The Ring Finders
Metal Detecting Service Inc.

My first metal detecting recovery and most memorable was in 1981. My good friend Ray and I were in the process of planning a trip to his father’s ranch in Central Texas on the Guadalupe River near the town of  Boerne. Ray was in contact with his father letting him know we were coming in a couple of weeks. During the conversation his father mentioned he was very sad for he had lost his favorite pocket knife handed down by Ray’s Grandfather. My friend asked his Dad “where” on the ranch? “Near the feed trough by the old home site I reckon, was using it to cut feed bags open” he replied. Ray told him “John has a metal detector, maybe he can bring it along”. Since it was very muddy and cattle were everywhere Ray’s Father looked to no avail on that rainy day for his knife, it was gone. By the time Ray and I made the trip the area around the feed trough had dried somewhat and we could see with all the hoof prints why his father had no luck. That area was a mess with large and small limestone rocks everywhere. Within 15 minutes I received a faint signal on top of a flat limestone rock approximately 2 inches thick and 12 or so inches in diameter. We turned the rock over and to our amazement THERE WAS THE TREASURED POCKET KNIFE caked in semi dried mud! Apparently a cow had moved the rock on top of the pocket knife. We cleaned the keepsake in the water trough then headed back to the ranch house. Dad was drinking his afternoon coffee at the kitchen table. I placed the knife on the table next to his cup and said “Here you go sir, we found it“. I will remember the smile on his face forever. Finding Ray’s father’s pocket knife 29 years ago still creates a vivid and happy image in my mind. Read the rest of this entry »