This is not a statistical or analytical account of the most renowned exhibitors of the show, such as STeven, or perhaps Roger may create, but rather what I experienced.
The adventure was four phases for me. An 1100 mile motorcycle ride from CT to Atlanta. The Blade show. A 150 cruise to Monteagle, TN, to Scott Pilkingtons Engrave In for a few days, and lastly, the ride home. I wanted to bring my camera, but considering the limited secure carrying capacity on my bike, and the large size of my camera, I chose to omit it.
Due to economics, buying knives I would love to have, is not an option. Similar to my appreciation of collectible cars, I realized by looking at knives and talking with the makers, the enjoyment that brings, is well worth the effort of the trip.
Additionally, as I strive to raise the level of my engraving, there is no one place that I would have the opportunity to see more engraving and engravers than at Blade.
As I arrived Friday to redeem my VIP pass (thanks to the generosity of Bobby Branton), I ran into Kevin at the CKCA booth. As we chatted, Bob Glassman stopped by with a Tom Overeynder folder engraved by Joe Mason. Absolutely beautiful knife with rare jasper scales and the gold inlaid scrollwork was vintage Joe Mason. Kevin showed a typically awesome Fisk.
It is undoubtedly a huge undertaking to run the show, but as I waited in lines, the thought that there must be a better way, was on my mind .and several others vocalized the same.
Once getting the VIP pass by waiting about 25 minutes in line, the queue to go into the show was vast. I decided rather than standing in place, I would take a walk around the area. Since last year was my first trip to Blade, there is a lot to see. The courtyard across from the Waverly is an architectural masterpiece, and there is a nice walkway across the way towards the Cumberland Mall. It is getting hot and sunny but there is abundant shade from trees and skyscrapers. I walked back through the Waverlys impressive lobby and ballrooms. Inside the show at 12:20 PM.
The first person I noticed upon entering is Steve Dunn. He was my instructor in the first engraving class I took. He is a great guy, and it is a pleasure to see him, and the knives on his table.
Since exhibitors are there to conduct business first and foremost, I typically let the table holder know that I will not be purchasing a knife, or I step to the side if a potential customer stops by. Nearly every maker has no hesitation to show me their knives, and talk about anything I may be interested to know about them. Most tell me to pick them up and play with them before I ask or say anything however.
Also right in front of the ABS section was James Jackson MS, from England. Very nice fellow and had an exquisite bowie with a beautiful silver sheath. I was curious as to how the sheath was fabricated and he explained it in detail.
Within the ABS section, I was able to visit with and check out the work of several people from the class I took with Steve. Included were Tim Potier, John Horrigan, Boyd Ashworth, Ron Welling, and Jerry van Eizenga. It was great to see them and their knives were as would be expected superb. Of them, John Horrigan is the only one that has been incorporating engraving into his knives. I check out his engraving and show him some of mine. It is a pleasure to see him.
Since Bobby Branton was so kind as to send me a VIP pass, I needed to stop by his table to meet and thank him. Everywhere I wandered, it was difficult to stay focused and not stop to admire things of interest.
As I ventured down the aisles, I came across Dave Ellis and took the opportunity to thank him for all the knives he shows on the forum, and he thanked me for saying so. He had some vintage Loveless knives and apologized for the knives that were delivered and not there to be seen. Sorry to be so repetitive, but it was a pleasure meeting Dave.
Doug Noren had amongst Scagel styled knives and hatchets, an absolutely stunning Price styled spearpoint bowie with a carved ivory handle. Absolutely gorgeous in every way.
Audra Draper had a table next to husband Mike. She was very friendly (pretty too) and we had a great conversation about WY. I mentioned skiing there at Jackson Hole and she proceeded to inform me that the locals dont consider Jackson or Jackson Hole part of Wyoming! Who knew. She gave me the name of a place to go to experience more authentic Wyoming skiing. She had some cool forged items other than knives and Mike had tacticals.
As I went across each aisle, there were just too many knives and makers to remember them all. There were exceptional knives everywhere I looked, whether it be a well known maker, or one I was not familiar with. My interests include production knives, antique knives, custom fixed blades, folders, various supplies, many collectibles, and just about anything related to engraving. There is an overwhelming abundance of everything.
It seems the management had some challenges and there were several table holders that were misplaced, but took what they were given and made the best of the situation.
Walter Brend was sitting behind an impressive selection of fighters including his new affordable line that go for under $1000. I took the opportunity to shake the hand of a legend amongst knifemakers. He was gracious and thanked me for saying so. Holding his knives was a privilege and it was easy to see why he is famous for fighting knives.
