Something new is adding excitement to the 2005 Phatwater Kayak Challenge. For the first time, the event includes the raffling of a custom-made Damascus steel Bowie knife, created by Terry Vandeventer of Jackson.

Vandeventer, known also for his popular exhibitions of Mississippi reptiles and amphibians, is a skilled bladesmith. &uot;His work has won broad admiration and critical acclaim throughout the collectors’ world,&uot; said Keith Benoist, founder of the Phatwater Challenge. &uot;His work is representative of some of the finest work seen today.&uot;

The knife is on display at Bowie’s Outfitters. Mike Worley, co-owner of Bowie’s Outfitters and Bowie’s Tavern on Main Street at Broadway, is the sponsor for the first Phatwater Bowie knife, Benoist said.

Vandeventer described something of the craftsmanship that goes into the knife.

&uot;After the blade has been heat-treated and tempered, it is hand-sanded down to 600 grit,&uot; he said.

&uot;I thoroughly clean it and immerse it in a mild solution of ferric chloride.

This reacts differently with various steels in the Damascus mix and the up-until-then invisible pattern emerges.

In this case, a complex ladder-pattern.

Someone is going to be very happy with this knife.&uot;

The drawing for the winning ticket will be Oct. 8 at the Under-the-Hill Saloon. &uot;What better place for its presentation,&uot; Benoist said. &uot;For, no matter how you read the history of Jim Bowie and his famous knife, both are synonymous with the early pioneer period for which Natchez Under-the-Hill is celebrated.&uot;

Raffle tickets are $10 each and are available by calling Benoist at 601-445-8843 or by going to the Web site, kayakmississippi.com. Tickets, $10 each, are still available. However, approximately 300 of the 500 total have been sold.

Like registration fees for the athletic events, the raffle proceeds go entirely to the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.