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FEATURED William Henry CUSTOMER: Jim Atkinson

FEATURED William Henry CUSTOMER: Jim Atkinson

By William Henry September 21, 2019
The Tradition Continues... About 5 years ago, we lost my step-dad, Jim Shamblin, after a long battle with Post-Polio Syndrome. Luckily for me, Jim and I developed a special bond over the years that I will always treasure, and he sealed it with his beloved collection of William Henry knives. Jim Shamblin was a “man’s man” and had the kind of life you only read about in adventure novels. As a teenager, he joined the Merchant Marine during WWII, and was the sole survivor when the tanker he was serving on was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine off the coast of India. After floating on a drum for a week, Jim was rescued by another US tanker. Jim and his stellar knife collection Jim ended up joining the Army and served in post-war Germany, and eventually in Vietnam, where he survived a helicopter crash. He became an engineer and worked on projects for the Department of Defense, NASA, the US Air Force, as well as international companies and foreign governments. And, in his retirement, Jim wrote 6 novels, largely autobiographical, about some of the amazing episodes in his life. Over the years, Jim had collected weapons, and especially exotic knives, from the many countries and cultures he experienced over his career. But, when my Mom got the great idea to give him William Henry knives for his birthday, that collection took on a new luster, and always put a twinkle in Jim’s eye. One of the most profound moments in my life, the day I truly understood just how much Jim cared about me and respected me, was on his deathbed, when he stated emphatically: “I want Jimmy to have my knife collection.” It’s an honor I take very seriously. The knife collection, featuring 9 William Henry knives, is one of my most prized possessions, and is the perfect reminder of a remarkable man who lived an epic life. Needless to say, they are displayed prominently in my home. And, the tradition continues: on my birthday, Mom adds to Jim’s knife collection. -Jim Atkinson Want to be a featured William Henry Fan, email community@williamhenry.com
Premier William Henry Dealer: Shannon Jewelers

Premier William Henry Dealer: Shannon Jewelers

By William Henry September 18, 2019
Debbie and Claude of Shannon Jewelers Shannon Jewelers in Spring, Texas has been carrying William Henry for a little over 6 months and they already have many great stories to share. One of our favorites is: "We have a long time customer here at Shannon's who has purchased many items of jewelry for his wife. But the only items he has liked in the past have been the high-end watches. As soon as we brought the WH line into the store, he was hooked! He loves them so much that he follows the line, watches for any new knives to come in, AND the couple accompanied us to Las Vegas for the JCK show and shopped the William Henry case while we were there. His wife is SO thankful that she finally has something other than high-end watches to give as gifts to her husband. She said he's running out of wrists but he always has room for fancy knives!" Thanks for sharing Shannon Jewelers! Visit Shannon Jewelers in Spring, Texas or online at http://shannonjewelers.com/ Follow Shannon Jewelers: facebook.com/ShannonJewelersLLC/ https://www.instagram.com/shannonjewelers/ http://shannonjewelers.com/
FEATURED William Henry CUSTOMER: Juan

FEATURED William Henry CUSTOMER: Juan

By William Henry August 27, 2019
I am not one to wear jewelry just for the sake of it; I need meaningful symbolism reflecting my very core. The quality and design of William Henry's bracelets are a perfect match for me, and they serve as bold reminders of who I want to be. They also are fully functional meditation aids and stress relievers.The Lava Sanctum rides at the top of the stack, stating in no uncertain terms who comes first. It is followed by the Sodalite Tether, which wraps around the wrist twice, and is a perfect representation of my soul-tethers to my better half and my son. The Tether is made magnitudes stronger by the Sanctum. The Sodalite Dauntless is the chunkiest piece in the stack, serving as a powerful reminder that this is a warrior's life and armor and weaponry are required. It connects nicely to my viking heritage as well. When I discovered this piece, it was already out of production, but William Henry kindly created one for me regardless. Finally, the Shaman completes the stack at the bottom. Each of the 13 skulls is a family member or close friend I have lost. It also depicts that mortality is a certainty no matter how hard I fight, and really closes the circle with the Sanctum.- Juan I. Want to be a featured William Henry Fan, email community@williamhenry.com
Premier William Henry Dealer: Renee Taylor Gallery

