A Question for the Blade Show Attendees

Bronco

Bronco

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An open question to anyone who just attended the Blade Show. Who was the one maker or manufacturer that you'd never heard of before attending the Blade Show, who's work impressed you the most? (and what did they specialize in?)

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Semper Fi
 
Barry and Phillip Jones,
I have heard of them being a forum member and all but never met or handled their knives. They make some nice, well made, using knives and some very well made folders.

I was most impressed by Matt Lameys work. He didn't have a table at the show but I got to see many examples of his work at the hotel

What realy impressed me was the ABS guys (and gal). They are a tight group that always has something positive to say about each other. If you are looking for a particular knife, they know what each other makes, or has and they will take the time to introduce you to another ABS member that has what you are looking for. I learned more about forged knives this weekend than I ever have, thanks to our very own Old Pete, John Fitch and the Drapers!

Neil

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Talonite, New Pics, Etc., Etc.!!
Blackwood Knives
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html
 
Herb Derr from West Virginia. He specialized in damascus hunters and other damascus fixed blades. He forges his own O1/L6/nickel damascus for use in his blades. He uses natural handle materials - stag, horn, etc... He had this one 3" upswept-bladed piece with his damascus, stag handle with a buffalo horn spacer with a list price of $225. He offered it to me for $200. Stupid me - I hesitated and it was gone. I could've died!

I picked up a consolation piece though. This little piece has a 2 5/8 blade with 2700 layers of his damascus, hot blued, with buffalo horn handles, and filework all around. Rattlesnake skin sheath included. $130 total. He WILL do more work for me in the future.

<A HREF="http://home.carolina.rr.com/senator/images/Herb_Derr_Drop_Point.jpg" TARGET=_blank>
Herb_Derr_Drop_Point_small.jpg
</A>

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Kelly
SenatorsPlace.com
AKTI Member #A000289

Deo Vindice
 
I'd say Delta Z Knives. I've seen their ads in the magazines but never seen the knives prior to Blade. They have some really nice fixed blade hunters in damascus in the $150-$170 range. All the knives are made in Italy and the fit and finish is very good. You'll be hard pressed to find any all-black knives in the Delta Z line, they use a lot of natural handle materials. Overall, I'm impressed with their selection and materials used.


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AKTI Member # A000005
NC Knife Knuts Member
Living life "on the edge"
 
I was very impressed with two:

In the manufacturer department, it was Timberline. I've always associated them with, shall we say "lesser quality" knives (though I like their parent company's, GATCO's, sharpening system (and no, I am not claiming that it is the best way to sharpen every knife. Let's not start that debate. All I'm saying is that it has worked acceptibly for me.). So, at first I panned their both entirely. But, Datu Worden insisted I check out their production of his Wortec. Well, I was impressed. A very well-built liner lock. Nice fit, nice finish, nice function.

In the custom maker department, I still can't get Tim Herman's stuff out of my mind. His designs are elegance distilled and his workmanship is absolutely top-notch. I just with they weren't quite so expensive. I just love his designs.

Maybe we can get Timberline to produce one of Herman's designs???*


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Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com

* sorry Tim, I just had to suggest it. No insult intended.

[This message has been edited by Gollnick (edited 06-07-2000).]
 
Dr. Lathe,
Thank you for such kind words. It really means a lot.

What most impressed me was:

Tim Herman's folders - "MAGNIFICENT" I am amazed that he does not use a buffer, yet still gets a flawless mirror finish. Pictures don't even come close.

ALL of the SMITHS - The old saying mentions about keeping up with the Jones's, but it should read keeping up with the Smiths. The level of craftmanship that the ABS guys (and GAL) had on the table was PHENOMENAL.

I only saw a couple of knives by Neil Blackwood. I was impressed with them. Very well made and well planned (re: designed) knives.

BTW, Senator, He who hesitates is lost.

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Barry
Jones Knives
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=126319&a=926274
New Knives
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=126319&a=5922856
"For DUTY and HUMANITY!"
Curly, Moe, & Larry

[This message has been edited by BARRY JONES (edited 06-07-2000).]
 
Of course Jerry Hossom's stuff was amazing, but there was one gentleman who's work simply rocked my world. His name was Alfredo Kehiayan, and his work is simply incredible. Not only are the grinds on his knives exquisite, but he hand makes velvet lined locking cases for each knife, and the hardware on the cases.

My Spanish is broken and clumsy at best, but he was very patient with me as we talked knives throughout the show.

Here's some examples of his work:

View

View


His website is at www.kehiayan.com.ar

Matt

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Waxes Eloquent, Leader of the Terrible Ironic Horde and Mighty Brain Spewer
Waxy's Custom Concealex Page
Waxy's Custom Shirts for Concealed Carry Page
Waxy's Coveted Knives Page

[This message has been edited by Waxes Eloquent (edited 06-08-2000).]
 
Tom Anderson. I was amazed with his folders. They were clean looking and unbelievably smooth. I should have pictured up tonight and Tom's work will be included.

Example
Pictures from the 2000 Blade Show

I will be ordering a knife from him soon.

John Hollister

[This message has been edited by John Hollister (edited 06-10-2000).]
 
Since this was my first Blade Show it took several hours of wandering and gawking before I got down to the business of deciding what I might like to purchase. I enjoy using any knife that I purchase (with the exception of my Randalls) so I went to the show to find good hard working blades.

I was most impressed with Bob Dozier's work. When I asked him questions he took plenty of time to explain the how's and why's of his methods and materials. He even whipped out a mini photo album of his shop and showed me some pics of his equipment and a couple of the fellas that work with him. I purchased one knife from him at the Show and will be placing an order with him for two more. Bob and his wife are very nice, down to earth, extremely hard working people who have put in their time to learn how to make and market excellent quality knives.

I was also pleasantly surprised at the quality of the TOPS line of knives. I handled several of their models and every one had a very good fit and finish. Each knife I handled conveyed strength and character. I am going to purchase one (or two) as soon as I decide on the models.
smile.gif


Overall I had an absolutely great first-time experience.


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Marine Sniper Motto:
There's no use Running, you'll only Die Tired!

[This message has been edited by Hillbillenigma (edited 06-10-2000).]
 
You may be surprised by this but the people at Tuff-cloth gave me the best impression. Their products were not new for me but how they worked with the public were. The knifemaker that impressed me the most was Tom Johanning. His stuff is first class and he displayed superb interpersonal skills.

Doug
 
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