2012 Jimmy Chin Micro Show in Taipei, Taiwan

[Raj]

A very fascinating report on a very nice art show.Enjoyed the writeup and the photos.Very well done Mr Newton.You have become quite the writer and photographer on top of being a wonderful knifemaker.
I noted that in a couple of pictures, Mr Newton was wearing a pin very similar to the gold pin awarded to Mr Chin.
He has not commented on this.
Mr Takulu or Haze( who were at the show),gentlemen,would like to hear your version of the show and some info regarding the pin Mr Newton is wearing.Also some info from you or others who bought some of Mr Newton's knives,- on your take of the knives.Thank you.

 

[김원진]

Wow, best review of a knife show i've read yet on the boards. Looked like a really great time with some great people. The knives of course spectacular.

I think in one of the pictures there was a glimpse of Haze's beard, hopefully we'll get some commentary and pics from him as well

 

[The Amazing Virginian]

This shows needs to upgraded and renamed . . . at least from a microshow to a minishow.

I am full of wow.

 

[TAKULU]

Well, my English is poor and I am afraid that I can't describe the scene of micro show completely so I will leave the detail to Haze.
Just like your observation, I think Ron is so humble that he didn't even mention that he was also granted a gold pin. And our beloved teacher mother, the title we call the wife of our teacher or grand teacher in Chinese tradition, help him wear the pin. It is a real touching and impressive moment. Unforgettable.
I saw most of Ron and Jimmy's knives were sole out in 5 min after the show began, and that tells many things. I am so happy that I am one of the happy guys that own Ron's elephant hunter, the orange color handle one, and still happy now. Well, what can I say....

 

[RogerP]

Congrats Ron!

 

[RonNewton]

RAJ and professor Takulu,
I wasn't going to mention the other gold pin. I didn't want to take the focus away from Jimmy. Since Raj has put me on the spot I have to say something now.

The Headquarters Of Taiwan Collectable Arts honored me with the first ever, Grand Master Smith title which is their highest level of bladesmithing in their art society. Having a foreign country with over 5,000 years of art in their museum to grant me this new title was a bit overwhelming not to mention the fact that one can never feel worthy of such an honor. Both gold lapel pins weighed in at 1.614 troy ounces of 999.9
of pure gold. The 3 piece precision fit steel mold was for striking the design into the gold. I'm as proud to have the mold as I am the gold pin. My certificate also has a serial number and has been recorded with the Cultural Department of Taiwan's government and archived as a historical event in their country.

As professor Takulu stated my wife was asked to help place the pin on my jacket.

 

[MT Damascus]

What an honor Ron, you are very deserving of such an award. What a great show, thanks for the terrific write-up and pics.



Kris

 

[peterinct]

GREAT show and CONGRATULATIONS to Jimmy Chin and Ron Newton on the well deserved honors!

I had the pleasure of meeting Jimmy at Blade previously and he was such a gracious man. I was amazed at the precision and quality of his damascus and knives.

Well done Ron! Thanks for posting all the pictures and relating the experience.

Happy New Year,
Peter

 

[sheathmaker]

Congratulations to both Jimmy and Ron for the extraordinary honor bestowed upon each of them.

I am so pleased the show was such a grand success. It was an experience of a lifetime....but will be repeated I'm sure in the future.

I am also honored that my sheaths were a very small part of this amazing show.

I look forward to seeing both Ron and Jimmy at the Arkansas show in Little Rock.

Paul

 

[100eyes]

My eyes now have cavities.

 

[Calhoon]

Congratulations Ron and Jimmy. Thank you for posting up all those pics Ron. Quite the event!

 

[RogerP]

Just fantastic.

 

[ptgdvc]

Amazing show, wonderful images.

 

[Lorien]

a very cool thread!
Thank you

 

[RonNewton]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your comments. I'm going to take the discussion in a different direction now because collectors have asked me to share what kinds of activities they could do after the show should they decide to go some day.

Monday after the show: Crocodile leather shopping to get some Christmas gifts for those back home.

Making sure my CITES documents are in order for customs.

Jimmy's friend who owns the leather shop gave us some good discounts on wallets, vests, belts, business card holders and a purse. But never take your wife here...she may do like mine did and pick out the most expensive croc purse in the store. And never let your wife know how much money you just made at a show.

 

[RonNewton]

Monday lunch. Conveyor style Sushi. $1 a plate. Cheap and delicious.

Monday night. The best seafood ever. Pick the creatures out of the salt water tanks and they have it cooked almost as soon as you sit down.
Jimmy invited collectors and those who helped with the show. Jimmy paid for it all. You can try to pay but he won't allow it.

It was also Jimmy's 52cnd birthday and also his goddaughter's birthday from mainland China. Fun times and great eating.

 

[RonNewton]

Tuesday after the show. Train ride to Hua Lien to visit the Taroko high mountains. Breathtaking views.

Mega tons of marble in the Taroko mountains.

 

[RonNewton]

Wednesday after the show and you need all day. The National Museum. Several levels are underground. Over 5,000 years worth of mind boggling Chinese art.

Thursday after the show. Collectors treated us to fancy dining in the second tallest building in the world. Taipei 101. What a treat.

Thursday and Friday after the show. Lots of shopping in night market. Taiwanese and Chinese people come to life at 9 p.m. and head to the market to eat, shop, etc.
At 9 p.m. each night Jimmy knocked on our hotel door and said "Let's go party"! Night Market is a happening place. You can see, eat, buy, and smell just about anything your mind can imagine.

If you're brave enough you can rent a scooter.

You can take a walk on the beach. No sand rocks only.

If you're not afraid of heights you can include this in your schedule.

Friday night before our flight back home Jimmy insisited on the no.1 seafood place again. He invited collectors again from China and Taiwan. And wouldn't you know...he wouldn't let anyone pay.

This concludes my show coverage. I hope it gives collectors an idea of what kind of experinece you can have in Taiwan. I believe China is the future market for hand made knife collecting. They are just getting started and are very excited about collecting knives. My thanks to the collectors in Asia who have supported me by buying my knives. My special thanks to the man who made it all possible. One who 10 years ago became my student but has now become my best friend. He is unselfish in any way. He is kind and generous to the last penny he owns. Thank you Jimmy Chin... you ARE a rock star!!

 

[Marcel54]

Great story and an excellent write-up :thumbup::thumbup:

Marcel

 

[RogerP]

Can't overstate how much I've enjoyed this thread. The spirit of genuine friendship is palpable.