I
am a full time knifemaker whose love of knives dates back
to my youth. I would like to thank R.W. Loveless for fueling
my interest in handmade knives and for the friendship
that we share to this very day. I credit Mr. T.M. Dowell
and Billy Mace Imel for inspiring me to adopt the integral
methods of knife construction. For it was photographs
of their work published in the mid 1970's that would ultimately
prove to have a profound impact on my life as a knifemaker.
My
first impression of those early knives was that they
were truly a novel concept. Here was a knife that completely
eliminated solder joints, gaps and vulnerable areas
where stress risers could develop.
The integral knife is quite
simply a solid, homogenous piece of steel with two handle
inlays. Since my humble beginnings as a knifemaker in
1986, I have developed over 90 unique integral patterns
which include several designs from the shop of R.W. Loveless.
From virtually indestructible camp and combat knives to
many highly functional hunting knife patterns and investment
quality art pieces embellished with fine engraving and
scrimshaw, I will continue to push the proverbial integral
envelope and develop new patterns for as long as I am
able.
My knives are all made in my shop with my equipment.
I do not outsource labor, nor do I use or condone the
use of CNC machinery on knives that are represented
to the public as being handmade. I purchase my blade
steel in the form of bar stock and purchase the mechanical
fasteners that I use to attach handle materials.
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