No two days at the Swiss Army offices are ever the same. One day we’re chatting six blade hunting knives with a seasoned hunter at the SHOT show and the next we’re discussing the fine points of tailoring with fashion editors for the next season’s collection launch. We love meeting and hearing Swiss Army Knife stories from so many interesting people all around the globe.
One recent story we wanted share came through just last week. We were so excited to learn about Tyler Leonard, an 11 year-old boy from Connecticut who has started a business making walking sticks – and is doing it all with his Victorinox Swiss Army Knife!
We were so impressed with this enterprising 11 year-old we couldn’t help but pick his brain and get all the details behind this wunderkind’s business venture.
Read on for a Q&A with Tyler and one of the best ‘how it’s made’ videos we’ve ever seen!
1. What made you want to start making walking sticks?
I was outside one day bored. I wanted to use the tools on my new Swiss Army Knife, so I took the saw and cut a branch to size. Then flipped out the knife and shaved it.
2. How do you make your Bridle Path Walking Sticks?
First, I find a suitable sapling or tree branch. Next, I cut it to size with my saw. Later, I
shave the bark off with the long blade on my Swiss Army Knife.
After that, I let it dry out a little bit, over the course of about 24 hours.
Then, I wood-burn the purchaser’s name into the wood, if they want it.
Soon after, I put a clear coat of varnish on the stick.Lastly, I drill a hole, with the help of my dad, and put a leather strap in it along with my tag.
3. Do you sell them? If so, where can we get one?
Yes, I sell them. Usually the purchaser calls me or Facebooks my Mom and orders one. I don’t have a fixed location.
4. What is your most favorite walking stick you’ve made so far?
Probably my white oak one, it is very sturdy and light colored. I think the pattern in the grain is very cool.
5. What is your favorite Swiss Army Knife tool?
The long blade part. It shaves very efficiently and is very easily controlled. For the people who are just trying this now, a Swiss Army Knife is recommended.
6. What do you want to be when you grow up?
When I grow up, I would like to be a programmer for video games and computers.
Watch the video below to see Tyler in action!
Impressive, right? Head over to the Bridle Path Walking Sticks Facebook page to support Tyler.