I started packing horses in the Tetons Wilderness at 9 years old. I was taught by my father, Raymond Glen Perkins and my uncle, Junior Martin. In the wild years of hunting between the 1950s and 1960s, they had worked for the famous Henry Pervis, Max Wilde, and Kenny Sailors. I became a guide by the age of 18. At an early age, I learned the most valuable assets to own -- a good horse, good wool clothing, a pre-'64 model 70 Winchester rifle, and a good knife.

I have cleaned, skinned, and boned hundreds of animals -- all the while learning what a real knife must do. During the early years, I carried three knives with me, since this is what it took to skin and bone one elk. I also carried a stone to touch up knives while working. It was frustrating to have to carry more than one knife and so I set out to build one that was more reliable and kept sharp longer.

I purchased several books on the subject and followed their directions. I build some decent stock removal knives that performed better than the production knives I was used to. They were hardened in the coal furnace that heats my home.

For our 14th anniversary, my wife gave me a one day tutorial on forging knives from Mastersmith Ed Fowler. At the end of that day, I knew I was on the right track. Since then, Ed and I have worked together for hundreds of hours and anticipate continuing our friendship and working together for many years to come. One of the greatest days of my knifemaking career was the day that Ed asked if I would consider being an instructor in his school. I am currently an instructor in the academy of the high performance blade.

I build a true knife -- tested and guaranteed reliable -- built for a hunter, by a hunter.