Over two decades of using, sharpening, and carrying knives for food preparation, general utility work, agriculture, primitive skills, camping, wilderness survival, and woodcraft, have provided the basis for what you find here. At about 5 years of age I began using sharp kitchen knives. At the age of 7 1/2, I was given a Boker Scout Knife by my grandmother. Its bail, combined with a snap-hook on my belt, helped prevent losing it. At age 14 (after various experiences with inferior tools) an estate auction yielded a good old Collins machete (with an interesting handmade leather sheath), which has chopped more blackberry vines, poison oak, and other weeds than I care to think about, as well as saplings and logs. At age 15, I purchased my first good-quality belt knife–a Buck #619–which was my everyday companion on the homestead for several years.

I began selling factory knives in 1998, and finished my first handmade knife in the summer of 1999. Three more were made in 2000, and about 17 in 2001. The 100-knife mark was reached about 2005. So far, all have been fixed-blades.

Sheath-making is an integral part of knifemaking. Ideally, the knife and sheath need to be designed for each other, rather than the sheath being an after-thought. If you have a good knife that needs a better (or special-application) sheath, it would be a privilege to help you. I make custom axe, hatchet, and saw sheaths, also. Most are leather; some are leather with wood liners; and some are Kydex. Each style and choice of material is a response to specific needs.

Another area of interest is repairing old knives. So if you have a good old blade that needs re-grinding, cleaning, and sharpening, or a new handle–let me know.