I took college level courses in Junior Accounting and Computer programming. My first job was as a Junior Programmer at Beta Shoe for 18 months. I then went to work for Sweetheart Cup Company in November 1970 where I am currently employed.
I am an N.R.A. life member, a charter member in the Appalachian Knifemakers Guild and the Chesapeake Bay Knife Collectors Club where I have been an officer or director since the start of the club in 1980.
I bought a Butterfly knife prior to entering the service. There I found it useful to carry. After the service I started going to gun shows collecting single shot action rifles. As prices went up and cash went down I start collecting Bowie and butterfly knives.
Through contacts with the collector I dealt with, I was introduced to KNIFE WORLD and AMERICAN BLADE (BLADE magazine). After a dry spell in finding butterfly knives, inspired by the magazine articles, I decided to try to make one. I used material from House of Muzzleloaders, A2 for blade stock and brass for handles and pins. My tools were a hacksaw, 1/4" electric hand drill, vises, files and an old 1/3 HP motor mounted with buffing wheels. Before I could become skilled, the avalanche of inexpensive buttlerfly knives was coming in. After a couple of years trying to sell butterflies for $35 to $50 I surrendered. I switched to fixed blade knives. I have been trying ever since.
I am not an artistic, I am a craftsman. My knives are working class knives and they are meant to be used. I appreciate the people who have put my knives in their collections, but personally I would rather make a cutting tool.