Monday, November 30, 2015

Doug Delsemme Knife for Jeremiah "Jake" Browning - November 7, 2015

As part of a grandfather’s continuing tradition to his grandson, Jeremiah David Browning – every year I commission a friend to make a knife for Jake’s birthday. This year’s outstanding knife is by noted knife maker Doug Delsemme of Kansas City, Kansas. “Jeremiah  received this knife on his 15th birthday, November 7, 2015.

This year Doug created a great frontier style knife.  The hand-forged drop point blade with a rolled guard is hafted in dark maple with an iron bolster.  Inlaid on each side of the handle are silver ovals –each one handsomely engraved by Frank House.  On the left side, the initials: HDW * JDB. On the off side: Nov. 7, 2015  

This is the sixth knife made in the continuing tradition from a grandfather to a fine grandson. Last year’s 2014 knife was made by Todd Daggett, the 2013 knife was made by Daniel Casey, 2012 knife was made by Joe Seabolt, 2011 by Glen Mock, and the 2009 knife was made by Ian Pratt.

What a better gift than a handmade knife made ‘specially for my grandson. It will bring fond memories of a young man’s special time growing up.  Thanks to all six artists for making my grandson’s gifts extra special and being part of an ongoing tradition.










Oh yes, Jeremiah killed his first deer on the Tennessee Youth Hunt just before his 15th birthday.

H. David Wright
Gallatin, Tennessee 
November 7, 2015

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Scottish Style Basket Hilt by Andy Hodgkins

Scottish style basket hilt of my own design forged from 5160 with a welded brass basket and carved mahogany handle.  Baldric made from heavy veg tan leather and stained with homemade iron acetate.



Copy and photos supplied by Andy Hodgkins at Black Dog Arms.

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Around the Web: Sam Birchfield

Sam Birchfield, veteran moonshiner of Graham County, NC, 1910

Friday, November 27, 2015

French Trade Pistol Circa 1750 by Jack Brooks

This pistol was made for Jed Cottingham. It is stocked in European walnut and is decorated with relief carving around the barrel tang. Jack made the round faced lock from his castings of an antique lock. The smooth bore barrel was fire blued. 


Supplied photos.

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Latest Work by Jim Kibler

54 caliber
43 inch barrel
Curly figured maple stock
​Flip up sight













More of Jim's work can be seen here.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Powder Horn by Clinton E. Byers

The 1775 siege of Boston is one of my favorite motifs for an engraved horn. The Boston skyline is depicted around the throat. Two wharfs bare the motto “Liberty or Death”. Several British ships are depicted anchored in the harbor while sirens and sea-serpents attempt to lure them to their deaths. 












Copy and photos supplied by Clinton Byers.