Few items in a modern longhunter’s kit are as important as a
comfortable possibles bag. Buyers on
today’s market can find few bags as well made, aesthetically pleasing, or long
lasting than those crafted by Kentucky artist Bill Smith.
Smith produces a
custom-made bag for the CLA auction each year, and this year’s exceptional
offering is sure to please prospective bidders.
Smith describes the bag as a small haversack or messenger’s bag, and it’s
perfectly sized for a day hunt. Typical
of the artist’s work, this bag is constructed entirely of historically
appropriate materials. The body of the
bag is crafted from genuine hemp canvas, at one time a staple agricultural
product of frontier Kentucky. Smith dyed
the canvas in black walnut hulls and then sealed the surface with beeswax. The front flap and shoulder strap is crafted
from heavy weight but supple cow hide, and both are fitted with hand-forged
iron buckles. The body of the bag is
entirely hand-sewn with 5 strand waxed linen.
Bill Smith’s
bags are exemplary samples of the leatherworker’s craft and have set a
precedent in the field for quality. The
artist explains that he plans to donate a bag to the CLA auction “every year
until I can’t make bags anymore.” It’s
simply his way of supporting a worthy endeavor.
“I want to give back to the CLA,” says Smith, “it’s a wonderful
organization.”
For more information on the work of the artist, contact:
Bill Smith
270-737-3597
Copy by Joshua Shepherd with photos by David Wright
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