As I expected, there were also engraved knives in abundance as well. I asked if it was OK to look at the engraving, and I was made to feel that asking was unnecessary, but I still asked first anyway. So much to see and even though I made a list of tables to visit, I managed to leave it home .right next to the computer. The hours evaporated, and when I noticed I was getting hungry, it was 4 PM and felt like I had been there just a short time!
One of the tables I had to see was Kyle Royers. Kyle was a pleasure to meet, and more than likely, I bent his and his moms ear some, relating my opinion regarding college. Kyles mom appeared much more interested to hear what I had to say, but Kyle was very polite. His knives were consistently exquisite. The subhilt from the progression thread was incredible. A large knife, light in the hand, exceptional damascus and beautiful. Every knife was superbly made and one included a giraffe bone handle that even Les would have trouble finding fault with. Kyle mentioned they had all sold before the show.
As we were conversing, some awards were announced. The PA system left a lot to be desired, but Kyles name was not heard at that time. Everything I observed about Kyle and his knives made me think success. While college can never hurt, in Kyles situation it would just take away from his time to make more knives, and he has extraordinary skills!
Karl Anderson had a table full of fine knives and his takedown fittings were too cool. Karl was also gracious and a pleasure to chat with. He was not having a successful show as far as sales went, but seemed to take it in stride. I could only think that his knives not selling was not due to the craftsmanship, but rather the high amount of competition and the economy. Each and every one was nice.
Once again Tommy Gann had some sweet looking knives and he too is a pleasure to converse with. I know it is a lot of repetition of that phrase, but I am out of adjectives.
Last year I happened by Shane Taylors table just in time to see that years Bat Knife as it was sold and the customer hadnt picked it up. This year he had a folder with a silver skull inlaid, carved and sculpted. The Damascus was typically amazing and the scales were exquisitely carved and hot blued almost black. As I told Shane, a folder could not be any smoother operating than he achieves. Once again, holding his knife brought to mind the type of precision that Rolex produces in watches. Like holding a jewel. Shane once again is gracious and extremely enjoyable to chat with.
Speaking of folders, Larry Newton who won best folder last year, had some amazing knives once again. I also met Larry in class at GRS, and his engraving is excellent, as are his folders. While Shane creates some sinister themed knives, Larrys are elegant, and every bit as smooth as Shanes however. A knife just could not be crafted more precisely. The one that I liked best was an automatic, black pearl scales, Devon Thomas spirograph damascus blade (I think I remember correctly. Sensory overload was frequent) inlaid gold scrollwork and fast opening. For all it was, the price was a bargain. Larry is as fine of a gentleman as you could hope to meet, and again, a true pleasure to converse with.
Since folders are on my mind, I have to mention Shaun and Sharla Hansen. They had three high art folding daggers on their table. Each was finely crafted, exceptionally well adorned and engraved. Shaun was not at the table when I happened by, but that was fine with me, as Sharla is gorgeous. As well as being good looking, she was once again .an extreme pleasure to spend time with. She seemed to be as delighted as I was in listening, to show the intricacies of their high art folding daggers. The automatics she referred to as credit card autos, the reason being a hidden latch in the blade pocket operated with a credit card activated or disarmed the automatic mechanism. Exceptional knives each and every one. There was at least one of the Hansens in DDDs book The Great Collections.
Saturday at 10:00 AM Bobby Branton provided a great knife throwing demonstration which was very enjoyable. Bobby is as entertaining speaking with the crowd, as he is adept at throwing knives and hawks. It was fun to watch and I learned quite a bit also.
I went to a grinding demo put on by Dozier knives, but arrived a bit late, and left as I could not get close enough to see what was being demonstrated. Being somewhat vertically challenged sucks at times!
The cutting competition was great. The tasks the course included were formidable and definitely not for amateurs. Those guys were put through highly physical and demanding tasks requiring brute force, timing, and precision skills. It was my first time seeing such a competition and it was exciting. There was a large and appreciative crowd.
Just prior to the competition, I had stopped by the GRS booth and watched Sandra Brady doing scrimshaw and Diane Scalise doing some western style engraving. The buckle Diane engraved was presented to the winner. It was beautiful.
Back inside, once again I attempted to take in all the sights to be seen. Impossible. I could have spent an infinite amount of time and not seen everything that interested me.
I tried to formulate a list and plan the remaining time, but it was to little avail.
Everywhere I stopped, exhibitors were happy to show me their wares and explain any and every process I inquired about. Tomway cases are the best Ive seen and their booth included an impressive variety along with museum like ivory carvings.
