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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: tippit on February 02, 2007, 09:26:00 AM

Title: Last Knife Picture
Post by: tippit on February 02, 2007, 09:26:00 AM
With deer season over, I've been working my forge quite a bit...should be my last post for awhile.  This is a special knife for my son so moderaters may want to delete it.

My son's dog was hit & killed a year ago.  He was coming back from a run with Bear. As he was about to jump into the truck a Mule deer also jumped from the roadside culvert.  Bear took chase and was killed instantly in front of Zach.  Bear was his constant companion.  

Zach is a wilderness EMT, white water & flyfishing guide, ski patrol...extreme sports/outdoor guy in Gunnison, CO.  Bear used to be slightly famous riding the front of Zach's raft or kayak thru some pretty heavy water on the Arkansas River.  

Long story short...Zach hiked Bear to the top of a mountain in the snow for his resting place.  This past spring he went back to bring some of  Bear's bones back to the Arkansas.  That's where I come in.  I tried to make a  neck knife from one of Bear's bones so he could be with Zach always...Doc
   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Knives/IMG_2433.jpg)
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: Orion on February 02, 2007, 09:31:00 AM
All I can say is wow, to both the story and the knife.  Lots of love in both.
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: madness522 on February 02, 2007, 09:37:00 AM
Priceless knife and story behind it!
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: Golden Hawk on February 02, 2007, 09:44:00 AM
A very fitting remembrance. I'm sure it will be cherished.
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: Ray Hammond on February 02, 2007, 09:48:00 AM
Doc, are you doing that quillwork too? Man that is some pretty work...and what a wonderful story...I am sure your son will be very proud to have that one!
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: tippit on February 02, 2007, 09:55:00 AM
Ray,
The quill work is done by a very talented young lady from NC...Rebecca Parker.  I met her at Denton Hill and had her make up a number of items for me.  Also her husband does some incredible knaping.  

Unfortunately leather isn't my medium...hint you maybe looking for a sheath maker  :)
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: Pat B on February 02, 2007, 10:08:00 AM
Great story about a sad loss, Doc. I'm a dog lover and understand completely. Now Zack and Bear can be together again with this beautiful bone handled knife and quill work quiver.
   I know Becca and she does beautiful quill work among other things. She is Vinson Minor's sister. Their whole family is extremely tallented. Her husband James is a fantastic knapper, bow maker and primitive skills expert. I consider both good friends.    Pat
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: tippit on February 02, 2007, 10:16:00 AM
Pat B,  I didn't know she was Vinson's sister.  He has helped me out in the past.  Chips must really fly when James & Vinson get together.  WOW way too much talent in that group!!!
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: Pinecone on February 02, 2007, 10:26:00 AM
As a fellow dog lover, I just want to say how much I appreciate this story, Doc.  Zach may have lost a friend, but thanks to you, he'll always have something of him close at heart...close at hand.

Claudia
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: Numitokayo on February 02, 2007, 10:29:00 AM
Tippit,

That was a very touching story...

Great job!!!!! I look forward to seing some of your future work.

Daniel
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: mike g on February 02, 2007, 10:31:00 AM
Very touching story....And beautiful knife and sheath....
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: Frenchymanny on February 02, 2007, 10:40:00 AM
Tippit,

I lost my friend of 9 years last summer, so I can deeply relate to your story.

Beautiful knife, beautiful feelings

F-Manny
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: Shell on February 02, 2007, 10:54:00 AM
Jeff,  
 

That is a beautiful knife and gesture to your son in more ways than imagined to be treasured, the sheath is the prettiest one you have showcased from that talented lady, the colors are the most beautiful I've ever seen.

But, I am at a loss for words regarding Zach and Bear...my heart is aching.

God Bless, Shell
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: Pat B on February 02, 2007, 11:54:00 AM
Doc, The chips REALLY do fly when James and Vinson get together. Those two are as compatable as oil and water. LOL I've known both for a long time and get along well with both, but....!    Pat
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: vermonster13 on February 02, 2007, 11:59:00 AM
:clapper:     :clapper:    :clapper:
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: Trinity Outfitters on February 02, 2007, 12:23:00 PM
tippit,

Touching symbol you have made to commemorate his companion--good on you!

BTW, does he patrol Crested Butte?  I'm on my way there Sunday, so would like to introduce myself.

Todd
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: tippit on February 02, 2007, 12:34:00 PM
Todd, He does patrol Crested Butte.  My wife will be out there the end of the week so I don't know his schedule.  I know they are planning some back crountry skiing though.
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: TexMex on February 02, 2007, 01:01:00 PM
:thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: 4runr on February 02, 2007, 02:12:00 PM
Wow, Doc. I don't know which I like more. The knife and sheath, or the story behind it. Beautiful on both parts. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: paradocs on February 02, 2007, 02:22:00 PM
Can't imagine a better way to honor an old friend
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: Doug Campbell on February 02, 2007, 04:11:00 PM
:thumbsup:    :thumbsup:  Awesome Doc!
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: Killdeer on February 02, 2007, 04:31:00 PM
I seldom click on a thread expecting to end up a puddle of tears! What a powerful tale. You have a son to be eternally proud of, and I am awed by the love that pours from the hearts behind all these actions. There is a synergy here that defies definition and explanation.

It will take me a while to think all of this through. I just know that it is good. Bless you all, and long may Bear run.

Killdeer
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: Shell on February 02, 2007, 04:49:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Killdeer:
I seldom click on a thread expecting to end up a puddle of tears! What a powerful tale. You have a son to be eternally proud of, and I am awed by the love that pours from the hearts behind all these actions. There is a synergy here that defies definition and explanation.

It will take me a while to think all of this through. I just know that it is good. Bless you all, and long may Bear run.

Killdeer
My loss of words just spoke up...Thank you Kathy...  :)  

Shell
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: woodchucker on February 02, 2007, 05:03:00 PM
Very Special Indeed Doc!!!!!

What a wonderful way for Zach to carry Bear close to his heart

May The Great Spirit Guide Your Arrows My Brother
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: sticshooter on February 02, 2007, 05:41:00 PM
Well done DOC. Nothing like the love a of a dog. They are really one of Gods great Gifts to us.<><
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: Scott G on February 02, 2007, 10:36:00 PM
That's a whole lotta Mojo.  First double edge blade I've seen you make.  Looks great.
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: JEFF B on February 02, 2007, 10:48:00 PM
now how he feels i have lost good mates as but never had the hart to cut them up. god bless you and yours
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: Whip on February 03, 2007, 12:24:00 AM
How deeply touched I am by the tragic way that Bear left your son, his devotion to carry him up the mountain, as well as the love you put into the blade.  I'm sure the loss is still painful, but I would guess the knife and shelth will certianly help to bring some comfort.  
Thanks for sharing a very personal story with us Jeff.  It paints a clear picture of the character of both you and your son.
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: Jock on February 03, 2007, 02:30:00 AM
"SPECIAL"!!
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: Firstarrow on February 03, 2007, 07:57:00 AM
Thanks for honoring us by sharing your memorial to bear.

Nice to see the quality of you two men.
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: UKarcher on February 03, 2007, 08:50:00 AM
I was thinking about my old childhood friend (Jack Russell) last night and how, even after thirty years I still miss him. Reading this has just made the floodgates open. A beautiful, touching story and gesture, resulting in a wonderful piece of work.
Graham
Title: Re: Last Knife Picture
Post by: LAR43 on February 03, 2007, 01:17:00 PM
Just beautiful Doc. The workmanship (as always) the story & the thought behind it all . . .Kudos

  :clapper:

Larry