I live in a small rural area east of Enderby, B.C. and have always enjoyed the outdoors. Hunting and fishing are part of my life and I have had a knife on my belt or in my pocket from the time I was a young lad. I consider a knife part of a person’s wardrobe.
I have been making knives since 1994 when I was challenged by a knifemaker to make a custom knife. I took the challenge seriously, and discovered that I enjoyed the challenge of taking raw materials and producing a high quality tool.
I began making my first hunting knives with old saw blades, but have since gone to the more superior steels such as ATS 34 and RWL 34. I also use damasteel stainless damascus and tool steel damascus from different suppliers when I want a knife to have some artistic dimensions.
I took another leap in the business when a fellow knifemaker, Frank Niro, invited me to learn the art of making folding knives. These folders have become my passion and I am constantly trying to develop new designs and unique ways to showcase my wares. I contract out my scrimshaw to Ginny Hall from Armstrong, B.C. and my engraving to Shawna Whiteside from Alberta.
My hobby turned into a more full time endeavor after a serious logging accident in 2000 necessitated me taking a more relaxed attitude towards making a living. I now spend about 4 to 6 hours a day in my shop making hunters, folders, daggers, bowies and various miniatures of each. I use a full spectrum of handle materials, from ivory to oosic to stablized wood products. I do my own heat treating right here in my shop and make the leather sheathes that house my hunting and larger bowie knives. I have an inventory of knives on hand for people to look at and purchase, but I also do custom orders for that special ‘one-of-a-kind’ piece of cutlery.
I enjoy the network of knifemakers and travel to several knife shows throughout the year, including Eugene (Oregon), Missoula (Montana), Kamloops (BC) and Salmon Arm (BC). I am an originating member of the Western Canada Knife Association and currently hold the position of vice-president. I sell my knives on Arizona Custom Knives and Nordic Knives as well as through ‘word of mouth’ at home. Because I like to share ideas with other makers, collectors and prospective makers/collectors, I welcome all inquiries. In return, I have learned wonderful things from my fellow knifemakers. That is the beauty of any craft – there is always something to learn!
Prices range from $75 for a small caping knife up to $1200 for a top of the line custom folder. I prefer payment by paypal, and on a custom order, I ask for a 50% deposit before I begin the knife. All of my knives come with a quality guarantee.
