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My name is Rick and everyday, I’m doing what I love to do. I could tell you that my job is making outdoor gear, knives and leather goods… but that just doesn’t describe it, fully. For me, whenever I pick up a tool… whether it’s a hammer, needle or scissors… I see it as vehicle, though which I can express myself. There is a bit of me in everything I make. That may sound cliché to most but when I look at a finished piece, I can remember back to what I was feeling and thinking during its creation.

I quit my "normal" job a few years ago to become a fulltime stay-at-home dad. When my kids became old enough for school I attempted to ease back into the working world. It was important to me to be available for my family when needed. Working from home was the only logical conclusion.

I have always had a passion for the woods and have studied with several wilderness skills instructors including Canada’s, Allan “Bow” Beauchamp. Over the years, I have either made or modified my equipment to suit a variety of conditions and environments. This, coupled with 14+ years of experience in the tool, die and fabrication industry have provided me with the skills necessary to bring my creations to life.

There are few “original” ideas out there. I draw inspiration from the "tried and true" designs that many have used before me. I see what works and attempt to break it down to the raw essentials. While my artistic pieces allow me the joys expressing my creativity, my true passion lies in shaping and refining “Bush Tools” meant for hard use.

Rick tries to build fireLearning about snow shelters