Well I picked Rod up on the 4th at the Billings MT airport and I knew from the start it would end way to soon. It was great to see him again and as we loaded his luggage in my truck we started to cut it up and laugh. We grabbed a bite to eat and headed down to Cody WY.
I was anxious to shoot and show Rod how I put his teachings to good use. I followed his program to the T and he gave me a thumbs up! Which made me feel great. There is always room for improvement and Rod pointed out a couple of things to work on and I was pleased to hear some criticism for I know that with working on my form alone bad habits are bound to take hold. But all in all he shored up my feelings I was shooting strong and headed down the path to success.
The clinic was great! Just hearing the material for the second time was a great reinforcement. By the second day every one was getting a grip. Rod has a way of simplifying things and making them your idea! I call it the Jedi mind trick! LOL He is to old to know what a Jedi is so I had to explain it.
We worked on the new split finger tab and the Matt Potter 2 under! LOL I guess there is about 12 or less 2 finger shooters we need to accommodate! The split is looking good with a separator being custom shaped for comfort and shoot ability. It will be available with or with out the finger separator to hopefully please everyone.
We also hit on production in the shop and I will be trying really hard to come out with some products that will be high quality but also not as hard on the wallet! I have a earned a great reputation of building the best and I am proud of that. But I think I need to focus on some product that is functional and is more production minded to put quality gear in more hands. So look for a few items in the near future!
Well While all good things must come to an end there is always next year! Here are some pictures of Rod and I in the shop and about. If any one is interested in next year let me know. Rod also talked about adding and advanced class which would be fun! So enjoy the pictures!
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020121small_zpsc327b7dd.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020121small_zpsc327b7dd.jpg.html)
Rod running Safari Tuff from Cody WY. Now I know how I look most of the day!
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020122small_zpsbe731451.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020122small_zpsbe731451.jpg.html)
Me on the stitcher
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/small_zpsfb8d43e4.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/small_zpsfb8d43e4.jpg.html)
Laying out a sheath for Rods old Browning knife.
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020120small_zps1a971a59.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020120small_zps1a971a59.jpg.html)
Lining a sheath
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020126small_zps1382cfb7.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020126small_zps1382cfb7.jpg.html)
Back stitching. I know its a side ways picture!
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020129small_zpsb8dacc70.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020129small_zpsb8dacc70.jpg.html)
Antiquing
Just splitting up the pictures with some finished sheaths and mountain scenery!
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020146small_zpse12db193.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020146small_zpse12db193.jpg.html)
My new business name and maker mark!
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020142small_zpsbd87b674.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020142small_zpsbd87b674.jpg.html)
Rods Browning and new sheath.
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020140small_zps373c1236.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020140small_zps373c1236.jpg.html)
Locked and loaded!
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020137small_zps88cd8451.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020137small_zps88cd8451.jpg.html)
This Bad'Ol Boy is made by Andersen Forge and headed to Alaska! Its a small Bowie!
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020135small_zpsd5898d06.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020135small_zpsd5898d06.jpg.html)
Back side very cool Package!
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020148sm_zps82dc55db.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020148sm_zps82dc55db.jpg.html)
Rod with my friend Dan White at Dan's cabin up the Wood River. Dan attended the clinic and has a pile of trophy game animals he has shot in Wyoming with a recurve! Some of the most impresive elk I have ever seen!
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020154sm_zps59f582ad.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020154sm_zps59f582ad.jpg.html)
Slides
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020149sm_zps7101b93a.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020149sm_zps7101b93a.jpg.html)
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020153sm_zps8d9c03d5.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020153sm_zps8d9c03d5.jpg.html)
We live in some rugged country but it it gets my heart rate going faster than a good looking girl in a dance hall!
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020152sm_zps64a89d30.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020152sm_zps64a89d30.jpg.html)
Rod at the head of the Wood River old Kirwin mining town. He is happier than he looks!
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020150sm_zps3de165af.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020150sm_zps3de165af.jpg.html)
The Wood!
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020156sm_zps9ac9133f.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020156sm_zps9ac9133f.jpg.html)
The only place in the world you can kill an antelope at 10,000 feet!
(http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/BigSkySaddleCo/P1020159sm_zps2785980b.jpg) (http://s637.photobucket.com/user/BigSkySaddleCo/media/P1020159sm_zps2785980b.jpg.html)
Baby Muley
Thanks for looking and I hope everyone enjoys the spirit of the west. I try to remember why I moved to a place so wonderful and keep the tradition of the west alive with leather work and out of doors every day! Its easy to fall in a rut and take it for granted. I live my dreams and I am a lucky man!
Very nice on all accounts!
Sounds like y'all had a great time. That's some very nice country that you live in.
As far as leather work yours is second to none. Thanks for sharing.
Rod is just concentrating...
Great guy who has done a ton of stuff. I always enjoy any chance to talk with him. Picked up one of the tabs from him at Compton; that is a very well made item and I love it.
The scenery at the Cody class would be worth the trip alone.
Wow, pretty, pretty country..
You are a lucky fellow on many counts. One of which would be to have Rod as a friend !
Thanks for the pics Scott. Guess you're all settled in to your new location, and with a new name and all....best of luck to you! And yeah, Rod does look like he's havin' a good time.
How did you get Rod to smile so much? Bless your heart...a whole week? Shew......
Nice sheath btw. Says a lot for you and your work--as I'm sure you know by now, he's pretty picky about anything with his name on it.
Great post Scott, Thanks for sharing.
Scott,
I wonder if anyone has ever told Rod he looks like Charlie Sheen, just with a bit fuller frame. Very nice leatherwork.
Thanks guys! I don't see Charlie Sheen But I do see Tommy Lee Jones. In fact we were eating out and the waitresses all wanted pictures with him cause they thought he was Tommy Lee Jones.
I don't know, looks like Charlie to me, LOL.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/comanche/alg-major-league-sheen-jpg_zps41a55f31.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/comanche/media/alg-major-league-sheen-jpg_zps41a55f31.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/comanche/untitled_zps13fa3ea1.png) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/comanche/media/untitled_zps13fa3ea1.png.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/comanche/untitledbmp1_zpsc91dec71.png) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/comanche/media/untitledbmp1_zpsc91dec71.png.html)