The artist, David Tatom, is a native Texan. He spent his youth in his fathers workshop developing the skills that he now uses to create his many works.  David began making knives at an early age using the cold grind method to make old files into knives. His fascination with frontier life enabled him to develop skills in primitive black powder hunting and mountainman reenacting. Skinning and tanning deer and elk hides has always been a passion of his. David only hunts with the knives that he has made himself. Once a deer is taken, he uses the razor sharp skinner that was one of the first knives he ever made. You can be sure that an edge will remain on the skinner knives. A close friend recently shared that a very large boar hog was taken and it took two hands to stab through the thick neck skin. The head was removed with much effort because of the extremely thick boar skin. Shortly after a deer was taken and skinned using the same knife with a still sharp edge.
David believes that a knife is a reflection of the wearers personality and is more than just a tool. Special care is given to each knife and custom sheath so that it is unique and a piece of art that you will be proud to wear. Mountain men, cowboy action shooters, and the modern hunter alike, all enjoy carrying these beautiful rugged pieces. Many women have purchased David's knives just as show pieces because of the art and symbolism.  These knives and axes make incredible gifts that quickly become prized possessions of the recipients.

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skiing with his son at Wolfcreek

on a trek

a gift to a good friend

passing on the skills

a razor sharp skinner

fresh off the anvil

working the red hot steel in the Duck Creek Forge