- Joined
- May 10, 2000
- Messages
- 3,351
Hey all,
Just wanted to give a quick heads up about some of my Belgian friends who are going to Blade this year. I just got back from the hammer-in at the Forge dOstiches, a terrific facility run by some very knowledgeable and amiable knife people in the beautiful Belgian countryside. It was a great event, filled with interesting demonstrations, friendly people, good food, and lots of outstanding forged knives several of which will be on display in Atlanta in just a few weeks.
Interestingly, no less than four members of the Journeyman Smith class of 2013 were in attendance, three of whom will have tables at Blade this year. The fourth, some loser expat named Wulf, wont make it to the show this year but thats OK - its the other three youll want to see.
You all know Sam Lurquin already, and certainly dont need me to tell you to check out his table (8R) he will have some next level work with him for sure. Trust me on this.
Jean-Louis Regel was also there, and offered a sneak-peak at some of his knives for Atlanta. Youll definitely want to check them out as well (table 18Q) - Jean-Louis does super clean work. If my memory serves me, Adam DesRosiers picked up one of his JS test knives two years ago, and you dont get a much better endorsement than that. (Jean-Louis is actually French, but he fits in quite well with the Belgians too.)
Rounding out this mini class reunion was Veronique Laurent, whose refined patterns and attention to detail always deserve a very close look (table 18P). She also had some of her Blade show knives with her and I can tell you they are well worth checking out. Veronique makes folders and fixed blades alike and has a very broad range of talents, but absolutely nails it every time.
But now I also want to talk about my buddy Claude Bouchonville. I know a few astute collectors here have already picked up knives from him Dudley and Mark have posted theirs here in recent days and Im confident a few more of you will soon pick up a knife from Claude as well. His work is just outstanding.
Claude has been swinging a hammer since he was 16 years old, beginning his career as a farrier before later moving on to bladesmithing. Hes been making knives full time for a number of years now and his current work truly reflects the skill, experience, and passion of someone who has spent thousands of hours in front of a forge.
This year will be Claudes first trip to Blade, and I hope youll all make him feel very welcome. I also highly recommend you get to his table (19P) early and check out his work. The handle ergonomics on his Koltan fighter really need to be experienced firsthand.
Claude is also an all-around great guy who speaks English very well. Super easy to talk to, so dont let any perceived language barriers hold you back. Hes also a wealth of knowledge about bladesmithing and knives in general.
I borrowed a few of his photos to share some of his prior work with you here, and Id encourage any other collectors who have some of his work to share their impressions - and pictures if youve got em!
So if you make it down to Atlanta this year please do make an effort to visit with Claude, Sam, Jean-Louis and Veronique, and tell them hello for me. Checking out their knives and visiting with these fine makers will be well worth your time. And even if you dont make it to the show, now is a great time to consider adding their work to your collection, because the exchange rate is far better than its been in almost 12 years. With the dollar as strong as it is right now its almost like their knives are all on sale, but I wouldnt necessarily count on the dollar staying up here for too long
-D
Just wanted to give a quick heads up about some of my Belgian friends who are going to Blade this year. I just got back from the hammer-in at the Forge dOstiches, a terrific facility run by some very knowledgeable and amiable knife people in the beautiful Belgian countryside. It was a great event, filled with interesting demonstrations, friendly people, good food, and lots of outstanding forged knives several of which will be on display in Atlanta in just a few weeks.
Interestingly, no less than four members of the Journeyman Smith class of 2013 were in attendance, three of whom will have tables at Blade this year. The fourth, some loser expat named Wulf, wont make it to the show this year but thats OK - its the other three youll want to see.
You all know Sam Lurquin already, and certainly dont need me to tell you to check out his table (8R) he will have some next level work with him for sure. Trust me on this.
Jean-Louis Regel was also there, and offered a sneak-peak at some of his knives for Atlanta. Youll definitely want to check them out as well (table 18Q) - Jean-Louis does super clean work. If my memory serves me, Adam DesRosiers picked up one of his JS test knives two years ago, and you dont get a much better endorsement than that. (Jean-Louis is actually French, but he fits in quite well with the Belgians too.)
Rounding out this mini class reunion was Veronique Laurent, whose refined patterns and attention to detail always deserve a very close look (table 18P). She also had some of her Blade show knives with her and I can tell you they are well worth checking out. Veronique makes folders and fixed blades alike and has a very broad range of talents, but absolutely nails it every time.
But now I also want to talk about my buddy Claude Bouchonville. I know a few astute collectors here have already picked up knives from him Dudley and Mark have posted theirs here in recent days and Im confident a few more of you will soon pick up a knife from Claude as well. His work is just outstanding.
Claude has been swinging a hammer since he was 16 years old, beginning his career as a farrier before later moving on to bladesmithing. Hes been making knives full time for a number of years now and his current work truly reflects the skill, experience, and passion of someone who has spent thousands of hours in front of a forge.
This year will be Claudes first trip to Blade, and I hope youll all make him feel very welcome. I also highly recommend you get to his table (19P) early and check out his work. The handle ergonomics on his Koltan fighter really need to be experienced firsthand.
Claude is also an all-around great guy who speaks English very well. Super easy to talk to, so dont let any perceived language barriers hold you back. Hes also a wealth of knowledge about bladesmithing and knives in general.
I borrowed a few of his photos to share some of his prior work with you here, and Id encourage any other collectors who have some of his work to share their impressions - and pictures if youve got em!
So if you make it down to Atlanta this year please do make an effort to visit with Claude, Sam, Jean-Louis and Veronique, and tell them hello for me. Checking out their knives and visiting with these fine makers will be well worth your time. And even if you dont make it to the show, now is a great time to consider adding their work to your collection, because the exchange rate is far better than its been in almost 12 years. With the dollar as strong as it is right now its almost like their knives are all on sale, but I wouldnt necessarily count on the dollar staying up here for too long
-D
