Spike Warhawk

[grafton]

Chances are they have been busy checking the knife exchange page to see if I changed my mind and tried to sell this one. After a while they came to grips with the notion that my creation is not for sale, so now they are all busy looking around their houses for stuff to make a knife like mine. They can try

 

[pullrich]

I'm really impressed with your dedication to re-using materials, some of which I didn't know was available to inmates.

LOL. Grafton and Randy you're the best. When the apocalypse comes it's good to know we have two fine makers that will set us up with gear even if the lights are all out. One concern Grafton is that it appears that you are using an imported apple for the patina. American heritage strains will only do on these forums

 

[church&son]

Don't worry Howard. Grafton, if you are reading this, I'll type slow...Grafton is one of the most talented artists and most interesting people I know. His exotic taxidermy work is without equal. He is also what I hold as a dear friend and we love to give each other quick bloody pokes in the side. The "hairy hide" in my pics are some he sent me, it is either Kudu, African Antelope, Cape Buffalo, Warthog or Virginia roadkill, I can't remember which. He also has the same affliction I have, A JOB that requires hours and hours and weeks away from home, so our passions are extremely part time. I'll listen to some crap for this one but take a look at this;



This Cape Buffalo mount is amazing. He's living his dream part time. He's also a very decent neo-tribal bladesmith and maker of African style warclubs. Pretty good for a Virginian hide stuffer. Very talented man, it's a shame he is so jealous of my skills. Enough of this Love Fest, imitation is the best form of flattery...........

 

[church&son]

One concern Grafton is that it appears that you are using an imported apple for the patina

Buy American boys and girls, the tribe you save may be your own....

Chances are they have been busy checking the knife exchange page to see if I changed my mind and tried to sell this one. After a while they came to grips with the notion that my creation is not for sale,

It is in the Picasso section..........maybe my stuff will sell there......

 

[grafton]

I use import apples for knife testing and US apples for eating.

I heard on the radio the other day that the average apple you buy in the store is 13 months old.

I was cutting this one up to count the rings and see how old it was.


By the way, thanks for the kind words Randy. I may save that and put it all on the back of the dust jacket.

I am also the most interesting knife buyer in the world.

I don't always buy primitive..... but when I do, I prefer Church & Son.




I also like axes hatchets, hawks, clubs etc...which brings us back on topic. I will try and post some photos of some of mine soon.

 

[HandAxeProMan]

Thanks for the info Randy. Grafton, I will be looking forward to your pics. Do you specialize in African game or do you do American as well. My taxidermist in Alaska retired a couple of years back. Hasn't been a problem since I haven't shot anything of any size since I moved to the lower 48.

Howard

 

[grafton]

Howard, I specialize in African game. I do a few North American mounts a year as well, mostly for clients that I am doing safari work for. As a one man shop I can only do a certain number of mounts per year and so the African stuff tends to keeps me busy. I do other work as time/schedule allows. Having unexpected deer show up throughout the hunting season does not always work well with my schedule so I do not solicit that work. I certainly will do them as time allows though.

Like most of you I have a blade addiction that I have learned to live with.
I just started messing with forging some stuff and Randy has been a real help to me in getting started. I have bought a few pieces from him that I love. When I see the work being done on these sites it gets me fired up to want to make stuff. I do not need and have little time for another hobby/interest but I have enjoyed the little bit of forging and leather work I have attempted. I certainly have a better understanding and appreciation of the work and talent that goes into the stuff I see on these forums.

Cheers.