hammerforged

1. 5' 8" tall 2. Former Marine 3. middle child 4. 2 daughters - 1 Grandson 5. Married to the same wonderful lady for 30 years running. 6 Am the only custom knifemaker to date asked to make the SHOT Show Knife for 3 years in a row. 7. Was serving on board the USS Nimitz at the time of the filming of "The Final Countdown" starring Kirk Douglass, Martin Sheen and several others. 8. I have been to more foreign countries than I have states. 9. Best steak I have ever had was in Morocco and it was Camel. 10. Worked in the commercial print industry (RR Donnelley & Sons) as a hand corrections specialist (engraver) for 24 years.

Thanks everyone, gotta make sure those in harm's way have the best tools to do the work. Yes, Steve this Lady cuts both ways.

This one leaves tomorrow for the Rock Pile ( Afghanistan). Many thanks to Brian Wagner at Okuden for the excellent work on the sheath.

Finished these 2 this morning. First one is Damascus with textured bolsters and Brazilian Rosewood Burl handles. next one is Damascus as well with textured bolsters and Ivory handles

There are man-made versions available at not too unreasonable prices, these are formed by heating and fusing the volcanic residue into a molten glob - then allowing it to cool and then cutting it. some of this is most certainly color enhanced. The material I am referring to occurs naturally in the rock matrix and was formed during the eruption itself by the extreme heat.

Ben - it is actually more valuable than emerald because it is a good deal rarer, as Mt. St. Helens is the only place it can be found. I have been fortunate to cut 1 in my life so far and I was sweating bullets the whole time I was working on it. A 26 carat rough stone yielded a beautiful 12 carat cushion cut stone. Value on cut stone was $3,500.00.

Cool pic Ben - next time you are up that way keep your eyes open for anything that looks like deep green glass in a rock matrix. Helenite (yea, they really named it that) was formed when Mt. St. Helens blew this last time. It is considered a new gemstone and rivals some of the best emeralds out there when cut and polished properly.

Someone needs to cull him, very unique trophy for sure.

Outstanding! Congratulations to you both and thanks for taking me along for the adventure, I felt like I was right there with you.

Outstanding Dale - what a memory! Congratulations to both of you!

Hey Clay - welcome back to the campfire.

Happy Birthday Ken.

Prayers on the way - please keep us posted.

Looks like a nice belt or inlays for knife sheaths to me:yes:

OUTSTANDING! Our God is an Awesome God! Continued prayers Kat.

I said it before and I'll say it again - OOOHRAAAH - SEMPER FI! Carry on!

Teak

:rolleyes:Here I am in all my glory - Doves on the wing.

blank for me too - hope we can get this fixed.

Outstanding Norm - really makes one stop and think. thank you so much for sharing.

Continued prayers Ken

Whoo Hooo - Congratulations Joe! Now where can I place my order?

Sorry for your loss Hutch - prayers on the way.

You got it Ken - Prayers on the way.

My wife's African violets.