Frontier Hearts

I reviewed this novel, set in the Revolutionary War era, in the May/June 2011 issue. Dan Hall crafts a fine story that's a good read. For ordering information, go to www.frontierhearts.com.

Bill Scurlock

Firearms of the Fur Trade

Mike Nesbitt reviewed this new book, published by the Museum of the Fur Trade, in the May/June 2011 issue. James Hanson is the author. Firearms of the Fur Trade is volume one in The Encyclopedia of Trade Goods. It has 583 pages and is hardcover. You can contact the Museum of the Fur Trade at www.furtrade.org.

Bill Scurlock

Straps by the Weaving Welshman

These straps are hand woven by Lynn Blevens, The Weaving Welshman from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The top photo shows a cotton strap on the left and two cotton/wool blend straps on the right. The bottom photo shows a narrower waxed cotton strap designed specifically for powder horns. These were reviewed in the May/June 2011 issue. Contact Lynn Blevens at www.theweavingwelshman.com.

The powder horn shown here (made by Mark Ewing) was reviewed in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue. Contact Mark at gaelforce1965@yahoo.com.

Bill Scurlock

Bumblin' Bear Grease

Bumblin' Bear Grease was reviewed by Mike Nesbitt in the May/June 2011 issue. This all-natural lube is great on patches and has many other uses. You can  order it from www.octobercountry.com.

Bill Scurlock

George Ainslie Folding Ladle

Mike Nesbitt reviewed this nice folding lead ladle in the May/June 2011 issue. It was made by George Ainslie of Prairie Elk Forge, P.O. Box 234, Lavina Montana 59046. You can call George at 406-636-2391.

Bill Scurlock

Janna Gatliff Woven Tapes

I reviewed Janna Gatliff's hand-woven linen and cotton tapes in the May/June 2011 issue. You can contact Janna by phone at 615-230-9853 or via email at janna@colonialmarket.com.

Bill Scurlock

Steve Watts Letter

We received the following note, and the photo above, from long-time subscriber, Steve Watts:

"Just a note from someone you don't know, but who, like many, has been influenced by your work. Many thanks for the years, the efforts and the publications that have been so useful to those of us who seek to interpret the past."

Thank you, Steve, for your loyalty and support.

Bill Scurlock

May/June 2011 in the Mail

The next issue is in the mail. The cover features a painting by Pennsylvania artist John Buxton, entitled "Stolen Bay." You can visit John's website at www.buxtonart.com or call him at 412-486-6588.

Bill Scurlock

Scott Shea Flint Wallet

This flint wallet was sent to me by Scott Shea. Scott's work has been featured in MUZZLELOADER ("Prime Possibles" Sept/Oct 2010) and on this blog (Aug. 25, 2010). This wallet features pockets for 2 spare flints and a hand-forged tool with turnscrews and a pick. To see more of Scott's work, visit www.scottshearifles.com.

Bill Scurlock

LaClair Skinner by C. L. Matteo

This hand-forged knife was reviewed by Mike Nesbitt in the Mar/Apr 2011 issue. For more information visit www.shrewbows.com/laclair_skinner/index.html.

Bill Scurlock

Hunting Gloves by Karen Hainlen

I reviewed these handmade wool hunting gloves in the Mar/Apr 2011 issue. They are first rate. To see them online or to get in touch with Karen, go to www.applecartcreations.com.

Bill Scurlock

October Country Frontier Horn

Mike Nesbitt reviewed this powder horn in the Mar/Apr 2011 issue. You can see more at www.octobercountry.com.

Bill Scurlock

Sharpshooters by Gary Yee

"For the Bookshelf" in the Mar/Apr issue featured this excellent book by Gary Yee. He also had an article entitled "Sharpshooters to the Top! Small Arms Marksmanship in the Age of Sail" in the Mar/Apr issue. Gary is an arms curator, former firearms instructor and enjoys building longrifles and accoutrements. Order online at www.sharpshooterpress.com.

Bill Scurlock

March/April 2011 Cover

The Mar/Apr 2011 issue features an original painting entitled Tracking Bahd-ler on the cover. Ohio artist Todd Price can be contacted by phone at 513-891-0260. You can visit his website at nightowlstudio.net.

Bill Scurlock

October Country Knurled Jags

Mike Nesbitt reviewed these knurled jags from October Country in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue. Their website is www.octobercountry.com.

Bill Scurlock

Tedd Cash Range Finder

Mike Nesbitt reviewed this 19th century reproduction range finder in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue. It comes with it's own drawstring cloth pouch and instructions for use. You can order at www.tdcmfg.com.

Bill Scurlock

Krill's Watch Hutch

I reviewed Dave Krill's traveling watch hutch in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue. Made of curly maple, this hutch protects your watch while traveling and displays it in camp or at home. You can contact Dave at 970-835-8871 or view his wares online at www.teacaddy.biz.

Bill Scurlock

Callahan's Worm/Ball Puller

This combination worm and ball puller appeared in the Jan/Feb 2011 "Prime Possibles." Larry Callahan, one of the "Missouri Boys," makes these by hand. They're available with either 8–32 or 10–32 threads and can be fashioned for most any caliber you desire. To order, you need to call Larry at 636-475-7444. If he doesn't answer, leave a message, and he will call you back.

Bill Scurlock

Sean Lang, A Real Muzzleloader

I apologize for not keeping my blog up to date. Back toward the end of hunting season, I got busy, the Christmas season came upon us, end-of-the-year stuff the January issue of American Tradition for the CLA, etc. I got out of the habit of posting for awhile.

At this point, I'm picking up with the Jan/Feb 2011 issue and the "Smoke Signals" section. There was a young man pictured there who must be pretty tough. Take a look at the picture of Sean Lang, standing in the snow, preparing to shoot his flintlock during the Independent Mountain Men of Pennsylvania winter shoot in February 2010. His dad, Jerry, is right to be proud.

Bill Scurlock