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Many years ago I began making knives for
my own use and as gifts for my relatives. The early ones were made
using carbon steel blades with mule deer antler grips. Some were
decorated with sterling and turquoise inlay. While I have been a
lifelong craftsman and artist, I spent my
working career as an engineer. The education and
practical experience has given me the background and
understanding of materials that I use today create these highly
collectible knives.
The idea to use Cholla Cactus wood for
the handles came from a friend of mine who was using the wood to
make small picture frames. His father-in-law owns a
small place in West Texas with an ample supply of the
material. After discovering how tough and beautiful the
finished wood can be, I tried it as the handle material on
a letter opener that I was making as a gift. It turned out
very well so I next tried to make a hunting knife. I trimmed
the cactus wood handle with iron wood inlaid with
tiger eye. It was beautiful! That encouraged me
to experiment further and refine my techniques as well as experiment
with other native Texas woods such as mesquite and bodark.
For the past several years I have
been making knives full time. I think you will be pleased
with my unique designs and craftsmanship
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