2011 Arkansas Custom Knife Show - Pictorial Review

RogerP said:
Some post-Little Rock leather from Paul Long. Oh - and I highly recommend his sheath videos to anyone wanting to learn or, like me, just wanting a deeper appreciation for what goes into them.
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Gotta get the sheath videos! That's next on my list...
 
Roger,

That Hanson monster is pretty much pornographic--and I mean that in the most positive sense:)

As for the Wheeler hunter, you can't just leave us hanging--we want photos.
 
John - Paul is going to make me a sheath for the Wheeler hunter then send it along with the Hanson. I'll post up pics when I get it. Turns out there's an interesting little back story to the knife. :)

Roger
 
From post #34 above by Roger:
RogerP said:
So hyper clean, so well finished, so finely balanced - I don't think John even knows how to make a clunky blade. That fighter was feather light and razor sharp. You could carry it forever and never know it was there, but rely on it completeley if you had to.
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I agree and was lucky to bring it home with me. It's plain and simple, affordable, well designed and features John's ultra fit/finish. The handle shape with a narrow throat, palm swell in the middle and substantial swell at the back is very secure and comfortable, if a little unusual appearing. I have a larger JP fighter similarly outfitted and I'm a believer in his approach to a fighter handle. Sheath is by Rowe's Leather. Blade 6 3/8 in. OAL 11 1/8 in. Here's a picture:

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Thanks for taking the time to do this. Outstanding work here....
 
I'm still buzzed from the AKA show in Little Rock. The AKA newsletter arrived yesterday announcing that the 2011 show was the best ever in terms of knife sales! That's something to think about, given the overall dismal economic times. Those folks are doing something really right. I left the show thinking, "That was the kind of show that makes you want to go back next year."

It helps to have such worthy auction and raffle offerings too. The chances of getting something you really want for a potentially lower than market value price are good if one pays attention. In this case I had my eye on the main AKA show auction item, the beautiful John White small fighter and fine Paul Long sheath you see below. Mine was the high bid and I feel like this was one of those lucky times for me. Rather than belabor the praise I'll just let the picture do the talking. (OAL 9 1/2 in. Blade 4 3/4 in. Blackwood handle)

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Nice, Buddy. Very nice! Just a super looking small fighter on John's part, with Paul's clothes. How could you go wrong...remind me not to miss this show next year.

- Joe
 
A LENS FLARE IN A KNIFE PHOTO!! Classic! I have never seen it.

Anyway Buddy, thats a nice knife. Really nice. Hope you enjoy it and glad you scored it! You have some cool hunters.
 
I was glad to hear that you snagged that one Buddy - love the damascus pattern. I'm also glad to hear reports of good sales. I'm by no means surprised given the healthy crowds and the collectors I knew were there - but it's nice to have confirmation.

Roger
 
Say, Buddy, I'm glad you picked up this little one.

The Arkansas Show is one of the top shows in the nation, in my opinion, especially for forged knives, and a great gathering of friends.

See everybody there next year.

John
 
That's a beautiful hunter with some exceptional steel.

I'm not surprized that there were record sales there this year after seeing all of the pictures of what everyone was bringing to the event.

I have always had strong sales in Little Rock but would continue to do the show regardless of sales because of the chance to get together with so many talented and pleasant people. :)I think that around half of the tables at THE FLYING FISH on saturday night were filled with smiling knifemakers simply enjoying themselves. I look forward to this show each year and for good reason.
 
I purchased a great little hunter from Kyle Royer with some Steve Dunn engraving. It had ladder patern damascus and stag handles. Kyle had posted a few pictures of this knife earlier. The other two where from John White one was a JS hunter with wolves tooth damascus and African blackwood. The other was a MS knife, a vest fighter with wolves tooth damascus and Africa blackwood both had wonderful Paul Long sheaths. Mr. White has selling these knives for a another client of his. I considerd it a honor to find such great knives at this show. Last year I got a wonderful stag and ladder damascus hunter from Mike Willians. Also a great stag and damascus hunter from Terry Vandeventer. This is a great show to attend so many great maker and so many great knives. It will be hard to wait for next year.
 
^^^ Very nice acquisitions, all. :thumbup: I thought Kyle's damascus hunter was both a very beautiful knife and a very solid value.

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Here's a peek at Paul's sheath for my large Hanson piece:

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Coop will be giving us a better look at both.

Roger
 
Paul's sheath's are the greatest. I had just got a pre ban elephant ivory and ladder patern damascus slip joint from Tommy Gann the day before the Little Rock show. I had to send it with Paul for some leather. It turned out great.
 
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