Premier William Henry Dealer: Renee Taylor Gallery

By Renee Taylor August 24, 2019
“Hey everyone, we’re super excited to tell you about some knives we are going to be carrying” Summer of 2017 I still laugh thinking about the reaction with our staff during that meeting. They had no idea what I was talking about or what in the world was waiting for them. Over the past 20 years, we have built up a pretty diverse collection of artists and jewelers who all bring something different to the table. If you had told me sometime in the prior 18 years that I would somehow end up becoming addicted to collecting knives, I would have looked at you as strangely as the rest of the staff that day. In short order, most of them owned at least one knife for themselves as well. Once in a great while, you come across something so unique, so well made, and so dang cool that you can’t help but fall in love with it Renee Taylor Gallery Sedona, Arizona And then we went through the same process with the writing instruments, the money clips, and then the jewelry. All of it has such a broad range of materials and techniques that you can’t help but start up a conversation with complete strangers while holding it. Whether around a camp fire, signing a piece of paperwork, or pulling out your credit card and cash to buy something, people stop and ask what you have in your hand more than you would think. But it’s worse than that…you become a walking, talking ad for the craft. Not because you want to sell it, but because it’s a borderline love affair. Every piece has so many stories, so many things to consider. Every time you think you have a handle on it, William Henry invents something else and it starts all over again. It’s impossible for me to define my favorite piece, although I’ve been carrying a B12-Flagstaff knife for almost two years now and have tried my best to destroy it through everyday use. The only way you would know it’s so heavily used is the patina on the edges where the handle meets the leather case. Holster wear essentially. Everyday use is going to do that, and I like it that way more than when I bought it. It's always fun to be out on a hike somewhere and open up the knife to take care of something and someone with me does a double-take and asks about the knife. Our customers (aka fellow addicts) tend to feel the same way. Once you get a sense of all the individual craftspeople involved in every single component, the precision in the execution, and the impact of it all together you find it hard to choose just one. We’ve run into a ton of collectors since carrying the line; I can only imagine the ways they store and display them. One of the coolest things I’ve seen is two young boys come into the store with their parents. The parents were looking for gifts for them for an upcoming holiday. They were probably about 11 and 13 and were engrossed with the knives. After dad distracted them for a bit, mom came up to us and went through the collection and picked out a few. Dad came back, they traded places, and ended up settling on a couple of knives and discreetly purchasing them. Those kids had to be thrilled to receive them. The funniest thing that happens on a fairly regular basis is when the woman gets excited about collecting knives after seeing the collection and learning about all the artistry. More than once, a husband, partner, whatever just stands there with their jaw open while she goes crazy over them and adopts one. I’ve had to completely throw out all my preconceived notions of what a knife collector is and frame it for what they are, functional art collectors. Renee Taylor Gallery - Sedona, Arizona www.reneetaylorgallery.com
FEATURED William Henry CUSTOMER : Ed Roberts

