Contemporary Makers: Bill Pritchard

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Pistol by Bill Pritchard

"We hope our table will be next to Linda and Bill Pritchard again this year at the 48th Tennessee Kentucky Rifle Show."

Photography by Jan Riser.

Friday, July 1, 2022

CLF 2022 Auction: Bag and Powder Horn by Bill Pritchard and Knife by Casey McClure

The skilled craftsmen of the CLA often produce fine frontier art that can easily be mistaken for a centuries-old original. For this year’s CLF Live Fundraising Auction, artists Casey McClure and Bill Pritchard have teamed up to produce a rugged hunting rig that looks like it’s seen heavy use on the 18^th century frontier.

This set is built around Pritchard’s D-shaped hunting bag, which is crafted from bark-tanned deerskin. This workingman’s bag, measuring 7 by 8 inches, is entirely hand-sewn with linen thread. The strap features an adjustable iron buckle, and the back of the bag sports an integral sheath for McClure’s hand-forged knife. The bag is also accompanied with a Pritchard powder horn; measuring one foot in length, this horn is simple, straightforward, and ready for the field.

The set is accompanied by a knife crafted by bladesmith Casey McClure. McClure’s knife, measuring 8 ¾ inches long, is an iconic frontier blade. Hand forged from 1084 steel, the knife is fitted to a whitetail antler crown handle and sports a poured pewter bolster.

This set is a fine example of the collaborative art often produced by CLA members. McClure, a self-taught but experienced blacksmith, became acquainted with Pritchard when the two craftsmen displayed their wares adjacent to each other at the annual show. The pair have enjoyed a friendship and occasional creative partnership since then. “I've made several knives for the bags that he has done,” says McClure, “Bill is known as a top rate gun builder, but he also makes a fine bag and horn!”