George Tichbourne, a long-time knifemaker and valued friend of Knife Showcase, passed away Dec. 6 after a long illness. He was 64.

George made bowies, hunters and folders, and kitchen, art and military knives. Featured on page 75 of the December 2010 BLADE®, George related an instance of making a knife for a Marine to take into combat.

“He opted for a military pattern styled after a World War II bayonet,” George recalled. “I’ve donated similar knives to units that contacted me looking for gifts to boost morale. One group sent photos of a recipient getting his knife, with the U.S. flag that flew over their base in the background, a letter of thanks and a challenge coin. I was touched by their gratitude.”

Visitation will be tomorrow, Dec. 9, from 4-9 p.m. and Friday from 2-9 p.m. at Wards Funeral Home in Weston, Ontario, Canada.

The funeral will be Saturday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m. at the North Bramalea United Church in Brampton.

For more information visit http://tichbourneknives.com/index1.htm.