There are few photographs of notorious recluse and legendary custom knifemaker, William Scagel. The phrase “notorious recluse” is a kind of oxymoron itself. Great is the man who shies away from public attention at all costs, yet is thrust into the spotlight regardless. William Scagel was such a man.
About William Scagel
Born in 1873 and passing in 1963 at the ripe age of 90, William Scagel was an early 20th century knifemaker who had a strong influence on those who were to come after him. Born in Michigan, and raised in Canada, Scagel began making knives in 1910 after having been a bridgebuilder for many years. He was also an artist that worked with wrought iron, and so was not new to working with metals when he started creating knives.
Despite his reputation for being a recluse, Bill Scagel was a man that by all accounts was a loved member of every community he involved himself in. As a man that was incredibly self sufficient and believed in that way of life, he was also the kind of person who could provide services to many different people.
His skill at creating things with wrought iron were utilized in many different buildings in During World War II, Scagel created simple daggers to contribute to the war effort and provide equipment for soldiers. During the polio epidemic of the 1950s, Bill created braces for those in need for no charge. Everything he made was an embodiment of his personality, it had to be above all else, practically useful to someone.
William Scagel Knifemaking Philosophy
Scagel was a knifemaker who influenced legendary figures such as Bo Randall (directly) and many say that Scagel’s designs were even more influential than Loveless’ and that he influenced Loveless. The truly interesting and unique thing about Scagel’s designs and creations are that they are entirely influenced by his reclusivity.
As a man that owned his own 1-acre plot of land named Dogwood Nub in Fruitport, which he purchased after his shop in Michigan burned down, he kept himself apart from the rest of the world when it came to his work. He used his own equipment and made everything by hand without the use of modern tools. Reportedly, he powered his Fruitport shop with an engine from a Cadillac automobile. This and his dedication to making everything by hand accounts for the relatively small number of knives he produced throughout his lifetime as a custom knifemaker.
An interesting thing to note about Scagel’s knives is that they are about as “pure” as you can get in terms of artistic integrity, for good and bad. Unlike the knifemaking world today, Scagel used very little reference from the outside world for his knife designs and features. In the modern era, many knifemakers take great inspiration from one another while cultivating their own idiosyncrasies.
Scagel Knife Features
William Scagel’s handmade knives were some of the earliest if not earliest 20th century custom knives. He made all types of different knives such as machetes, drop point hunters, bowie knives, skinning knives, an array of kitchen cutlery, etc. He even created hatchets which are exceedingly rare to find because they were created to be used. Anyone who purchased one had likely put them through their paces.
It was none other than hunters that enjoyed Scagel’s knives the most. With no two knives alike, Scagel used fine Swedish or English steel in the construction of his knives. The handles are where there was great diversity in Scagel’s knives as they were made using a unique array of different materials such as various metals, leather, fibers, and horn. Stag was featured prominently in many of the designs but so too was ivory and other materials common to the time.
Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of Scagel’s knives were in the handles. Comprised halfway of stag and half leather, these materials were utilized in a stacked washer assembly which could be seen in many of his knives.
Rare Custom Knives Shop
We love going through the annals of history to pay homage to the great knifemakers that have contributed to the scene today. Exquisite Knives is dedicated to all things custom knives
October 21, 2020