Across from Tomway, was a purveyor that had a fine array of folders and a rack of the finest walking sticks one could imagine. While the walking sticks had an old world style, they were all recently crafted from the best materials that exist by world renowned carvers, scrimshanders and metalsmiths.
Throughout the show, I consistently ran into other folks that I met previously at shows or in my engraving endeavors. In the back of the hall, the ES-4 booth was occupied by several engravers and Lori Ristinen who does scrimshaw. Tim Adlam, Brian Hochstrat, Tim Halloran and Joe Mason seemed to be doing a good amount of business there, and the back of the booth became sort of a gathering spot for those of us that engrave and were going to Scotts Engrave In.
On Sunday, several of us were treated to Amyak Stepanyan showing some of his work gathered in a small group at the back of the ES-4 booth. Amyak worked as a die cutter in Russia for many years before coming to the USA nine years ago. He collaborates with Owen Wood on a frequent basis and his work is literally amazing. He was carrying a deco style folder which he had carved the Empire State building onto both scales. It had to be seen to believe how intricate and exacting it was! It became a mini show.
Interestingly, a fellow happened by seeing some of Amyaks dies and introduced himself. It was Tom Maringer. I immediately recognized the name from the knife he showed on the forum with the wrapped handle, and realized I had put his name on my forgotten list and did not make it to his table. After a bit, I accompanied him back to his table. He had a plethora of coins he had made in his presses and his knives were unique. Every one was precisely crafted and exceptionally light in the hand, but lethal if needed as a weapon.
Since it was the last day, I needed to go back to Tim Hancock's table to purchase the latest of David's masterpieces. I had stopped by earlier and had the pleasure of meeting Tim, seeing his knives and perusing the book. When I left, I explained that I will be back to purchase a copy but at the time preferred not to have to carry it. I don't know why, but they were all surprised when I returned to make my purchase. It seems so many people say "i'll be back" they had given a name to them!
As Sunday was winding down towards the end of the show, I ran into Kyle Royer once again. This time I was able to congratulate him on his two awards and he also seemed elated from his Blade show experience.
I wrote this from memory and I fully admit, my mind was overloaded by all I experienced. This was phase two of my journey and hopefully I have not bored anyone too much. I had such a great time I wanted to share it.
Believe it or not, this is a condensed version
Peter
The adventure was four phases for me. An 1100 mile motorcycle ride from CT to Atlanta. The Blade show. A 150 cruise to Monteagle, TN, to Scott Pilkingtons Engrave In for a few days, and lastly, the ride home. I wanted to bring my camera, but considering the limited secure carrying capacity on my bike, and the large size of my camera, I chose to omit it.
Due to economics, buying knives I would love to have, is not an option. Similar to my appreciation of collectible cars, I realized by looking at knives and talking with the makers, the enjoyment that brings, is well worth the effort of the trip.
Additionally, as I strive to raise the level of my engraving, there is no one place that I would have the opportunity to see more engraving and engravers than at Blade.
As I arrived Friday to redeem my VIP pass (thanks to the generosity of Bobby Branton), I ran into Kevin at the CKCA booth. As we chatted, Bob Glassman stopped by with a Tom Overeynder folder engraved by Joe Mason. Absolutely beautiful knife with rare jasper scales and the gold inlaid scrollwork was vintage Joe Mason. Kevin showed a typically awesome Fisk.
It is undoubtedly a huge undertaking to run the show, but as I waited in lines, the thought that there must be a better way, was on my mind .and several others vocalized the same.
Once getting the VIP pass by waiting about 25 minutes in line, the queue to go into the show was vast. I decided rather than standing in place, I would take a walk around the area. Since last year was my first trip to Blade, there is a lot to see. The courtyard across from the Waverly is an architectural masterpiece, and there is a nice walkway across the way towards the Cumberland Mall. It is getting hot and sunny but there is abundant shade from trees and skyscrapers. I walked back through the Waverlys impressive lobby and ballrooms. Inside the show at 12:20 PM.
The first person I noticed upon entering is Steve Dunn. He was my instructor in the first engraving class I took. He is a great guy, and it is a pleasure to see him, and the knives on his table.
Since exhibitors are there to conduct business first and foremost, I typically let the table holder know that I will not be purchasing a knife, or I step to the side if a potential customer stops by. Nearly every maker has no hesitation to show me their knives, and talk about anything I may be interested to know about them. Most tell me to pick them up and play with them before I ask or say anything however.
