A Special Class of People

B

bgf

Joined
Jun 28, 2003
Messages
305
I stumbled across Bobby Branton's website a couple of weeks ago, and since he lived nearby,(30mi. away) I decided to pay him a visit.
I could not get him on the phone,so I just dropped in.(In retrospect this was probably VERY rude, Bobby,however seemed to welcome my intrusion). He gave me a tour of his shop and a short synopsis on knifemaking in general.
Having some knowledge of metalworking (I was a shipfitter at the Naval Shipyard here),really did not prepare me for the process and care that go into making a knife.One thing was obvious, if a knife is not absolutely flawless, it will not leave Bobby's shop.

Now the reason I am posting here is that Bobby mentioned the American Knife Throwers Alliance, and the National Championship competition he was hosting this weekend.Not only did he invite us up to watch, but suggested that my 13 year old son, Derek, might want to learn to throw. He told us to come up early and he would teach Derek to throw AND let him compete!
Well,, when we got there Thursday,Bobby was not available to teach him,,,BUT,, Che Che WhiteCloud was there and took Derek under his wing. What a thrill!!
I want to thank everyone there for coaching, coaxing, and encouraging Derek throughout the weekend.
Most especially Che Che , Bobby and Brenda Branton, but also Steve McElvoy, Jeff and(?) Linda(I think), their granddaughter Autumn,and
Tim from Va.
These people are surely in a class of their own.I know I have rambled here and I'm sorry, but this was an experience that few people EVER see. I am looking forward to growing relationships with these folks!
Thanks, B.G.
 
I find that people of our specialized interest are invariably warm and inviting.
Very good BG.
I bet this was thrilling for ALL
Tom
 
...about throwing odd objects besides knives.

my sister told me about a european knife thrower who used to throw nail files, drawing instruments (compasses, dividers), coins, 5" nails, all with lethal potential. then there're those asian demonstrations of bamboo leaves thown through a leather wall, darning needles that go through glass panes, and chopsticks.
 
Originally posted by hank_rearden
...about throwing odd objects besides knives.

my sister told me about a european knife thrower who used to throw nail files, drawing instruments (compasses, dividers), coins, 5" nails, all with lethal potential. then there're those asian demonstrations of bamboo leaves thown through a leather wall, darning needles that go through glass panes, and chopsticks.
Click to expand...
Coins?!?! How does one throw coins so they stick in anything? On a somewhat related note, I throw fencing staples quite frequently. They're a lot of fun and don't really require any skill to throw since they spiral and always point in the same direction.
 
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