I joined the Air Force when I graduated from High School in 1961. We used to have "hog killings" but the knives we used wouldn't hold an edge. I made some knives one night that would hold an edge. Just a couple of years ago I was visiting one of the old fellows that helped with the hog killing. He gave me one of those knives back - I still have it.
In Vietnam in 1965 I made two bowies. I sold one for $50. First knife I ever sold. I still have the other one. After Vietnam I settled in Tennessee. I lived and worked there for many years until moving to Fort Worth, Texas in 1990.
Over the years I have worked on muzzle loaders and knives. I have forged blades, do wire inlay, engraving and scrimshaw. I've worked with a lot of makers over the years. I've sold and traded a lot of knives.
I taught wire inlay at Jim Batson's Bladesmith Symposium for 7 years. I've been a member of the Miniature Knife Society since 1989 and have won numerous awards for my miniatures I make many originals as scale models of full size collector's pieces.
I moved to Fort Worth, Texas in 1990. I met Gene Osborn a couple of years ago. Jut this month we have combined our talents and I am now a part of Center Cross Metal Works as a full-time knifemaker. (Gene's original business).
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#8 - "Forgot" bowie, 2-3/4" blade, 4-1/2" overall, ivory handle, silver guard, black & silver spacers, Jesse Hemphill damascus. |
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#13 - Gun stock folder, 1" blade, 2-3/8" overall, 14C gold AE, damascus blade & handle, Steve Schwarzer damascus. |
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#16 - Persian, 2-1/4" blade, 3-1/4" overall, mastodon ivory handle & sheath, 14C gold pins, bolsters and AE, Jesse Hemphill damascus. |
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#29 - Bowie, 2-3/4" blade, 5" overall, damascus blade, ivory handle, sterling silver & black spacers, sterling silver guard, eagle head carved from fossilized walrus tooth. |
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E-mail: alleneldridge@centercross.com
Web: http://www.centercross.com