Also right in front of the ABS section was James Jackson MS, from England. Very nice fellow and had an exquisite bowie with a beautiful silver sheath. I was curious as to how the sheath was fabricated and he explained it in detail.
Within the ABS section, I was able to visit with and check out the work of several people from the class I took with Steve. Included were Tim Potier, John Horrigan, Boyd Ashworth, Ron Welling, and Jerry van Eizenga. It was great to see them and their knives were as would be expected superb. Of them, John Horrigan is the only one that has been incorporating engraving into his knives. I check out his engraving and show him some of mine. It is a pleasure to see him.
Since Bobby Branton was so kind as to send me a VIP pass, I needed to stop by his table to meet and thank him. Everywhere I wandered, it was difficult to stay focused and not stop to admire things of interest.
As I ventured down the aisles, I came across Dave Ellis and took the opportunity to thank him for all the knives he shows on the forum, and he thanked me for saying so. He had some vintage Loveless knives and apologized for the knives that were delivered and not there to be seen. Sorry to be so repetitive, but it was a pleasure meeting Dave.
Doug Noren had amongst Scagel styled knives and hatchets, an absolutely stunning Price styled spearpoint bowie with a carved ivory handle. Absolutely gorgeous in every way.
Audra Draper had a table next to husband Mike. She was very friendly (pretty too) and we had a great conversation about WY. I mentioned skiing there at Jackson Hole and she proceeded to inform me that the locals dont consider Jackson or Jackson Hole part of Wyoming! Who knew. She gave me the name of a place to go to experience more authentic Wyoming skiing. She had some cool forged items other than knives and Mike had tacticals.
As I went across each aisle, there were just too many knives and makers to remember them all. There were exceptional knives everywhere I looked, whether it be a well known maker, or one I was not familiar with. My interests include production knives, antique knives, custom fixed blades, folders, various supplies, many collectibles, and just about anything related to engraving. There is an overwhelming abundance of everything.
It seems the management had some challenges and there were several table holders that were misplaced, but took what they were given and made the best of the situation.
Walter Brend was sitting behind an impressive selection of fighters including his new affordable line that go for under $1000. I took the opportunity to shake the hand of a legend amongst knifemakers. He was gracious and thanked me for saying so. Holding his knives was a privilege and it was easy to see why he is famous for fighting knives.
As I expected, there were also engraved knives in abundance as well. I asked if it was OK to look at the engraving, and I was made to feel that asking was unnecessary, but I still asked first anyway. So much to see and even though I made a list of tables to visit, I managed to leave it home .right next to the computer. The hours evaporated, and when I noticed I was getting hungry, it was 4 PM and felt like I had been there just a short time!
One of the tables I had to see was Kyle Royers. Kyle was a pleasure to meet, and more than likely, I bent his and his moms ear some, relating my opinion regarding college. Kyles mom appeared much more interested to hear what I had to say, but Kyle was very polite. His knives were consistently exquisite. The subhilt from the progression thread was incredible. A large knife, light in the hand, exceptional damascus and beautiful. Every knife was superbly made and one included a giraffe bone handle that even Les would have trouble finding fault with. Kyle mentioned they had all sold before the show.
As we were conversing, some awards were announced. The PA system left a lot to be desired, but Kyles name was not heard at that time. Everything I observed about Kyle and his knives made me think success. While college can never hurt, in Kyles situation it would just take away from his time to make more knives, and he has extraordinary skills!
Karl Anderson had a table full of fine knives and his takedown fittings were too cool. Karl was also gracious and a pleasure to chat with. He was not having a successful show as far as sales went, but seemed to take it in stride. I could only think that his knives not selling was not due to the craftsmanship, but rather the high amount of competition and the economy. Each and every one was nice.
Once again Tommy Gann had some sweet looking knives and he too is a pleasure to converse with. I know it is a lot of repetition of that phrase, but I am out of adjectives.
Last year I happened by Shane Taylors table just in time to see that years Bat Knife as it was sold and the customer hadnt picked it up. This year he had a folder with a silver skull inlaid, carved and sculpted. The Damascus was typically amazing and the scales were exquisitely carved and hot blued almost black. As I told Shane, a folder could not be any smoother operating than he achieves. Once again, holding his knife brought to mind the type of precision that Rolex produces in watches. Like holding a jewel. Shane once again is gracious and extremely enjoyable to chat with.
