St Judes 2006 Dustin Hartley Knife

[tippit]

It's been almost a year since I offered to build a knife to go along with George Nagel's St Judes Bow.  What made it a very special project was the wood that Dustin sent back home to his family (Voodoofire1) from Iraq...Saddam's Predator Place Wood.

After George used some wood for bow tips, he sent it on to me...But it got lost in the mail!  Somehow George tracked it down and I finally got it last fall along with some pieces that George used in his bow.

Since there wasn't much solid wood, I decide to laminate it to ebony.  Then I wanted to come up with a fitting tribute to Dustin.  I threw out 3 different blades and worked on different file work designs.  For me this was the hardest and most emotional project I had attempted.  Anyway my file work got a little bit better, the handle had to be small to match the size of the wood, and the blade needed to be a good usable tool for Todd Pendleton's ministry.

I finished it today.  This is the knife that took me to a higher level in my knife forging journey.  I hope it is a fitting tribute to Dustin.  I'll send it along to Carbon Castor so he can add his sheath making magic.  Plus a little bird & trout blade thank you for Brian...Doc

 

 

 

Brian hope you fish or bird hunt...
 

[traditional_archer]

You've done it again, just beautiful

[adkmountainken]

truly an artist!!! way to go!!!!

['46]

Too cool. Beautiful work. The bow and knives couldn't be a more perfect match.

The bow is finished with the same ebony and predator wood. Skins (an afterthought) go on tomorrow and I'll post pictures next week, after I hunt a few turkeys.

[tippit]

George,  That ebony you sent was like coal...very beautiful stuff.  Thanks!

[Hot Hap]

Beautiful! Hap

[Voodoofire1]

Doc, The knife is Beautiful, you have gone that extra mile with this and it shows!,The heart and emotion that you've built into this knife surely makes this knife extra special, and a fine tribute to Dustin, He would be proud! and you be proud too, you have done a great job...God Bless,Steve

[4runr]

That thing is beautiful, as usual, but, everything behind it is even more beautiful. Doc we are all blessed to be witness to your craftsmanship and heart. I hope to get to meet you at Dave's next month.

[Shell]

Jeff,

  That is beautiful all the way around.
I get too sappy, so I will stop here  

You are a gift to this site!  

[vermonster13]

WOW!

[AZStickman]

Way to go guys..... Your work is improving in leaps and bounds Doc..... I can't wait to see Georges' Bow...... I know it will be just as special....... Terry

[sticshooter]

Well Doc yet again you blow me away with your awesome talent! You done a great thing to honor a great American. And as Steve said his son would be proud.<><  

[Voodoofire1]

A week from tomorrow (monday 10:39 pm) will mark the second anniversary of Dustin's passing, this knife sure puts a sorely needed smile on my face at this rough time, Thanks Doc, and everyone for the kind words about my son..........Steve

[tippit]

Steve,
After reading your replies, I knew I had saved those little knife scale trimmings for a reason.  Just a little gesture with Dustin's Predator Wood...Doc

 

[tippit]

Steve, I forgot...I need your address.  Doc

[Shell]

Steve,


 My heart still aches about Dustin for you, that is a very special thing and beautiful gesture Jeff has done with the antler and woods...

Thank you both for sharing this with us.

[Hood]

Wow!...

Wow!!!

[Ian johnson]

wow, that bird and trout knife is exactly what I have been looking for!, nice knife!

[Trinity Outfitters]

Jeff,

That is drop-jaw beautiful--I love the shape, and the filework is awesome!  You, my friend, have exceeded even the high expectations I have had from seeing your portfoliio of work over the last year or so.

I am overwhelmed at the time, effort, and love you put into this knife.

As I told George, I am not even worthy of carrying what you two have crafted.  I do commit to keeping alive the memory of two men who sacrificed their lives for us, so that we could have life, "and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)

Todd

[Carbon Caster]

Congrats Todd!!!

Doc,

I am blown away.  I love MY nife!!!!!
You did ok on Todd's too.  I look forward to seeing them and keeping one!!

Thanks again sir,

Brian