Phill Hartsfield
Phill Hartsfield | |
|---|---|
| Born | 16 August 1931 |
| Died | 20 May 2010 |
| Occupation(s) | Knifemaker, martial artist , CEO |
| Spouse | Patricia Hartsfield |
Phill Hartsfield (August 16,1931 – May 20, 2010) was a Southern California sword and knifemaker based in Garden Grove who is noted for popularizing the chisel ground blade in the western world.[1] Hartsfield's designs have influenced other knifemakers, primarily Ernest Emerson.[2]
Early life
Hartsfield joined the
Knife making
Hartsfield's blades are
The majority of Hartsfield's blades are designed as tools with little to no ornamentation. However, Hartsfield makes
Hartsfield built a unique hand-driven grinder, the "Lil Cranky", after his electric grinder had a mishap. While grinding a blade, a piece of metal embedded in the wheel and caused the wheel to explode. After a four-hour surgery and months in recovery, Hartsfield designed his machine and sold them from his shop to other knifemakers.[3]
Hartsfield's knives are used by the
Hartsfield died on May 20, 2010, at his home in Newport Beach, California, after a lengthy battle with brain cancer.[7]
References
- ^ a b c Steele, David E. (1997), "The Hottest Grind of All", Blade Magazine 24(3): 16-18
- ^ a b Tieves, Bruce (1998), "Captain Tactical", Blade Magazine 25(1): 41-44
- ^ ISBN 978-0-87349-129-7.
- ^ ISBN 0-87349-417-2.
- ^ a b Hartsfield, Phill (1995), "Live Swords", International Shinkendo Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 3.
- ^ Mickadeit, Frank (2009-10-09). "Phill, Phil want Marines to be sharp". Orange County Register. Retrieved 2010-06-21.
- ^ Mickadeit, Frank (2010-05-25). "OC's Sharpest Man Gave to Marines". Orange County Register. Retrieved 2010-06-21.
External links