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# About me

Charles

A B’hampster (Resident of Bellingham, Washington State, USA. Transplanted from Binghamton, New York, USA)

USN (Retired) 1984-2004; Aviation Fire Control Technician (AQ) 1984-1991(O level), then rate combined into Aviation Electronics Technician (AT) 1991-1996 (O level), 1996-2004 (I level).

dragonwooddesigns.deviantart.com/ is my lady wife of these many years.

skyfirestock.deviantart.com/ Is my new stock account. (Started 18 January, 2016)

My interests are broad and varied, encompassing many fields of study.

I like to make knives, weapons, and tools. Most of my knives are sculpture in the multi-mediums of metal and wood, plus leather for the sheaths. My skills include metal, wood, and leather-working. I also work with decorative knots and braids. Years ago I was apprenticed to a weapon and sword smith through the SCA, but I could not stay with it due to being on active sea duty in the Navy. When I left the SCA I was a journeyman metal smith. Adding to my skills I have also taken classes in metal casting, tool making, and jewelry smithing.

Recycling is a big part of acquiring my materials. I pick up old lawnmower and saw blades to cut up and use for my knife blanks. I will go to my local recycling company and purchase pieces of copper, brass, and other metals for projects. I will also buy old tools and drill-bits and refurbish or re-purpose them. Some of the wood I use comes from old trim molding and pallets.

Along the way I have discovered that I like photography. I started out just wanting to take pictures of family and the knives I had made. Now I am having a blast getting out and taking photographs of the world around me.

I also draw and sketch, but mostly for weapon and tool concepts. I am not that good at drawing people or animals. I am old-school; I use mechanical pencils and pens on paper. Only recently have I been trying out different drawing programs.

If you have any questions or observation, feel to send them my way.

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