Thanks for the kind words.
My knifemaking has/is been guided and strongly inlfuenced by Special Operations guys from the beginning, in 1982 I met Al Mar, former 1st SFG(A) and knife designer of fame. Worked with Al for a long time on numerous projects including one for the late Col. Nick Rowe of over 50 pieces.
Al Mar introduced me to to Col. Rex Applegate in 1984. Applegate was a core member of the OSS reporting directly to Bill Donovan. The projects I did for Applegate spanned 14 years.and are still being produced today.
Both Al Mar and Col. Rex Applegate are in the Knifemaking Hall of Fame too.
Also the Yarborough Knife project for USASOC followed by the Pacific for 1st SFG(A) with Chris Reeve Knives who do amazing work, couldn't have done it without them.
Then you all here where I have made some great friends and have received valuable help over the years.
Nothing better than a group of grumpy Green Berets to keep me on the straight and narrow.
Kind of like going home to the logging operation.
Edited to add! How could I forget mentioning the Spartan Blades guys over the last 16 or so years!
I'm lucky to be working with them. We have more great knives coming. My drafting table and bench top are covered with our stuff right now.
"Grumpy" is a term of endearment, to me it means someone who has been in tough places, has seen and endured stuff and keeps right on working no matter what. All the old loggers I know, my family included, are this.
Pyreaux,
Thanks for making the post here.
TR,
Thanks for the heads up my friend.
Thank you all again.
Bill