Named for one of my earliest blacksmithing mentors, Charlton “Skeeter” Prather. This guy changed my life when he hired me at Mission San Luis and encouraged me to apply for scholarships. He encouraged me to ask questions and knock on doors “the worst they can say is no” he would tell me. I never called him Charlton, he insisted that everyone call him Skeeter, a nick name affectionately given to him as his choice of study in public health was the mosquito and the bug it carried, malaria. He tipped his hat and held doors and was in all respects, a true role model. Our time together is still cherished. He passed about 3 years ago. He was small in stature and his presence was humble, but he always left a positive and inspirational impression. In making this practically sized k-tip paring knife, I fused woodgrain carbon steel damascus over my favorite kitchen knife carbon steel for a blade that is as functional as it is beautiful. The fully tapered tang is dressed in a gorgeous piece of stabilized, quarter sawn sycamore (from friend & neighbor Curtis Buchanan’s seat stash and the same stuff I was processing last June when I had my injury). Put this to use immediately or fawn over it until you’re ready.

• size: 3 1/4” blade / 7 3/4” overall / 1 1/16” heel

• weight: 76 grams

• blade: pattern welded high carbon damascus steel over 26C3 carbon steel, hand finish

• handle: sycamore, copper hardware