Our member and friend, BrianM is in need of our help to address a serious medical condition. See https://helphopelive.org/campaign/9430 for details.  I participate in other other groups/forums and there have been several auctions, etc. in at least two other groups for this purpose already with some very generous support.  Others have made direct donations to the campaign.

Hershell tried to post an auction for one of his very popular "legendary" grafting knives but has been unable to do so and I haven't heard back from Jon on the matter so I am posting it for Hershell.  As many of the members here know, Hershell from Georgia not only has a great fig collection but constructs greenhouses and grafts pecans for a profession.  Thousands of pecans.... over a thousand a day, maybe thousands.  For this heavy duty work, he gave up on using regular grafting knives and has made his own out of cobalt steel blanks for a blade that will hold a sharp edge for a long time.  Also, he uses a larger handle for greater comfort.  The winner of this auction can chose a custom size of handle and select from wood of cherry, walnut, or dogwood.  Hershell also makes his own handles, of course.  Since the cobalt steel is too hard to drill through, the handles are expoxed into place and this has been found to be a reliable method.

This auction will end at 8pm Eastern on Sunday August 14th.  I'll confirm the winner here and the winner can make payment to the link above and can forward the confirmation email to me or Hershell (details to follow in PM).  One of these knives was auctioned off on the Ourfigs forum last week and fetched $400 with another $400 in matching donations (Hershell not only donated the knife but matched the majority of the auction)!  This is not my auction and I reserve the right to bid myself (I already have one of these but would like another for a gift).

Attached are some sample photos of these grafting knvies along with rough stock for making a handle for someone with a very big hand. :)

Thanks for your support!