In early February of 2001, a friend of mine sent me to a web site that showed how to make a knife with hand tools. Using that tutorial, I completed my first knife in mid February. It was a very basic skinner with oak scales. It wasn't the greatest knife, but I was very proud of it at the time.

I knew after completing that knife that I wanted to make more. I was fortunate enough to meet several other knifemakers in the area who were willing to take me on and teach me the skill.

I now primarily make folding knives, and my specialty is building slipjoints. I've always liked the traditional patterns, and there's nothing like the walk-and-talk of a knife with a good strong spring.