Most of the Stolen Knives Found; 3 Still Missing By: Steve Shackleford | March 20, 2014 The Shin by Rockstead is the one of the three stolen knives still missing. (KnifePurveyor.com) This John W. Smith folder in fossil ivory is the second of the three stolen knives that are still missing. (KnifePurveyor.com photo) Purveyor Michael Donato was one happy man earlier this week when all but three of approximately 150 stolen knives were returned. The three knives that remain missing are the Shin by Rockstead and two John W. Smith folders, all of which are pictured at right. “This has been the craziest roller-coaster ride of my life,” the owner of KnifePurveyor.com said. “The support of the custom knife world between collectors, dealers and others has been incredible.” How the alleged thief was caught is a story in itself. Video surveillance captured him stealing Donato’s pelican case containing the knives at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport that services Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina. Law enforcement was able to identify the man from the video and later used it to identify him among the passengers coming off a flight from Indianapolis, Indiana. Officials determined the suspect’s next flight destination and were waiting for him when he got off the plane. He was even wearing the same clothes he had on when he allegedly stole the knives. Detectives watched as he apparently tried to steal another piece of luggage and nabbed him. He confessed and is being held on $100,000 bond. He led detectives to the knives, which he had stashed in his hotel room. Donato said the man had separated the knives by maker and had prices by each. “He must have seen my business card, visited my website and guessed at the values from it,” Donato said. “He was pretty spot on with the prices.” This John Smith folder in mother of pearl is the last of the three stolen knives still missing. (KnifePurveyor.com photo) Unfortunately, the man apparently was able to sell the three knives that are still missing before he was apprehended. If you have any information concerning the stolen knives, contact Donato via Custom Knife - Custom Knives - Knife Purveyor - Home - KnifePurveyor.com For the latest knives, knife trends and more, visit Blade Magazine | Expert advice on using knives, knife sharpening, how to make knives, custom knives and making knives. - See more at: Most of the Stolen Knives Found; 3 Still Missing | Blade Magazine
