In 1976, as a telephone company supervisor, I was tasked with pre-surveying the assignment of installing a new telephone system within a state prison. Being accompanied by a prison guard I remember stepping into the prison rotunda where prisoners were lounging, for the first time. The chill I felt up & down my spine as that massive electric door clanked shut behind us and echoed thru out the building, and the attention we drew from the prisoners is still with me this many years later. Our task required many weeks for completion and my crew was required to present ALL their tools at the time of entry and at the time of departure each day for inventory by prison personnel. Luckily we never had any tools or equipment found missing.

I was in Cheyenne back in October and I am now gutted that I missed your museum. Loved Cheyenne and Wyoming and long to return soonest.

Very interesting selection of edged weapons (and one impact weapon), Evan. It's remarkable how innovative people can be, making something functional when materials and opportunity are both in short supply.

That first knife is interesting and has a lot of character. Im pretty sure that isn't the original sheath. The amount of wear and patina doesn't match at all. As you suggest, it looks factory made. Perhaps a replacement sheath. The third knife with the antler handle looks like a lot of handmade knives ive seen from anytime in the nineteenth century. Homespun and functional. Im impressed with those shanks. They look pretty good considering the place of construction and materials available. Thanks for the presentation.

Thanks for sharing a little of your own history, Sir. I am certain it is an interesting story as well.

Interesting prison made weapons , we put the flat roof on a medium security prison after a few months of being open we had to go back for some service work, we were told to spread out a tarp and get every sliver of metal and pop rivet shafts on the tarp, the guard told us they can make a weapon out of anything! Thanks Evan ,Interesting stuff. Can't wait for the next video!

Thanks for sharing this episode with us Evan. Makes a person wonder where they got the materials and what it "cost" them. I knew a man who spent time in a County Jail. The prisoners would barter things for their needs. This man I knew would draw pictures on the envelopes other prisoners would mail letters home. He sent me letters and, his art work was very good. Again, thank you for sharing Sir. Stan

@wsmvolunteers8588

10 ай бұрын

Been a long time ago, but I was surprised by access to all sorts of stuff inside. Men worked in the kitchen, in the plant that made license plates, and other places were materials were available. Necessity is the mother of invention and humans are creative.

Yo u speakin my langage now Evan I been behind dat wall on numerous occasions an kno all bout shanks I am da numero uno expert my g I can make a shank outta anythin even a toofbrush an I ain’t cappin !!!!!

@wsmvolunteers8588

9 ай бұрын

I agree. Have seen some shanks with a toothbrush handle, or just sharped/pointed on one end. Try to stay out of the graybar hotel. I would miss your comments.

That was great. I miss stuff like that. I was in Cheyenne for 37 years. Do you know Tony Adam😢❤❤

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