ABS EXPO - San Antonio 2009

[Kevin Jones]

In my opinion, the first ABS Expo in San Antonio lived up to the passed Reno Expo’s reputation of being THE PARAMOUNT SHOW for Forged Bowies. It not only surpassed the expectations of this Bowie enthusiast but the show was very well planed and a LOT of fun. There were also many outstanding hunters on display as well as two of the most beautiful Daggers I have had the pleasure to inspect.

Both San Antonio, and the hosting hotel, the one hundred year old Sheraton Gunter (only blocks from the Alamo and Riverwalk) were very appropriate venues for this ABS show. http://www.gunterhotel.com/ The Gunter is a beautiful and well kept historic hotel whose architecture is amazing in itself.

The Alamo Tour
The Expo event started out on Thursday evening around 5pm at the Alamo. The ABS had arranged for an afterhours VIP tour hosted by historian Jack Edmondson. Mr. Edmondson is very knowledgeable and you can tell he’s one of those fortunate individuals who just loves what he does. This was my third visit to the Alamo, however I quickly realized my previous visits had not been as fruitful since I left both pervious times without a clear understanding of the Alamo. Mr. Edmondson’s tour was very interesting and informative as he led us around and identified the original wall perimeters, layout of the buildings and spoke on the details of the battle and of the heroes who participated in it. We also got to see and hear a presentation on an amazing model of the Alamo that accurately shows the fort as it existed at the time of the battle. Interesting enough, it’s on loan from Phil Collins (yes, the singer) until this coming November (I believe) when it will be re-located to his home in Switzerland.
Here are some photos off the NET showing the model, church and barracks. Only the area in the upper right-hand corner (red box) where you see the church and barracks still exists today. And the church is actually set back a little farther than it was in 1836. Ironically, the actual room where Jim Bowie died is located where the Ripley’s museum stands today. Amazing that just 200-280 Patriots were able to defend the fort for 13 days against thousands of Santa Anna's solders.

The "Mission San Antonio de Valero" The Alamo, as it stood in 1836 (the red box gives an approximate idea of what still stands today):

The Church:


The Barracks:


The cannon Colonel William B. Travis ordered fired in reply to Santa Ann's call for surrender:


I particularly enjoyed viewing the “Searles Bowie” which is of course on display at the Alamo. It was very interesting hearing Harvey Dean, Josh Smith, Burt Foster, James Batson and a few others comment and give their thoughts as to its construction and historic significance.

The Seminars
I thought the specific seminar topics were very good for both makers and collectors. They started at 10:00am on Friday morning and most seemed to run a little over their allotted times as there were some good Q&A and discussions going on. Generally, lots of questions and attendee participation is a good sign the seminars are interesting and informative as apposed to everyone seeming to just want them to end. I hope the ABS continues with these seminars as even the ones seemingly directed at makers go a long way towards educating collectors on knife design, construction and embellishment.

More to come, "The Show" and of course "The Knives'.

 

[ddd]

Ah, Kevin, seems like a wonderful historic setting for the show!!

So... what happened?

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)

 

[xaman]

Nice pictures Kevin, and thanks for the write-up. As I only made it Saturday, I missed all the pre-show festivities. I intend to do better next year!

 

[Kevin Jones]

I like the new show format, especially the new Collectors Choice Drawing on Friday afternoon. This is where each maker draws a ticket from their box after an inspection period allowing the selected collector his/her choice of purchasing any knife on the maker’s table. My problem is that I talk too much, spending too much time at each table so after the two hour inspection period (4-6pm) I had only visited seven maker’s tables. I also like that makers have the option to use either the lottery system or outright sales on Saturday.

Attendance, though not brisk, was probably a little better than I had expected considering a new show location combined with the horrible economy. It will probably take a few years to realize the show’s full potential from the new location. Real Estate Professionals and developers will advise you that moving a retail business just a few blocks at times can be almost like starting a new business. So, I imagine re-locating an established show could be similar to some degree. I feel that though the quantity of knife sales may have been a little off, total sales dollars were probably encouraging as the mid to higher end bowies/fighters seemed to be selling. I did have to leave a little early on Saturday so didn’t get a chance to see how things finished up. I would like to hear other opinions on show sales. I don't believe the few dealers (Dave Harvey, Daniel O'Malley etc.) who usually attend the Reno shows were in San Antonio. At least I didn't see them. If that's the case, it in itself represents quite a few missed sales opportunities for makers.

