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December Picture Gallery |
Some Talons waiting to be shipped.
Sometimes there is a lot of layout, even for something that might not look perfect. Here is an example of laying out something with a little error intentionally placed for overall effect.
While Dad was in the hospital, my brother was in town quite a bit. Here he is in the shop helping out sand blasting some hawks.
The hawk shown above finished. This is my favorite hawk of 2002. Most people ask me if it is difficult to part with the hawks I make. The answer is usually no. I love the making of the hawk, and when that is done the thrill is gone. Not with this one though. I loved this hawk, and it was difficult to ship it out. I wouldn't have done it if I didn't know the person receiving it as well as I do. ( that and they waited forever for it...)
Two people I am proud to call friends - Donnie and Michael. Donnie is picking up a Talon at the shop. I feel in good hands when guys like Donnie make up the National Guard. Michael is no stranger to you long time RMJ Forge friends. He is a big help in the shop, and is better at molding Kydex than I am.
A Pappy hawk. Not too shabby either.
A hammer poll with brass inlays and tackwork.
A nice eagle hawk with copper inlays. Note the eyes.
Ryan and Curtis in the historic Patten house in Chattanooga. Curtis was the Design Lab Supervisor in the College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for over 20 years. Curtis taught me a great deal about the lathe, the milling machine, and accurate work. Every tomahawk I make uses something that Curtis taught me. Good luck Curtis, and enjoy your retirement!
An empty sanding belt box makes a great improv cat bed.
A stunning Plains Peace Pipe. Note the file branding.
A patriot pipe hawk.
This is me at the Florida Artist Blacksmith conference where I demonstrated tomahawk making in October. With me are two important people in my forging career, Steve Swartzer, and Stephen Feinstein. Swartzer, as most of you already know, is a world leading pioneer in mosaic damascus. Steve was very encouraging and helpful when I was a young smith. He remains a source of encouragement and information. ( Though it is very difficult to demonstrate forging in front of someone as good as Steve...) The other Steve is an old friend and adopted parent of mine. He does excellent work, and has always been there when I needed him. Check out his website for great deals on new anvils.
A batch of talons in the shop, ready to mark. Some are set aside to not be marked, but left "sterile".