Speaking of folders, Larry Newton who won best folder last year, had some amazing knives once again. I also met Larry in class at GRS, and his engraving is excellent, as are his folders. While Shane creates some sinister themed knives, Larrys are elegant, and every bit as smooth as Shanes however. A knife just could not be crafted more precisely. The one that I liked best was an automatic, black pearl scales, Devon Thomas spirograph damascus blade (I think I remember correctly. Sensory overload was frequent) inlaid gold scrollwork and fast opening. For all it was, the price was a bargain. Larry is as fine of a gentleman as you could hope to meet, and again, a true pleasure to converse with.
Since folders are on my mind, I have to mention Shaun and Sharla Hansen. They had three high art folding daggers on their table. Each was finely crafted, exceptionally well adorned and engraved. Shaun was not at the table when I happened by, but that was fine with me, as Sharla is gorgeous. As well as being good looking, she was once again .an extreme pleasure to spend time with. She seemed to be as delighted as I was in listening, to show the intricacies of their high art folding daggers. The automatics she referred to as credit card autos, the reason being a hidden latch in the blade pocket operated with a credit card activated or disarmed the automatic mechanism. Exceptional knives each and every one. There was at least one of the Hansens in DDDs book The Great Collections.
Saturday at 10:00 AM Bobby Branton provided a great knife throwing demonstration which was very enjoyable. Bobby is as entertaining speaking with the crowd, as he is adept at throwing knives and hawks. It was fun to watch and I learned quite a bit also.
I went to a grinding demo put on by Dozier knives, but arrived a bit late, and left as I could not get close enough to see what was being demonstrated. Being somewhat vertically challenged sucks at times!
The cutting competition was great. The tasks the course included were formidable and definitely not for amateurs. Those guys were put through highly physical and demanding tasks requiring brute force, timing, and precision skills. It was my first time seeing such a competition and it was exciting. There was a large and appreciative crowd.
Just prior to the competition, I had stopped by the GRS booth and watched Sandra Brady doing scrimshaw and Diane Scalise doing some western style engraving. The buckle Diane engraved was presented to the winner. It was beautiful.
Back inside, once again I attempted to take in all the sights to be seen. Impossible. I could have spent an infinite amount of time and not seen everything that interested me.
I tried to formulate a list and plan the remaining time, but it was to little avail.
Everywhere I stopped, exhibitors were happy to show me their wares and explain any and every process I inquired about. Tomway cases are the best Ive seen and their booth included an impressive variety along with museum like ivory carvings.
Across from Tomway, was a purveyor that had a fine array of folders and a rack of the finest walking sticks one could imagine. While the walking sticks had an old world style, they were all recently crafted from the best materials that exist by world renowned carvers, scrimshanders and metalsmiths.
Throughout the show, I consistently ran into other folks that I met previously at shows or in my engraving endeavors. In the back of the hall, the ES-4 booth was occupied by several engravers and Lori Ristinen who does scrimshaw. Tim Adlam, Brian Hochstrat, Tim Halloran and Joe Mason seemed to be doing a good amount of business there, and the back of the booth became sort of a gathering spot for those of us that engrave and were going to Scotts Engrave In.
On Sunday, several of us were treated to Amyak Stepanyan showing some of his work gathered in a small group at the back of the ES-4 booth. Amyak worked as a die cutter in Russia for many years before coming to the USA nine years ago. He collaborates with Owen Wood on a frequent basis and his work is literally amazing. He was carrying a deco style folder which he had carved the Empire State building onto both scales. It had to be seen to believe how intricate and exacting it was! It became a mini show.
Interestingly, a fellow happened by seeing some of Amyaks dies and introduced himself. It was Tom Maringer. I immediately recognized the name from the knife he showed on the forum with the wrapped handle, and realized I had put his name on my forgotten list and did not make it to his table. After a bit, I accompanied him back to his table. He had a plethora of coins he had made in his presses and his knives were unique. Every one was precisely crafted and exceptionally light in the hand, but lethal if needed as a weapon.
Since it was the last day, I needed to go back to Tim Hancock's table to purchase the latest of David's masterpieces. I had stopped by earlier and had the pleasure of meeting Tim, seeing his knives and perusing the book. When I left, I explained that I will be back to purchase a copy but at the time preferred not to have to carry it. I don't know why, but they were all surprised when I returned to make my purchase. It seems so many people say "i'll be back" they had given a name to them!
As Sunday was winding down towards the end of the show, I ran into Kyle Royer once again. This time I was able to congratulate him on his two awards and he also seemed elated from his Blade show experience.
I wrote this from memory and I fully admit, my mind was overloaded by all I experienced. This was phase two of my journey and hopefully I have not bored anyone too much. I had such a great time I wanted to share it.
Believe it or not, this is a condensed version
Peter
