ACE Show 2012

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billf

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Oct 9, 2003
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The ACE (Artisans of cutlery) show was held last Weekend out in Seattle - Not sure if it was the 4th or 5th one, but it's the second one I've been too :D

The ACE guys ( Tom Ferry, Jon Christiensen, Mike Vagnino, Dave Lisch and Mike Ruth Jr) were our hosts, and they could not have done a better job making it a great event!

Sat AM we were at Dave Lisch's shop for a day full of talks, demos, and some shop time.....not to mention an on-site slow-cooked BBQ extravaganza lunch!

Dave demonstrated his famous "SHop Rat" knife - if you've never met him, Dave is a hoot...and a great teacher as well!

Tom discussed engraving - techniques, materials, and why certain processes take more time, and therefore cost more $$. I found this fascinating, and now I think I know what to look for :thumbup:

Mike Ruth Jr talked about preparing Damascus billets ( W patterns) and forged out a ladder pattern fighter for us

Jon and Mike held a little "collector's corner" - open time to discuss what collectors and makers are looking for, how to expand the pool of collectors, and where the trends might be going

After the shop day, it was off to the venue for the mini-show - the makers each had between 5-6 knives available. First we had a little open bar time :D and then a nice buffet dinner. Tom's daughter played some chamber music during the meal, which was a very nice touch

Show format was "drop ticket in the box", and those drawn had the option to purchase or pass. There were also raffle drawings and anyone buying a knife also got
placed into a final raffle for even more loot !

All in all a really great event - small enough to talk a bunch with everyone, share some good times, and ...of course...see some Amazing knives!

Bill
 
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As far as attendees, saw Jon Klein, Mitch Lum, Al Edmonds, Gabe Newell, Michael Joshua, as well as some other folks whom I met for the first time...but then promptly forgot their names - oops!

The Bybees were there, and were kind enough to donate some swag for the raffles :thumbup::thumbup:

And of course, it goes without saying that the ACE women helped organize everything, and kept the show running smoothly - they must have felt like they were herding cats :p

Next show will be in 2014....and might be expanded to 2 days.....



If I can get my act together, I will get some pictures up tonight

Bill
 
The Weather was actually beautiful - you could see Mt Rainier on the way back from Dave's shop!


Mt Rainier.jpg

I ate dinner Friday night with Jon K, Mike Ruth Jr and Susan at a bayside restaurant - very nice view of the city !

Seattle dusk.jpg
 
Bill Thank you for starting this thread I just got back from the NWBA blacksmith conference and was wanting to post a some pics of my knives. I have not had time since the show till now but it was fun time and I want to thank all of the folks who showed up and made it a great show . hear is a pic of a D guard and a ring guard I had in the show and a w2 chef knife I made to give away at the show I do not have pics of the other knives so ACE guys please add your knives to this thread.

LischKnives-4.jpgLischKnives-1.jpgLischKnives-5.jpgLischKnives-7.jpgLischKnives-15.jpg thanks again Bill
 
Hey Dave

Thanks again for all your hard work....and your knives weren't bad either :p:p

I have some pics of other knives, but some are cellphone specials...so I hope the other guys post better fotos.

Here is one of Tom's - a prototype D2 flipper with engraved Titanium bolsters

Ferry flipper.jpg

Here is Tom's double bolstered Damascus hunter

Ferryhunter.jpg

sorry these pictures don't do the knives justice :p

Bill
 
Nice work. Sounds like a great show. Boy Dave, your damascus never fails to amaze me. The ring guard knife has perfect lines.
 
Thank you stuart I was very pleased with how it came out and the knife feels great in the hand I will be doing it like that again soon
 
Great looking knives Dave and Tom!!!
I hope you guys post more pic's soon.
love the D guard and ring guard Dave!
 
I will try to get some more pics up later

Sadly, the fotos I have of Jon's and Mike V's knives are SO bad, that I can't really put them up - hopefully they can post some better ones!

Jon brought a beautiful carved San Francisco style folder, a couple of hunters, A carving set and a gent's folder

Mike V had an assortment of folders, some linerlocks, some slipjoints, and a "convertible push dagger" which had some nice engraving as well

I do have some pictures of Mike R's knives, which I will post up later.

Bill
 
bummed I couldn't make it this year. Sounds like a good time!
 
Hi Bill,
Thanks again for supporting us and the show. I just want to thank you and the rest of the collectors for letting us pick your brains during the round table. It is so hard some times, to decide what to make for a show. Especially one as small and intimate as the ACE show. Here a couple of the ones that I brought. The push dagger is a fun project for me and the little monster helps me hone my engraving skills.

Thanks again Bill

Michael

MVKnives-2.jpgMVKnives-4.jpg
 
Mikey, the little monster is kickass from where I sit.

Bill F. thanks for starting this thread.

Davey as allways very nice knives.
 
Thanks Bill B here is one I want you to come see at blade it did not sell at the ACE show so I might have it at blade it is what I am going to call me best kitchen knife to date and yes it is very thin between picking your brain Mike Rader"s help Bob Tate and Bob Kramer I think I am getting close.LischKnives-9.jpgLischKnives-11.jpg
 
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Dave, that ring guard is sooo sweet! The way the ring flows in right at the spacer, the lines, the ivory, I love everything about it:thumbup: Your kitchen knives have come a long way. Your time spent with Mike, Bob and Bob really shows. Bill better hurry at blade, cause I don't think that the damascus kitchen knife is gonna last long:D

Mike V. the engraving on that little monster is as Bill B. put it "kickass".
 
Thanks Mike Q When I feel as good about a knife as I do about this kitchen knife they always find a home wish you where going to be at blade maybe next year.
 
Thanks Bill and Mike for the kind words. I love making those little monsters that Marcie comes up with. See you guys in Atlanta.

Michael
 
Sorry I missed the ACE show this year. But I look forward to Blade. I should have some extra special knives there.
Gary
 
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