With 50-60 makers in attendance, the Expo is a nice size in that it’s big enough to have some versatility in knife styles yet small enough for collectors to get some quality one on one time with makers. I really enjoyed meeting and talking to Shane Taylor, James Rodebaugh, Richard Epting and Hank Knickmeyer and becoming more familiar with these makers and their knives.

The Collector’s Corner was actually three tables set up towards the rear of the show near the Bar area. I was pleased that the collector’s area was opened early in the day on Saturday, probably around 11am. It was initially scheduled to only be open from 4-6pm. The purpose of this area is for collectors have a place to show/buy/sell/trade knives amongst themselves. Though a transaction or two took place, it ended up being more of a lounge area for collectors to sit, take a break, show what they had purchased and talk knives. I really enjoyed it and would like to see more shows follow suit. I believe some show promoters and makers are concerned that these collector transaction areas have a negative impact on maker’s show sales. I think just the opposite.

The Banquet was very enjoyable and the food was good though I prefer a served banquet dinner over a buffet. Not that I’m lazy, it’s just that the getting up and down can break up good conversation and discussion. We had a very lively table which added greatly to the evening. The Tex/Mex fare fit the overall theme of the show really well and was quite tasty. Paul Long had taken John White and I to an extraordinary Tex/Mex restaurant for lunch earlier in the day, so the banquet food had a tough act to follow. The ABS auctions went well. They had very nice items up for bid which brought in good revenue. Those of you who have not had the pleasure of attending a Col. Tim Ryan auction have missed a good time as it’s a combination “auction/floor show”. The man is funny and always kicks the evening up a notch.

As far as opportunities for improvement, I believe both makers and collectors would like to see the lighting improved in the show facility. While I’m sure it’s adequate for most events, knife shows require a little better lighting for both showing knives at their best and for collector inspection.

Next, The Knives

 

[Don Hanson III]

Thanks for the report, Kevin.

 

[JParanee]

Kevin looks like a great trip and I wish I could have attended.

Love the Alamo pics

Thanks for the review

Woiuld love if you would expand on the comments about the Searless bowie and maybe provide a pic.

Thanks

 

[NickWheeler]

Thanks for taking the time to do this Kevin! I agree that the collectors corner ended up being more of a lounge area, but also think that that's a very good thing. Normally, folks have to go back to their room or a restaurant to take a break. With the collectors' corner, folks could take a break right there by the show, cuss and discuss, and do some horse trading if desired. I also think that there's no chance of it hurting us makers at all. Good deal all around.

Looking forward to the rest of your report Kevin!

 

[Keith Montgomery]

Thanks Kevin. That is one show I will make it to some day. I really like San Antonio, but would prefer going a month or two later in the year. What were the temperatures like? I have a hard time with anything over the mid eighties.

 

[Kohai999]

Thanks Kevin. That is one show I will make it to some day. I really like San Antonio, but would prefer going a month or two later in the year. What were the temperatures like? I have a hard time with anything over the mid eighties.

Yunno, Keith, for me, it is less of the heat, and simply more the time of year. With Reno, it was my first show of the year, and with this date, it is slap dab in the middle between Blade/Josh Smith's show and the AKI/Plaza show...not to fault the very competent and qualified ABS Show promoters, but I won't give up any of these shows, so the "new" Expo is the one I have to give up.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[NickWheeler]

Keith, it was a wonderful 65F in the hotel.

I think it was 103 and about 118% humidity when most of us got there on Thursday.

 

[ddd]

Kevin, from in between the lines I understood that there were
quite a few outstanding knives at the show. Will you be
posting their pictures here too?

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)

 

[xaman]

Thanks for taking the time to do this Kevin! I agree that the collectors corner ended up being more of a lounge area, but also think that that's a very good thing. Normally, folks have to go back to their room or a restaurant to take a break. With the collectors' corner, folks could take a break right there by the show, cuss and discuss, and do some horse trading if desired. I also think that there's no chance of it hurting us makers at all. Good deal all around.

Looking forward to the rest of your report Kevin!

I think you're right Nick.

I was one of the guys that did buy a knife at the collectors corner. Although, I was just as prepared to sell a knife, and if I would have sold one, the money would have immediately gone for a maker's knife in the show And, the collector I bought from was definitely reinvesting my money into knives from the show.

