Judson Brennan: Alaskan Longrifle Artisan: An exciting New Bowie Knife Project from Jesse Brennan

Sunday, April 13, 2014

An exciting New Bowie Knife Project from Jesse Brennan

Jesse is in the process of completing an exciting new Bowie Knife: a Sam Bell style with double gutters and a horn and silver handle.
I will publish more pictures of this knife as they become available. For now, here is a picture of Jesse working on final shaping of the blade after forging. Also included, a first look at the finished blade, an early stage of forming the handle and a closeup of the handle.
This fine knife is for sale. Contact Jesse at 907-803-3612 if you are interested.

Judson J. Brennan was born in Lansing Michigan where he developed an interest in early American longrifles, especially the beautiful and artistic flintlock rifles that were hand made by artisans during the Golden Age of American frontier craftsmanship.

Thanks to the friendship and encouragement of mentors like Roy Keeler, as a young man Jud was able to actually handle and inspect the construction, and the proportion and balance of original Pennsylvania Kentucky rifles. He then set out to teach himself the techniques required to build, carve and engrave contemporary examples of these rifles. His work has been featured in many books and articles on the craft and artistry of these tools of the American pioneers.

In 1985 Judson fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to Alaska where he settled with his family on Tenderfoot hill, 29 miles North of Delta Junction Alaska.

It is here that he built his house, his workshop, and his forge and it is here that he and his sons Jesse, David and Seth produce handmade historical arms and accoutrements in the traditional manner.

The purpose of this blog is to illuminate the beautiful and artistic works of this unique Alaskan family.

The author is collaborating with Jesse Brennan to present a new website for his work:

http://jessebrennanartsmith.blogspot.com

The author of this blog is Peter Marshall. He is a family physician in North pole, Alaska and has known Judson and his family since they arrived in Alaska in 1985. The author has a companion blog featuring his explorations around the State of Alaska.

It is called:

"Adventures of an Arctic Pilot" and it can be found on the web at:

http://k-syrahsyrah.blogspot.com/