Knife by Charlie Wallingford

 

Photography by Jan Riser.

CHARLIE WALLINGFORD KNIFE FOR JEREMIAH “JAKE” BROWNING ~ NOVEMBER 7, 2020 AD

 

As part of a grandfather’s continuing tradition to his grandson, Jeremiah David Browning - this is the 11th handmade knife made by friends for his birthday. This year’s outstanding knife was made by noted knife maker, Charlie Wallingford of Union, Kentucky. Jeremiah received this knife for his 20th birthday, November 7, 2020.

 

Charlie created a handsome knife with a hand forged blade with a deer antler handle with a poured pewter bolster. Continuing in the tradition since the first knife was made by Ian Pratt in 2010, two hearts are incorporated into the knife – this year they are stamped in the blade, flanking Charlie’s touchmark. And “HDW to JDB Nov. 7, 2020” is engraved in the blade.  The end cap is engraved with nick and dot.  

 

This is the 11th knife made for the continuing tradition from a grandfather to a fine grandson. Last year’s 2019 knife was made by Todd Butler; 2018 knife was made Kyle Willyard; 2017 by Steve Auvenshine; the 2016 knife was made by Frank House, 2015 by Doug Delsemme; 2014 by Todd Daggett; 2013 - Daniel Casey; 2012- Joe Seabolt; 2011- Glen Mock; and the first, made in 2010 by Ian Pratt.

 

Thanks to all eleven artists for making my grandson’s gifts extra special.

H. David Wright

Gallatin, Tennessee

November 13, 2020

JEREMIAH IS NO LONGER A TEENAGER.

HE TURNED 20 ON NOVEMBER 7.

Copy and photos supplied by David Wright.

2019 CLA Live Auction: Neck Knife and Quilled Sheath by Charles Wallingford and Bill Wright

Few pieces of tribal artistry are as visually captivating as the iconic neck knife of the eastern woodlands. For this year’s CLF fundraising auction, two of the nation’s top artists have teamed up to produce a truly outstanding example that’s destined to become a treasured heirloom.

            Master cutler and CLA charter member Charles Wallingford hand-forged this knife from 1084 bar stock. Typical of the legendary Wallingford knives, the blade is razor sharp and sports a rich patina. The handle is crafted from dyed whitetail antler, beautifully accented with a hand-cast pewter bolster and an end cap of sterling silver.

            Wallingford’s blade is accompanied by a stunning custom sheath by Bill Wright, one of the nation’s top quill and beadwork artisans. The body of the sheath is hand-crafted from brain-tanned deer hide, which was dyed using a period-correct walnut hull bath. Wright’s artistic talents are on full display on the face of the sheath, which is adorned with a breathtaking quillwork pattern inspired by the traditional tribal arts of the eastern woodlands.

            To the artists, this fine donation is for a good cause. “The CLA,” explains Wright, “has been an excellent vehicle to promote the contemporary artists throughout our country who have demonstrated their love of our history. They have used various mediums to recreate the past relating to the 17th and 18th century and the CLA has brought forth these works of art and helped shine a light on those creations.”

For more information on the work of artists Charles Wallingford and Bill Wright, contact the artists directly:

Charles Wallingford: cwknives@aol.com

Bill Wright: wrightsgarden@hotmail.com

Copy and photos supplied by the CLF.

Knife and Sheath by Charlie Wallingford

Photographed at the 2015 CLA Show by Jan Riser.

2018 CLA Live Auction: Knife and Sheath by Charlie Wallingford and Bill Wright

For the tribes of the northeast woodlands, no item in the warrior’s kit was as essential as a good blade, which very often took the form of the traditional neck knife. French Capt. Pierre Pouchot, who closely observed the natives during the French and Indian War, noted that Indian warriors wouldn’t venture anywhere without one. “Their knife is hung from a sheath from the neck, and falls upon the breast,” wrote Pouchot, and “they regard this property as sacred as their children.”

For this year’s CLF fundraising auction, artists Charles Wallingford and Bill Wright have teamed up to produce a high-grade reproduction of the iconic neck knife. Nothing takes a patina quite like antique steel; to forge the 4 inch blade of this knife, Wallingford chose high-carbon steel salvaged from an old horse drawn dump rake. The antler handle was dyed in a bath of black tea, and further aged with hand-rubbed leather dye. The result is a museum-quality piece from one of the CLA’s most experienced master blade smiths.

Wallingford’s diminutive masterpiece is married to a stunning custom sheath crafted by Bill Wright. Wright is widely known for creating exceptional leather and quill work. With this piece, he more than lives up to that reputation. Crafted from period-appropriate brain tanned deerskin, this piece is dyed with black walnut hulls and entirely hand sewn. The sheath is tastefully adorned with traditionally dyed porcupine quillwork and brass cones sporting deer hair tufts.

For the two artists, this project was a fitting way to support the longevity of the organization. “The CLA,” explains Wright, “has been a great vehicle to showcase like-minded people who are drawn to the nostalgia of the 1700s and 1800s”
“To me,” says Wallingford, “the CLA is an outlet for anyone to display their talents and to learn from other artists. A venue to meet and discuss historical aspects as well as techniques.”

For more information on the work of the artists, contact:

Charles Wallingford: cwknives@aol.com, or see his website at www.cwknives.com

Bill Wright: wrightsgarden@hotmail.com

Text by J. Shepherd with photos by Ric Lambert

2017 CLF Auction Item: Belt Knife by Charlie Wallingford

In 1748 George Washington was on his first adventure over the Blue Ridge in the Shenandoah Valley.  Lord Fairfax had taken a liking to the 16 year old and thought to introduce him to the wilds and the art of surveying.  In George’s Journal of My Journey Over the Mountains began Fryday the 11th of March 1747/8 Washington comments on their dinner with Solomon Hedges, Justice of the Peace “When we came to supper there was neither a Cloth upon the table nor a Knife to eat with but as good luck would have it we had our own.”  Later in an entry he notes “Everyone was his own cook. Our Spits was Forked Sticks our plates was a Large Chip as for dishes we had none.”  A good knife was a necessity to travel over the Blue Ridge and beyond.  

Charlie Wallingford had donated this fine and useful belt knife to the auction. The 6 inch hand forged blade is mounted through a poured pewter ferrule with two pins in an antler handle.  The butt has a silver cap and a bit of border engraving.  Charlie includes a fine businesslike belt sheath of polished cow hide.  George Washington would have been happy with this knife.

Text by Heinz Ahlers with Photo 1 by Ric Lambert and photos 2, 3, and 4 by Heinz Ahlers

Knife and Sheath by Charlie Wallingford

Photographed at the 2015 CLA Show by Jan Riser.