Quirt handle

This was an interesting project. Something different anyway. This handle will go to raw hide braider Billy Albin, who will work his magic, then it will be on his table at the Western Heritage Classic in Abilene, Texas in May.

1018/203e/nickel damascus steel

Bits, spurs and knives

I spent my shop time today finishing up a lot of things. Shop time has been a little scarce the last couple of weeks, we've been getting some cattle in, and though they have been easy to straighten out, they have been time consuming. Plus, its been cold, and cold just makes me tired anymore.

The spurs are for sale. Man size, 2 3/4 inch shank, 1 inch band, 1 3/4, 6 point rowel. They are 1 piece, 1018/nickel damascus steel. http://spanishspade.com

The rest are sold. Thanks to Billy for the bit order and Josh for the knives.

All the items I show are made entirely by me in my shop. Including the damascus steel.

The grandson

He will be rodeoing before you know it.

The week in pictures

Scott had a successful hog hunt

Sam, my cattle buyer, can't wait to watch it

We started getting some calves in again this week. The quality is up but so are the prices. We will probably buy a lot more heifers this year than steers. We have a couple of good places this year with no neighbor bulls. If we can make cows out of some we might, but most are destined for the feed lot.

Flag

I was extremely surprised when I opened the mailbox this morning and found this.
I built Carisa a knife to carry to Afghanistan a good while back, and  certainly never expected any thing in return. I proudly build knives for anyone that is serving our country overseas. It is the least I can do.

I hope the crew returns home safely, and I'am glad we have such qualified and dedicated people protecting our country.

Back to the ole grindstone

Kate mailed me a white tail deer shed and asked me to put it on some of my steel. I was happy to do so. I hope her kin folks are happy with them. 5160/8670/15n20 damascus for the knife blade.

We usually start calving in January, and this year is no different. I checked heifers this morning and noticed a few starting to bag up. I'm sure the bad weather that is on the way will bring on a lot of calves. 18 degrees and a 30 mph wind is predicted for the next few days. May be we won't have much trouble, these heifers had a little more maturity on them than most, and were bred to a corriente bull. The grown cows probably won't be worried about much, they have plenty to eat and can shelter in the woods, they will make it just fine.

I hope my friends up north make it OK. Good luck, maybe it won't last long. Has it been a rough winter or am I just getting old?