Year: 2020

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On the bench.

Gibson natural 1911 left hand carry OWB basket

This one’s sold, but it’s an example of what a natural basket stamped holster looks like right after a massage of 100% pure Neatsfoot oil. They don’t always look all that great, but after a few hours, or overnight, things tend to even-out and give us a head-start on patina, and the ultimate honey-gold finish. This holster was for a 4″ or 4.25″ Commander-length 1911 for a fellow left-hander.

Natural Hermann Oak, premium American-tanned leather and heavy white machine stitching. The Blue Gun in the holster is primarily for shaping, and the actual hand-detailing that is done on the back panel for retention.

Typically, a plain (un-stamped) holster will be placed in a press with a Blue Gun and squished with around 6-tons of pressure. After the “squeeze,” the detailing is done to both the face and back panels. With a stamped or carved holster, you can’t use the press because it will destroy the stamping or carving.

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Believe half of what you see…

…and none of what you hear. That was attributed to Ben Franklin, but you can’t believe it because of all of the above. It’s also been attributed to Edgar Allan Poe. I still think it’s good advice, considering the quandary we all find ourselves in. The less I see and hear, the smaller the shovel I need to keep handy.

Knip Knife, Terry Knipschield, custom, French, leather knife, round knife, head knife,
French style round knife from Terry Knipschield in Rochester, Minnesota.

My newest round knife, aka head knife, etc., is the one above from Terry Knipschield up in Minnesota. Terry hasn’t been accepting orders for the last several months (to my knowledge) as he’s been rebuilding his knife shop. When he does get back to building knives again, I highly recommend them. I got this one almost a year ago, and finally decided to show it off.

That’s about all I have for today. It looks like we’ve got about fourteen days left in 2020, and we can kick this pig in the ass and send it on its way.

Just in case I get lazier and don’t do another blog post this month, thank you for reading. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and God Bless you and yours.

From what’s left of America …

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Birthdays.

Today is mine. 59-years ago, in a land far away, I hit the ground butt-naked and screaming. I was born in California, so that could explain both, the naked and the screaming. But, it was different back then. California was a little goofy, but not completely off the rails insane like it is today. The weather’s still good, so they do have that.

I’m in Florida now, where I’ve been for over 30-years. We left California when I was around 8, and moved to Louisiana. In hindsight, I don’t think anyone knew what a communist hell-hole California would become back then. I count myself fortunate that I didn’t have to grow up there.

Birthdays, to me, are kind of like getting new tires. Brand-new when you’re born, and then over the years (the miles), the tread gradually unwinds. A roll of toilet paper is kind of the same thing, but for the sake of keeping this sanitary, we’ll stick with tires. At some point, down the road, after many, many miles (we hope), there’s a blowout, and you’re outta here. Having a choice, I’d like to go in my sleep. I came in naked and screaming. I’d like to go out with a little less drama.

Statistically, I should have another 20-years. Give or take. I choose to take.

I’ve been crazy blessed, and I’m ridiculously thankful.