Back from the PKA show

[Michael_Aos]

Well I made it up to Denver for the PKA show. It was my first knife-only show, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

There were maybe 30-50 tables, chock full of wonderful knives by people I've actually heard of -- as well as a ton I hadn't. I kept wandering around, not really knowing what to do and managed to run into Larry from BladeArt. He hooked me up with a Mayo TnT (which I said I _wasn't_ going to buy, but I just couldn't resist). Then he was kind enough to walk around with me and introduce me to some of the makers. It's interesting to be around a knife "connoisseur". Like fine wine, scotch, or cuban cigars -- I'm sure the knives he showed me were great, but I'm a "beer & pizza" sort of guy. I wound up picking up a Dick Patton fixed blade as well.

Had a great time.

Mike

 

[Michael_Aos]

Sorry, I meant that to be a little longer, but the Netscape 6.1 preview for MacOS X wasn't playing nice. Back to I.E.

Anyway, Audra Draper was there. Impressive to say the least! And her knives were pretty cool too.

Another forumite, Malcom, happened to be there and he recognized my Boa in it's G2 sheath. We chatted a little and I checked out his Darrel Ralph CF EDC. Very nice. Might have to get me one of those.

Tons of other great makers. Many, MANY hunting knives (this is Colorado, after all). I've got plent of those anyway though.

Thanks again to Larry. I couldn't make up my mind on anything, and I was afraid I'd leave without buying anything. He "saved" me to the tune of about $750.

Again, I had a great time. Worth checking out if you're in the area.

Mike

 

[mmtmatrix]

Yeh Mike it was great to see you!!! I was walking around (I had just gotten there and I was still really overwhelmed because it was my first show, and I had never seen so many customs at one time), and I saw a guy looking at a TNT, wow I said as I walked by and glanced at the Mayo, but I continued to walk around. Anyway, it was Mike (who was looking at/purchased the TNT) and luckily he found me later, and I showed him a few of my Ralph's. I also noticed the work of G-2 on his side, (I remember seeing pictures on the custom forum), and I explained to him that I also am a member of BF.Com. Anyway it was good to met a fellow forumite, and I always appreciate talking knives with someone who appreciates them.

Back to the show, like I said it was my first show, and I had a great time, what an experience. I walked by Audra Drapers table, and exclaimed that it looked similar to a fowler, then I noticed that it was in fact Audra's table, and (after reading Knife Talk) I knew that she was an apprentice with him. I had a nice talk with her, and had a chance to handle an amazing Damascus knife that she had. Also, a friend of mine, Tim Bliss, had his collection of Fowlers, and let me handle a few of them, they sure are classic, all around amazing knives!!!

I also got to look at many other makers tables including another local maker that I know, Steve Rollert who specializes in Damascus. I also had the opportunity to handle some nice fixed blades from Rob & Dick Patton.

All in all I had a great time at the show, I just wish that I could go back/spend some more time there. I also wish that I would have had more money to spend!!!

Thanks again Mike, it was great to meet you, we will have to get together sometime.
mmtmatrix

PS -- Sorry my post is somewhat out of order, etc., I need to get some sleep.

 

[JM Wands]

This was posted elsewhere but I think it is appropriate here. The PKA is the only knife show I've been to. So I don't have anything to measure it against but the shear fun and talent that was there. This year found me actully telling the makers I was an aspiring "maker," which lead to enthusiastic "We've all been there" etc.I too was impressed with Audra Drapers (and her apprentices) work and friendlyness. She took time to draw a picture in response to a question. Very Nice. The younger Patton took time to tell me how they clay differentially harden there Japanese style blades. B.C. Bennett from Cheyenne told me how helpful a certain class was he took. Great work. Richard Self gave me great encouragemet and had some unbelievably awesome finished knives. WOW!!! What a great time."Can I say thanks enough for you and all the "makers" and wannabes (like me) who fill this forum with their questions and knowledge? Don't think so. I have to tell you , I went to the PKA show here in Denver today like I have for four years and had the best time ever. I too thought it would be rude to ask you seasoned pros stupid questions and tricks or secrets. But today I thought"What the h###! Do or die!" and when a maker told me to go ahead and pick up anything I like,,, I told them I was there to steal there ideas and see what my knifes were supposed to look like. Well,,,, to the maker, each one answered my ?'s, gave me tips, even said to call with any questions I might have, Man it was great. I am so inspired. This tells me the great responses and enthusiastic help from you forumites is no anomolie! It is actually how knifemakers are as a whole. I am proud to at least rub elbows with the likes of you people. Mabe one day I will be able to pass it on,,,,,, Special thanks go to Dan Zvonek and Fred Ott for all the time they spent with me and love of the craft that was evident not onl in their personalities but also in their knives. Enuf for now,,,, Thanks again to those who spend at least some of their time here on the forums. JM "

 

[bob_glassman]

Yep.. Great show. It was slightly bigger then last year, but missed seeing the regulars like:

Dale Reif, Jeff Chaffee, Jason Jacks.. They were there last year.. It was great to meet Audra Draper. She is a very friendly person and great to talk to..

I picked up 5 new pieces. Great knives.

Brian Tighe - Fancy Pinnacle with 3 bar composite damascus (by Darrell Ralph). It has a Ca. buckeye burl handle.. Very nice piece

Greg Lightfoot - Mag ..

Joe Pardue - Abalone and Damascus folder

Mike Mercer - Awesome light etched Spyrograph folder with Fossilized Walrus ivory, gold spacer inlays, gold screws and stud with an amethyst.

Bob Terzuola - Damascus Talon with DIW overlay.

I'll post pics as soon as they are available.

Great Time was had by all. Sorry I missed you guys. I did see Larry, and he was nice enough to trade me for the Terzuola Talon. Thank you Larry..

For those of you that are not far from Denver, this is a nice show worth visiting annually. It isn't as big as some (like Vegas or Blade), but it is alot of fun. It was great meeting all you forumites.

Enjoy


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