The timing of the show was a little bad financially for me, so I went with the plan to only buy one knife. Strong words from my bride and only one check in my wallet were my safeguards I actually bought the knife from the collectors corner first, it was just one of those that I had been looking for, so I couldn't pass it up. But I still ended up purchasing another knife in the show, and almost a third, despite my best efforts at telling myself "no!" So I agree, I do not believe the collector's corner will ever hurt maker's sales at the show, or beyond.



Looking forward to the knives Kevin.

 

[John White]

Kevin,

Thanks for the review. The show was a new one for me, as was its structure, with the time allowed for collectors to view the knives and talk with makers before the usual frenzy of buying begins.

I believe this format is good for collectors, and would like to hear from others their impressions.

I really enjoyed the time you and Paul and I had to spend together. The internet is great, but actual shows , where people can sit and talk about their lives and interests are what make our knife world real.

John

 

[peterinct]

Thanks for the review Kevin.

Did I understand you correctly in that "The Alamo" itself is owned by Phil Collins? If so, I NEVER heard that before. I would be interested to know the history behind that.

Peter

 

[Erik Fritz]

Thanks for the review Kevin.

Did I understand you correctly in that "The Alamo" itself is owned by Phil Collins? If so, I NEVER heard that before. I would be interested to know the history behind that.

Peter

The Alamo Model that kevin pictured is owned by Phil Collins.

 

[Bill Burke]

Kevin,

Thanks for the review. I enjoyed talking to you at the show. I too thought that the show went pretty well for a first show in a new venue.

 

[Bruce Bump]

Thanks for the review Kevin. I agree the collectors corner/lounge is a positive addidtion to the show room and near the bar too.

Pictures would spice up this thread even more. Didnt anybody bring a camera?

 

[Lorien]

what a great review, Kevin:thumbup: You touched on a lot of points without dwelling, and kept your opinions in check, which made for some very enjoyable reading plus, you kept it short enough that my eyeballs didn't shrivel up in their sockets from reading from a computer screen.

One of the most interesting reviews I've read here on BF.
Thank you for bringing the show to us. I'm looking forward to your photo documentary, which are always excellent.

 

[Kevin Jones]

Kevin looks like a great trip and I wish I could have attended.

Love the Alamo pics

Thanks for the review

Would love if you would expand on the comments about the Searless bowie and maybe provide a pic. Thanks

Glad you asked Joe, as I hoped this thread could develop into some interesting discussion.

There's many assumptions and theories (some better than others) that can be made in regard to Jim and Rezin Bowie and the Bowie knives associated with them. This Bowie is documented to be owned by a one of the Bowie brothers making it perhaps the most significant in American Bowie History. I'm amazed at the condition of this bowie and sheath considering it's aprox. 180 years old. Especially the checkered ebony handle and it's joints.

Harvey Dean shared an interesting theory regarding the possibility of the guard being added later and provided some good points in backing up this theory.
If ever proven to be fact, it could add even more historic significance to this already invaluable Bowie.
Perhaps Harvey will comment more. He actually created a very nice reproduction of Searles Bowie shown below the original. And of course many of us have seen Josh Smith's beautifully modernized version that was raffled off at the San Antonio Expo. Josh's version is actually for sale now on one of the Dealer sites.

Searles/Fowler Bowie
The Daniel Searles Bowie, made on commission from Rezin P. Bowie in the 1830s, is perhaps the finest example of an early Bowie still in existence. The presentation-grade knife is inscribed on the sheath throat, " R.P. Bowie to H.W. Fowler, U.S.D. "The knife resides in the Alamo Museum, San Antonio, Texas. Photo courtesy DRT Library at the Alamo.

This knife was the winner of two awards at the 2002 Blade Show and International Cutlery Fair in Atlanta, Georgia-Antique Bowie Knife Reproduction Award presented by the Antique Bowie Knife Association and the Best Fixed Blade. The knife is a reproduction of the original knife made by Daniel Searles which was presented to Colonel Fowler by Resin Bowie. The original is now on display in the Alamo. PointSeven Studios Photo

 

[Kohai999]

Nice job, Kevin!

You have written up such an informative and in-depth review, that I don't see any reason to continue doing show reviews for any show that we are both at...way to step up!

Looking forward to more greatness in the future.....if you come to the AKI, that would be the greatest greatness of all.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson