Knife by Kyle Willyard

 

Photography by Jan Riser.

Riflemans Ax by Kyle Willyard

 

Photography by Jan Riser.

Knife by Kyle Willyard

 

Photography by Jan Riser.

Folding Pocket Knife by Kyle Willyard

 

Photography by Jan Riser.

Ax by Kyle Willyard

 
Kyle will be at the
8th Annual Alabama Kentucky Rifle Show
Jan 11th - 13th, 2024
at Joe Wheeler State Park Lodge

Photography by Jan Riser.

What’s In (or On) The Bag?

 

(starting upperleft corner) A flint and steel box by Charles Miller, priming horn by Mark Odle, a small bag used to carry extra flints by Joe Mills, a short starter also by Mills, a turkey call by Charles Norvell, a snake striker by Charles Miller and an iron pipe by Jack Haugh. The lid on the pipe is hinged. The pipe stem is bone. 

The number of artists and craftspeople devoting their time to reproducing period correct items for use with the Kentucky rifle is staggering. All you need do is take a look at all the names listed on the CLA website or the artists featured in MUZZLELOADER or MUZZLEBLASTS to see an ever increasing group. These talented people make it possible to completely fill the shot pouch with tools for the maintenance of the accompanying firearm as well as items for everyday use in the wilderness.

The effort devoted to these items is amazing. The pieces are well researched and crafted in a manner that matches or exceeds the quality of the originals. Often times the newly made items are more sought after than their original counterparts.

The items accompanying this article are just a small sample of the pieces which are available today. Many of them are one of a kind pieces others lend themselves to duplication. Whichever the case they are all worthy companions for a finely crafted firearm. Whether you actually use them or simply display them in your collection they are an integral part of our early heritage in America.

(starting upperleft corner) A shot bag made of bark tanned leather by Joe Mills, a ball container by David Parrish, a priming flask by Gary Birch. The flask is made from tin with a bone spout. A folding knife by Kyle Willyard. The all metal knife is a near copy of an original. A snake striker ember tong combination by Charles Miller and a turn screw by Bruce Horne. 

A tin powder measure on a hand made chain, an intricately carved bone measure, miniature striker (that works very well) and a small pan brush all made by Gary Birch 

Copy by Art Riser with photos by Jan Riser.

Work by Kyle Willyard

 

Photography supplied by Kyle Willyard.

Knife by Kyle Willard

Photographs by Jan Riser.

CLF Auction Artist of the Day: Simeon England, Mike Miller and Kyle Willyard

 

2020 CLA Live Auction: PIPE TOMAHAWK By Simeon England, Mike Miller, and Kyle Willyard

Length 21 1/2" Head 5 1/2" tall.

The name tomahawk is a combination of tribal and English words. Algonnquin and Renapepeoples called their lightweight axes "tamahak," "tamahakan" European Americans pronounced these words as "tomahawk." They liked the size and weight of the original tool, but made their own adaptation by replacing the stone heads with iron heads having steel blades. Tribes who had never seen a tool with a wooden handle and metal head called it a tomahawk, adopting the European American's term.

In the early 1700s, Native Americans or European Americans adapted the original tomahawk into a new form known as the pipe tomahawk. The original tomahawk is an Indian tool with a wooden handle and a metal blade. What differentiates a regular tomahawk from a pipe tomahawk is its head, which consists of a cutting edge on one side and a pipe bowl on the other. Pipe tomahawks could be used for smoking and chopping when necessary, but they usually were more symbolic than practical.

Pipe tomahawks also are a mix of Old World and New World products. The majority of these tools were made in North America. Their handles are of native woods and their axe blades were metal. Blades were usually iron with a steel cutting edge or, if not intended for cutting, they were made of brass. Some of the heads and handles were decorated with silver, pewter, lead, brass, and copper inlays.

European Americans traded pipe tomahawks with native peoples during the fur trade era, from about 1650 to 1870. European Americans also presented pipe tomahawks as gifts in diplomatic agreements and treaty signings with tribes. Joseph Brandt was painted with one in his 1776portrait by George Romney; Tecumseh had one presented to him by Colonel Proctor. Lewis and Clark took 50 pipe tomahawks with them on their 1803-1806 expedition to trade or present as gifts.

When three noted CLA blade artisans get together on a project, it is certain something special will result. This year Simeon England, Mike Miller and Kyle Willyard have produced an outstanding pipe tomahawk. Historically correct in its features and embellishment, this is a significant display of exceptional work of these three talented artists.

As you can see from the photos, this pipe tomahawk is created with the correct architecture and materials. The knife inlay on the right side of the blade on the hand forged head is historically correct, appearing on an original pipe tomahawk attributed to John Small of  Vincennes. Sterling silver has been used for the haft cap, mouthpiece and inlay and the engraving is ‘top drawer’. The haft is a fancy piece of curly maple and features a flange for a wrist strap. Look closely at the attention to detail, including the engraved silver mouthpiece and the carved wood clean-out plug.

The CLF Live Fund Raising Auction has a history of offering fine presentation pipe tomahawks, but they do not come up every year. This is one of that select group and this year is your chance to own one.

Simeon England: <simeonengland@gmail.com>

Mike Miller <riflemaker@aol.com>

http://www.millerlongrifles.com

Kyle Willyard (Old Dominion Forge) <kwillyard@earthlink.net>

http://www.olddominionforge.com