I love the Trapper pattern knife and I have more of them in my collection than any other pattern. The reason is not the sleek lines or any other visible attribute. It's because I have used it more than any other pattern being a former fur trapper.

I spent 10 years trapping 'coons, fox, 'rats, 'possum, skunk, and anything else of value for its pelt. Many Christmases were merrier becasue of it. I would cut small branches for guide sticks, sharpen points on ground stakes, and cut bait…

We must take our youth of today and forge them into tomorrow's generation of knife collectors and makers. Gentle guidance to encourage and develop their growth in the love of knives. Teaching the history of cuttlery as well as its place in today's world and in the future. Reference books and catalogs for them to use instead of video games. TV shows promoting cuttlery. Hands on training in the art of blade crafting.

I started my grandson out by giving him a freebie knife when I…