Growing up in Northern Ontario , spending time in the bush was a natural.  And that is what we did as teenagers - camping, fishing, hunting and just plain hanging out (truth is, North Bay didn't have a mall - we had to go somewhere).

Of course, carrying a knife was just natural, and was used for everything, from skinning small game for dinner, to trout for lunch, to plain old whittling and throwing at trees.  I can even remember carrying sheath knives to school - try that today!!!

Having finished school it was off to Toronto, where I married and raised a family.   Tried to get up north at least a couple of times each year, family vacations, at least one fishing trip and a week sitting under a pine pretending I was deer hunting.  Clears the mind and makes one appreciate the beauty of nature.

About 1990 I met a knifemaker, and discovered the Canadian Knifemakers Guild annual show, where the real world of knifemaking became evident.

By about 2000 I decided this was something I just had to try - so with the help of Jim Downie, I bought a grinder, the basic equipment recommended by Jim, and began.

Subsequent visits to the CKG shows gave ma a chance to meet and talk to other craftsmen, and I quickly learned that the members were all very generous with tips and suggestions on how to improve.   It wasn't long before I was really hooked!  In 2004 I was accepted into the CKG, and attended my first show, where I was thrilled to find people admired (and puchased) my knives.

Now there is little I enjoy more than heading down to the shop to tinker and try new blade designs.

Many of the knives I make are custom ordered, often to the customers design and specifications for materials.  I also love working with leather, and have made several sheaths for people who have a special knife that wants a better place to live.

I don't produce a lot of knives in any one year, but try to find time to attend 1 or 2 shows annually, to meet outdoorsmen (and women) and also the other makers, to catch up on new techniques, materials and designs.

Now I am back in North Bay.  And if you're ever in North Bay, or just passing through to hunt or fish further north, give a call if you have a  minute or two to stop by for coffee. 

If you need camping or fishing equipment or gear, stop into Lefebvre's Sports on Main Street.  I went to school with Jerry Lefebvre, and he has everything you need for a quality time outdoors. 

Near Espanola, Ont. 

Deer outside my shop - the guy in the bottom photo is looking in the shop window as I grind!!

Unbelievable!