When I was In high school my uncle gave me some money to buy an Xbox 360. To my great surprise I discovered that I wanted a camera instead.
After graduating high school I found I enjoyed photographing nature; specifically wildflowers and waterfalls. As I began to spend more time in the outdoors I grew tired of cheap gear such as walking sticks and knives from local department stores.
I decided first that I wanted a proper walking stick. Something with character and the strength and elasticity I required for my trips, but also without being too heavy. This allowed the use of my training as a Mechanical Engineer at the University of TN at Chattanooga to come into play. I scoured data sheets for different local hardwoods and finally decided upon American Hornbeam for my stick. These trees often have twists, knots, and fluted trunks. It's elasticity was comparable to hickory, but was significantly lighter. I have used that stick for 4 years now.
Having made a satisfactory walking stick, I wondered if I could do the same thing with knives. I then visited the local WoodCraft store, picked up a knife kit, and found I enjoyed making the handles. Researching various styles of knives led me to the Scandinavian Puukko style. I enjoyed the fact that I could shape the handle exactly how I desired without being limited to the pre-made shape of a full tang blade. I also valued the history and simplicity of this style of knife.
All of these activities eventually accumulated a hefty scrap pile. Burning the scraps was out of the question as some were expensive exotic hardwoods. "Perhaps jewelry could be made with the scraps?" I asked myself. After making a few pendants, and at the encouragement of friends and family, I opened up an Etsy shop to share my humble crafts with whomever might enjoy them.