Wow..Looks like things are going to ramp up on the front garden then!
I have such a fond memory that will stay with me for the rest of my life- that is sitting down in that front Garden at a certain table with Dave Gentry and Paul Hilborn and negotiating over a beautiful '70 10 dot Case Stag Folding Hunter that I spied and actually started haggling with Tom the day before - well, the three of us were sitting down with Tom- who is
such a great guy a lovely guy at that- he knows his stuff folks lol believe me to win in a haggle you'd be doing pretty well.... anyway's...I just could NOT stop looking at this Knife.... Tom did something pretty amazing and dropped his price - it was so obvious that Tom was just being kind on me - he certainly didnt have to do this....
Dave then slapped his hand down on the table with some currency and said "...Well I cant actually repeat exactly what he said lol- but it was basically sit there- shut the hell up and this is happening" Paul immediately followed suit from Dave and did exactly the same...so these three...Tom, Dave and Paul all put in towards that Knife so I could take it home with me.... I actually tear up a wee bit whenever I think back to that- That was SUCH amazing experience of comradeship and kindness- just everything - so I went home with that Knife that also a treasure chest of memories. This Knife has with it a memory so dear to me - I cant quite explain how special.
Not only this - Charlie Throwing Knives at me ( in the nice way - "here- take this away" he'd say ) Mr Gentry and Paul continuously buying and gifting me Knives while at GEC - Man!!! have I got some
special Knives.... a wee old Beaut gifted from Harry, Augie also gifted me a gorgeous Blade, Ron's gorgeous Coin which is amazing! Treasures because of the pure meaning of them, Jack also gifted me a great Knife as well - I know I am going to freeze in horror later as I realise that I have forgotten someone
A great night sitting down having a meal then Paul and myself had the pleasure of being invited to Daves Room to sit diown talk Knives and have a special look at some outstanding- TOP SHELF knives that Dave had acquired - some early Schatt & Morgan ....Oh man I should have taken a Bib with me....it was great to get an inside view of a Gentleman whom before this I called a friend who I hadnt actually got to meet in person yet- and then I did -THAT was really special to me, I then got to spend some time with our mate Dave - peek a little into his World of amazing Knives . ....ALL of this was a privilege that I just loved experiencing.
When also buying Knives off friends there - this also was such a good thing to be able to do this, I was so privileged to buy Lyle's Farmers Jack that he commissioned from him - I was so Rapt to get this- especially from Lyle himself as I had missed out on them up to this stage- I also later managed to get his Boys Knife as well a bit later as well as a second FJ of Lyles so I can Queen one and use the other!
To sit down at the picnic and have Lyle take me through his memories that are depicted on the Labels of his Knives- hearing this great guy tell me his story.... man..I cant tell you how I wanted things like these moments to just last forever.
I picked up my custom from Evan in person as well that he was making for me with the hope it would be done for the Rendezvous- Evan did not disappoint! - What a gem!
The Last night of the Rendezvous for Paul and I, well we had to leave around midnight - as we had a few hours of driving before we had to catch the first of our flights - so we gathered for a drink and sat round a table with everyone ( Russel ( rusty 1 ) our mate had gone by then ) - The Highlight of that meeting apart from the amazing company was Charlie bringing out a couple of rolls of Knives for the sake of us buying some- Charlie looked after absolutely everybody who pointed out this that and the other that they wanted - not only did Charlie gift Knives to me and others- when he sold - he was really saying " Here- take this " for the price he was asking for a knife that was worth much more.....An amazing man of such generosity, also a guy who is a friend and I got to meet at this trip a second time as Joanne and Charlie met up with Sue and I in Canada and we spent a great day and night with these fine folk - to meet them a second time at the rendezvous was pretty darned special I can tell you!
So...these are just a few amazing fond memories of my trip from New Zealand to stay with my good friend Paul Hilborn - this was the SO AWESOME- to be welcomed to Nanc and Paul's House and looked after so well, spend time with my mate and then travel with him to this Great Rendezvous with beautiful people, Sue and I stayed at Paul and Nanc's house shortly before my trip to the Rendezvous when we traveled around that part of the World ( after we met Charlie and Joanne ).
Meeting the People - our friends..... THAT was the special thing ..... amazing people.
Just as I’m sure these two 77’s might spark some memories for you!
I was setting on the Porch when that friend sharpened 
It was hands down one of the best times I have had in years. The people, camaraderie, the knives, the factory tour, talkin and sharing of knives are so worth the trip. If you can find the time even if just for part of a day, please go, you will truly enjoy it