FEATURED William Henry CUSTOMER : Ed Roberts

By William Henry July 15, 2019
#MyWilliamHenry By Ed Roberts Boots and Denim. Seeing that William Henry design for the first time changed my entire outlook on men wearing bracelets. More specifically, me wearing a bracelet. I’m not afraid of style that breaks tradition, but traditions run deep here in my neck of the woods. For years the standard uniform was a polo, khakis, sunglasses, croakie, and a dive watch. Fellas break that tradition during the Brewgaloo Beer Festival where it’s acceptable to wear the plastic wristband provided at the ID checking station. This wristband gives you access to the best craft beers brewed here in the Old North State. Times are changing. Or maybe I’m just getting older and a bit more daring after losing 75 pounds. Either way, there was something about 10,000-year-old fossilized woolly mammoth tooth, blue sodalite, and carved silver that just looked damn cool to me. It was me, so I bought it. My William Henry collection now includes numerous bracelets, necklaces, money clips and a stunning pen called the Chablis 1210. This gorgeous pen features a beautifully rendered barrel of real acorn caps set in black resin, accented with stainless steel Mokume Gane, and a golden-colored citrine. This pen reminds me of my hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, known as the city of oaks. The pieces I own look great at the office, at home, and especially on vacation. I never grow tired of visiting Jim and Matt at Ealdwine in downtown Raleigh or James at Fink’s Jewelers in Midtown to peruse their newest William Henry designs on display. Each new piece I add to my collection, like my Ember bracelet, tells the story of the man I have become and epitomizes how I feel in my 50s: bold, well-built, and sexy. My wife, Vernessa Jewel, agrees. Ed Roberts Global Brand and Creative Strategist Raleigh, North Carolina Want to be featured as a William Henry Fan of the Month? Email community@williamhenry.com
FEATURED William Henry CUSTOMER : Tony Huffman

FEATURED William Henry CUSTOMER : Tony Huffman

By William Henry June 20, 2019
As a child of the South, a pocketknife was as much a part of the wardrobe as the pants it was carried in, and I was no exception. There is not a time I can remember not having a Case or Buck or Gerber knife in my pocket. Little did I know there was a much wider world of knives out there until 2009. While on vacation in Sandestin, Florida, I stumbled on Baytowne Jewelers tucked in between the Acme Oyster House and the Ice Cream Shop (and across the street from the Candy Store – food and sweets being a real close second to my knife passion). It was there at Baytowne Jewelers where the owner, Dave Gillespie, sold me my first William Henry knife. It was a Lancet, with a Mother of Pearl handle, and I was hooked. Ten years later, Dave is still selling me WH knives, along with many other fine William Henry dealers. I’ve bought knives in California, Colorado, Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida, Nevada, New York, Alabama, Texas and of course directly from William Henry. The first thing I do when booking a trip is to Google WH dealers in the area, and always make a trip to the local dealer. That is the depth of my passion (aka sickness says my family – I say they’re an investment) for these knives. Although, it was my wife who had two lighted display cases made for my collection, so she is contributing to the sickness. Currently as the owner of 70 WH knives (and 71 is on the way – going to need a third display case), my passion has not diminished. I still get excited when the weekly email comes showing me the new knives available for purchase, but my biggest thrill is introducing WH knives to my family, friends and associates. It’s been my pleasure to buy knives for people who (like me 10 years ago) are new to the WH world and watching them catch the fever. Several have become collectors like myself (seems like I’m due some commission, hint hint). Now, if I can only figure out a way for Zac Brown and me to get together and compare collections. Maybe if I offer him a display case…… Tony Huffman, CPA Madison, Mississippi Want to be a featured William Henry Fan, email community@williamhenry.com
FEATURED William Henry CUSTOMER - Christina Dale

FEATURED William Henry CUSTOMER - Christina Dale

By William Henry May 2, 2019
Just received another bracelet today. Screams....I love my William Henry jewelry. These rare pieces of gemstone put together are very unique and exotic. I especially love how these bracelets add such a sophisticated look to my casual wear. Not only does it give a bold statement to my attire, these precious stones have healing and protection properties that keeps my spirit at ease and protects my spirit when I’m feeling unbalanced. William Henry jewelry collector Christina Dale Even though it’s advertised as men’s jewelry, William Henry’s jewelry is elegant for all. I never leave the house without wearing 1 or more pieces. William Henry’s bracelets compliment one another for stacking or can be worn alone. In the last 2 years I’m honored to have added 7 bracelets to my collection. Yes....I’m addicted!!!! If you don’t have William Henry in your life, you’re not living well. So what are you waiting for? Thank you William Henry for having such rare and precious jewelry. Want to be a featured William Henry fan? Send us your story at community@williamhenry.com