Judson Brennan: Alaskan Longrifle Artisan: An Exciting New Bowie from Jud

Sunday, January 19, 2020

An Exciting New Bowie from Jud

This knife is a special project that Jud has envisioned for some time. The form is inspired by the Bowie knife by Schively on page 100 of The Bowie Book, but Jud plans to feature his interpretation of the fine Colt Engraving of the master 19th C engraver Gustave Young.

The blade is bi-metalic thanks to Jud's top secret method of welding 12L14 to 1095 to get the perfect combination of a hardened edge and a large more tool friendly metal canvas for engraving.

(Hint: I just ordered 50 grams of .999 pure gold from JM Bullion!)

Early Shaping

Refining the Handle & Guard

The Handle Features an Unusually Colorful Piece of

Fossil Walrus Ivory from the Ocean Floor

Near Nome Alaska

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/