Monday, August 13, 2012

Food

I thought this was a good read. It doesn't paint a very pretty picture of the state of agriculture world wide.

http://yanquimike.blogspot.com/2012/08/enter-food-chain.html

I wished I could have answered his last question but I found I don't have any answers.
As far as my area, I think cattlemen, as well as farmers, are going to have to rethink their approach to doing business. The old over graze all summer, feed them all winter may not work anymore. Fewer numbers and making them go longer on native pasture might help. I think the most dangerous thing one  can do is have the mind set of, "well, this is how we have always done it". Try something new, if it doesn't work, you can always switch back. Your going broke anyway what will it hurt. True cattlemen will find some way to ride this drought out.

 I know the government is not the answer. Overall, what have they ever done well but spend money.

I can remember when I was a kid, most poor people had gardens, and the poorer they were, the better their garden was. Gardeners anymore are doing it for a hobby. I know they are a lot of work, but it might beat eating a wish sandwich.

When people get hungry, things turn ugly quick. I hope we don't see it in this country, but it could happen. Very few live where they could grow or raise something to eat, even if they had the skills to do it, and that is a shame.




Sunday, August 12, 2012

Goose neck damascus spurs

I finished these this afternoon. 1018 and nickel damascus, buffalo nickels for buttons, and nickel silver. The shanks are 2 3/4 inches,  and the rowels are 1 1/2 inches.




Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Morning

The shop around 4 a.m. The only time I can stand being around the forge this time of year.




What I am working on. 1 piece goose neck spurs, damascus of course.


We have been well over 100 degrees every day since I can remember. With forging or livestock, if I don't get it done early, it just waits till tomorrow.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Damascus bit

I used the same pattern on this as I did the plain bit I built several weeks ago. It is a very well balanced bit that has some stop if you need it. The damascus is A203E/1018/15n20/nickel. The mouth piece is mild steel.




Our stamp.
International Guild of Bit and Spur Makers.


The IGBSM is having a sale in October. I will put this bit in the sale, if it doesn't sell before. More details on the sale as I get them.
Don't forget that you can click on the picture to see it larger. 

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Joe and Otto

A picture of Joe we scanned from the Super Looper magazine. That hat he is wearing no longer fits.




My friend Otto started a new business, and I thought I would give him a plug. He has a lot more goodies coming out, so check back from time to time.
http://gun-culture.com/store/index.php?p=home

Here is Otto's other site, he is a talented guy.
http://www.ottocarter.com/


Monday, July 30, 2012

Bracelet

An anniversary present. Sterling silver with copper overlay.




I don't get to build much stuff like this, but enjoy it when I do.
One little trick I learned if you don't have the proper equipment, is to use a pick axe handle to bend the band around. It is shaped perfectly like a wrist.

Thanks John for the order.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Won buckles




These are stainless steel damascus with nickel silver letters. They will be given away in september at our local ranch rodeo. If you have never attended a ranch rodeo, they are a lot of fun.