WISE CUSTOM KNIVES - Handmade Knives

After collecting knives for many years, I decided to set up shop and try it myself. It didn't take long to discover that I was addicted to making knives!

After moving to NC in 1992, I became a member of the North Carolina Knifemakers Guild, where I met and made many friends. The amount of knowledge gained from them is immeasurable.

In 1994, I started making more traditional and period knives. Most of the knives I make now are from the 17 and 1800's. I still make modern knives, when requested, but prefer to make knives similar to the ones that were used between 1700 and 1840.

Only natural materials, those available to the 18th century bladesmith, are used on my primitive knives. Woods,such as curly maple,walnut,Osage orange and sometimes cherry are used. Antler handles are made from either whitetail, elk, mule deer or when available, sambar(India) stag. I also use moose antlers, when available. Cow and Water Buffalo also make beautiful handles.

All of my guards and butt caps are made from mild steel, unless brass or nickel silver are requested. Some knives, such as the Backwoodsman,have a tin ferrell or bolster.(I use a mixture of 98% tin and 2% silver.)

I make my own sheathes from 8/9 oz. vegetable tanned leather. Styles are done to suit the particular knife, if you prefer a certain style please mention it.
Sheathes covered with brain-tanned deer hide cost an additional $30.00; Sheathes covered in rawhide are an additional $20.00

1. BELT-regular pouch type with a belt loop on the back.
   
2. SASH-a pouch type with no belt loop; meant to be worn in/under a belt or sash. It comes in either plain leather or covered with rawhide or brain-tanned deer hide.
   
3. BOWIE-a box type sheath with a belt loop on the back.
   
4. NECK-designed to hang from the neck with a cord or strap. Usually box type and can be covered with rawhide or brain-tanned deer hide.
   
5. BOOT or PIT- a box type sheath with a spoon handle (metal clip) so it can be worn inside your boot or in the arm pit of your waistcoat (vest).
   

I have designed and made tools to be used by craftsman of various other period items.