Remembering Christmas Past

[tippit]

It was 2005 after I had purchased a Campbell Caper, I PM'd Doug asking for some help in learning to forge my own knife (before Hunting Knives and Crafters forum was created).  Heck I didn't know Doug except what I had read about his hunting escapades on Trad Gang.

FAST FORWARD:  I was going through an old box of unfinished blades.  Here's a picture of some that I made around Christmas of 2006.  I was pretty proud and even thought I was pretty good by now            Anyway since I was now a "Bladesmith" with a year under my belt, I decided to start forging/testing my knives at the up coming 1st Annual Bear Quest in the spring of 2007.  The top blade was chosen as the best skinner that year.  

     

When I pulled it out, it was an abomination!  The edge was so thick it could have been a hatchet.  The plunge lines weren't even close to being even and the  finish...well lets don't even go there.  Rather than throw it back in the box I decided to see if five more years of experience could change it for the better.  After all it was the Best skinner of 2007        

Here's my 2011 Christmas make over.  I think I'll take it to Bear Quest V just for giggles....tippit (who knows he is still a "Grasshopper Bladesmith")

     

[PaPaFrank]

Very Nice doc!...Have a great Holiday...

[Doug Campbell]

Hey from Sitka AK Doc, I remember all those email, phone calls and videos well. You may not realize it but I had as much fun as you watching you become the great Knifesmith you are today. I'm very proud of you grasshopper.  

[Nala]

I always enjoy seeing stuff from Tippit.  I think you make great looking AND functional knives that would be completely at home riding on someones hip waiting to be called into action....

Merry Christmas.

Nalajr

[Cyclic-Rivers]

All those knives look great!

[tippit]

All those knives were made five years ago.  The reason for the post was more to say that it is fun sometimes to Re-visit some old blades that you gave up on.  Then try to improve them from what you've learned on the journey...tippit

[Roughcountry]

Pretty cool Doc.
I think this is a good time to thank you in public.
A few years ago Jeff won my St Jude custom sheath offering here on Trad Gang. He waited 3 years I think it was before sending a blade for that sheath. But he sent two blades instead of one and told me to pick one for myself.

Hows that for a class act, not only does he help the kids to start with but then sends one of his
much sought after blades to someone he's never even met or talked to.

I'm not going to post a picture of that blade just yet. I've got to wait a little while longer to do it full honors. I will say that it's seen good use on one big game animal and is a real keeper. Very controllable and a joy in the hand.
It's the right size and takes a edge that  just glides thru it's work.    

It's in my pack as I type this and will see work this winter as I follow the dogs on the trail of the longwalker, the American lion.

Thanks Jeff, you are indeed a fine bladesmith and I treasure the knife you sent me.  

[Steve O]

And I am thankful I have something from all three of you fine craftsmen.  I need to take a few pictures and show off this week!

[americanhunter7]

I gotta say tippit I love the re-visit, and I really like the second blade profile in the pic up top, something just screaming    for an Osage handle and some copper pins....LOL! I love looking at all your knives, and I'm pretty sure I haven't seen one yet that I wouldn't be proud to own or take into the woods with me.

[tippit]

Except for the top knife that I just re-ground, I have no idea where those knives are today...but I apologise to their owners for my poor edge geometry.  At least I never sold any of them.  Unfortunately hard to get much feed back upon a gift...tippit