Southern Governor's Bowie

Riley, Dennis

"My name is Dennis Riley. I am a custom knifemaker, a member of the Arkansas Knifemakers Association, and a Journeyman in the American Bladesmith Society. All my knives are hand forged. I use 1084, 5160 for plain carbon blades and 15N20, 52100, L-6 and 1084 for damascus. The carbon blades are zoned hardened and tempered at 375 degrees for 2 hours, twice, damascus blades are hardened and tempered at 475 degrees for 2 hours twice. This process is taught by the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing. This process produces a hard cutting edge with a softer spine. I use various types of handle material, Walrus Ivory, Elephant Ivory, Fossilized Walrus Ivory, Oosic, Steller's Sea Cow Bone, Giraffe Bone, Stag, various wood which all is stabilized."