:00

Not sure how much longer it'll be maintained, but it should be enjoyed while it's still available.

The website also showcased Bob's skill as a photographer with all the pictures on the website taken by him.

http://www.boblumknives.com/welcome.html

Spyderco Knives

2007-12-07T16:39:00.001-05:00

Spyderco Knives, of Golden Colorado, was most responsible for bringing Bob's work to the masses. They first introduced Bob's Large Folding Tanto. Then released the Medium Chinese Folder. Lastly, his Medium Field Grade Fixed Tanto. The Chinese Folder has become a cult favorite among Spyderco fans for it's compact size but amazing utility capabilities.

A huge thank you to Mr. Sal Glesser, CEO of Spyderco Knives for sending me these photos, and allowing me to share them here.

Obituary

2007-12-07T16:33:00.000-05:00

Here is Bob's obiturary from The Register-Guard: http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/dt.cms.support.viewStory.cls?cid=32681&sid=16&fid=1

Robert Lum

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the First Baptist Church of Springfield for Robert Wayne “Bob” Lum of Eugene, who died Dec. 4 of lung cancer. He was 64.

He was born Sept. 8, 1943, in Astoria to John and Clara Wong Lum. He married Jean Roberts on April 8, 1979, in Santa Barbara, Calif.

He graduated from high school in Astoria and from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1969, during the Vietnam War, as a photographer and cook. He was a custom knife maker and designer specializing in Japanese and Chinese swords. He also managed the Shutterbug at Valley River Center.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Eli of Mountain View, Calif.; and two brothers, Ronald of Napa, Calif., and James of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Inurnment will be at West Lawn Memorial Park in Eugene. Arrangements by West Lawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Eugene. Remembrances to children’s programs at First Baptist Church of Springfield.

Benchmade DejaVoos

2007-12-07T00:49:00.000-05:00

Bob's most recent factory collabration was with Benchmade Knives in Oregon. They decided to produce two models based on his Custom All-Rounder Folder. The smaller model, the 745 Mini-Dejavoo is a faithful reproduction of his Medium All-Rounder. The larger version, the 740 Dejavoo, is not as faithful. When compared to the Custom Large All-Rounder, distinct differences in the lines of the handle and the blade can be seen. Both are very well made pieces, and has helped allowed Bob's designs to be enjoyed by the general public.

Special thanks to Les and Roberta DeAsis for permission to use Benchmade's photos of the DejaVoo.

First Set of Pictures

2007-12-06T03:23:00.003-05:00

To start off, I would like to share some pictures taken by noted knife photographer, Jim Cooper. http://www.sharpbycoop.com/

I want to achieve two things by starting off with these professionally shot photos. 1) To remind myself how much I need to learn to be able to take pictures of this caliber. 2) To show Bob's work in the best possible light.

RIP Mr. Lum

2007-12-06T02:54:00.002-05:00

My good friend of 20 years, Mr. Bob Lum, the custom knife maker from Eugene, Or., passed away on 12/4/07 around Noon. This came after a rather brief battle with lung cancer. Brief, because the cancer was only discovered this past April. I hope in creating this Blog, to be able to pay tribute to him as a man, and most importantly, as an artist of the highest caliber.

In the world of custom knife making, Bob is considered by many to be at the top of the game. He has made many contributions to the knife making world. He is best known for the introduction of the Japanese tanto style knife into the US market in the late 1970's. While many would argue that the tanto isn't new, and confused the situation by mistakenly claiming he invented the tanto, the truth of the matter is very simple; Bob Americanized the tanto . The leap in design was to create a tanto style knife using modern, non-traditional Japanese, knife making methods; blade shaped by stock removal, not forged; using pre-formed modern cutlery steel; heat treating done in the same method used by many knife makers today; and completing the process by replacing the traditional cord wrapped tsuka with standard knife handle treatments. Thus allowing many knife companies, and custom knife makers, to offer the tanto as an available blade style for their customers. The popularity of this blade style can be seen in the multitude of offerings made since.

Bob also has other accomplishments. He is regarded by many of his peers as one of the best grinders in the business. His hand rubbed satin finish is often imitated, and is one of his trademark signatures. But most importantly, he is known for the clean lines in his designs, which were always original. He may have borrowed from past patterns and styles, but each model he made was his own; each with elements of his signature style. His knives can be identified by simple clean line, uncluttered with unnecessary elements. When held, they all exhibit proper balance, making even the largest knife fast in the hand, with complete sense of control. And most importantly, uniqueness, because he didn't use patterns when he made a knife, making each knife an original. I can attest to this because I have had the privilege of handling hundreds of his knives over our long friendship. All the while, maintaining a collection of 100 for myself. Thus the title for this blog.

I have been collecting Bob Lum's work since I first met him at the New York Custom Knife Show in 1986. After a brief conversation, I placed my first order; a Large Field Grade Stalker. Around three years ago, I did a quick inventory of my knives by Bob, and realized I was only a dozen short of 100. The intention then was to build a site to popularize his work. But due to his recent success, and subsequent health, the project was shelved. It is now reborn as something I never thought it would be, but I can't think of anything more fitting as a Tribute.

Lum in Chinese means Forest. I too am part Lum, as it's my Mother's surname. I hope to share with you, the readers, my forest of Bob Lum's work. Please join me in paying tribute to one of the most wonderful man, and friend, I have had the pleasure of knowing. I will post pictures of the his knives from my collection here for you to enjoy. I will also post my thoughts, feelings, memories and whatever. Because this is how I intend to mourn, honor, remember, tell, and share him.