his work and makes each piece he creates more authentic. " We collect these tools and put them back to what they were built to do, " he says. " My job is to preserve the legacy for the next people who come along. It all started with a hammer, it really did. I thought, 'I'm going to be a blacksmith the rest of my life.' A number of years ago I let that go and I found something that was comparable and artistic. I get to use old tools to do it. " You can reach Eric by calling 573-721-8961, by sending email to eric.vanalstine@gmail.com or by searching for Eric Van Alstine on Facebook or Ironweed_Leather on Instagram. Above: These tools from Eric's collection were made by master tool makers such as Henry Gomph or brothers C.S. and H.F. Osborne. These makers used woods such as African rosewood and ebony, along with brass ferrules and German silver inlays. Below: These examples of Eric's work show his attention to detail as well as the six layers of antiquing he uses to make his leatherwork look as though it had years of hard use by soldiers or backwoods hunters. He collects buckles from old harness for reuse in his work. He also works with local bladesmiths when a customer requests a knife as part of a hunting pouch. The knife on the right, however, was made by Eric with assistance from his mentor, the late Glen Mock. Eric used gator, cow and pig leather for this sheath. To the left is a sheath Eric made to house a Mock knife. photos below courtesy of Eric Van Alstine 50 RURAL MISSOURI | MARCH 2022