Maybe it’s due to my Kentucky roots, or my interests in vintage objects and woodworking, or the challenge of building a quality product, or just an excuse to sit and chat with fascinating folks from all walks of life. Perhaps it’s a combination of all these reasons that I find great pleasure and satisfaction in handcrafting traditional Kentucky furniture.

It all began with a gunshot wound to my leg in 1987, while working on a drug raid as a Special Agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) in Cleveland, Ohio. This led to a three-year recuperation at my parents’ home in London, KY, where, looking for a project to pass the time, I started restoring several hickory-bottom “mule-ear” chairs that were originally made by my grandpa “Poppy” Joe Hall. My interest in actually constructing such chairs grew as I visited old-time woodworkers in eastern Kentucky to study their techniques. Soon I was collecting vintage—as well as power—tools and machines with which to practice my craft. By the time I officially retired from ATF in 1994 and relocated to Kentucky, Red Dog & Company was born.

Through the years since then, Red Dog & Company seemed to take on a life of its own, continuing to expand in size of operation and numbers of proud owners of our products. Our reputation for well-built, comfortable, handsome furniture has found its way across the country and Canada, often by word of mouth, but also through articles in publications and displays at various craft shows and in five regional galleries. Currently, I am a member of four juried guilds, including the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Crafstmen. My furniture is owned by many corporations, institutions, and several well-known people, including the former U.S. President, George H. W. Bush.

As demand for my furniture increased, so did the volume of work. This allowed me the opportunity to engage as many local artisans as possible, such as assistant woodworkers, chair weavers, and wood carvers. Family members also help out, particularly my wife Fredi Angel, who does the hand finishing and handling inquiries, sales, and shipping. Also, my sister Ann Eberhardt, a professional artist, hand paints images on specially ordered chair slats and solid benches.

Besides the Kentucky mule ear chair, the Red Dog line also includes rocking chairs, captain’s chairs, settees, benches, stools, and side tables. I specialize in the traditional Kentucky rocking chair, custom made with a woven seat and my signature handholds. The idea came to me when I noticed that people who were trying out my rockers would roll their fingers over the ends of the arms. With my unique design, they can comfortably interlace their fingers with the “fingers” of the handholds.

I use the green wood technique, which takes advantage of the natural movement of wood during the drying process. This method, used for centuries, is based on the fact that wood shrinks when it dries. I manipulate the moisture content in the tenons and mortises. The tenon is dried to a lesser moisture content than the mortise; thereby a tight joint is created. Theoretically, glue is not necessary. Wooden pegs are used in lieu of metal fasteners.

My mission is to continue the Appalachian tradition of making furniture with one’s own hands, so that people who appreciate this time-honored skill can own a one-of-a-kind work that they will treasure and that will stay in their family for generations.

For more about Red Dog & Company you can visit our website at reddogchairs.com