Philosophy
I have been making things since I was a child growing
up on my parents ranch in Reliance, SD. This gave
me many opportunities to be creative. A fascination
with knives would compel me to take apart old knives
and apply different handles. My first knife was made
in 1963.
I started forging knives in 1975, and in 1987 I became
a full time bladesmith. That same year I received my
American Bladesmith Society Journeyman rating and my
Mastersmith rating followed two years later. I joined
the Knifemakers Guild in 1988 and became a voting member
in 1990.
Over the years, I've remained
true to my belief in soul authorship and the original
concept of handmade. All of the work on my knives,
bits, spurs, and leatherwork is my own. I do not job
out any step of the actual knife/bit/spur making process.
I handforge my own blades from bar stock and make my
own Damascus steel. I do not use premade parts, but
prefer to make each piece myself. This is never the
quickest or easiest route, but when I’m
finished, I feel I’ve accomplished what I set out
to do – making something truly unique and handmade.
I filework, carve or engrave the blades, handles and
fittings on my knives/spurs. I do not use any computer
operated tools, milling machine or metal lathes, and
only the basic tools are in my shop: a drill press, band
saw, 2 belt grinders, and one buffer. Small hand tools
are made as needed for special applications.
These limitations created by the tools I do have force
me to be more creative in how I approach the actual design
and crafting of my work. It necessitates coming up with
an idea that will work both with the tools and the abilities
I have. This process forces me to be creative in my designs
and fabrication techniques. It helps separate my work
from the makers who rely only on their tools and I believe
it creates a truly handmade item. I enjoy working with
a collector to make something we can both be proud of.