Thanks for the kind comments, everyone. This knife is the fourth in a row that I have made for the Phatwater Kayak Race in Natchez, Mississippi. Paddlers from around the United States race on the Mississippi River from Port Gibson to Natchez (about 45 miles). They cross the finish line at Natchez Under the Hill.
Due to the historic relevance of the Sand Bar Fight of 1827, event coordinator Keith Benoist commisions me to make a bowie knife to be raffled off at the end of the race. They sell $5,000 worth of tickets and the proceeds are donated to the local animal shelter.
I am compensated for my work through the generosity of well-known antique bowie collector, Mike Worley. The knife is accompanied by a beatifully crafted box in the shape of, you guessed it, a coffin. I have not seen the box yet but I have seen Wally Erickson's work in the past, and this year's presentation case should be phenominal.
I can post info if anyone is interested in buying raffle tickets, maybe winning the knife & box, and helping all of the little cats & dogs in Jim Bowie's old home town.
And as always, Coop did a fine job!
Cheers,
Terry Vandeventer
