- Joined
- Jun 29, 2002
- Messages
- 337
Well, Im back from Blade! Being a first timer of Blade, my main objective was to take in as much as possible. I did exactly that.
I walked in through the front doors and was dumbfounded by the sheer amount of content. I was amazed at the number of tables and booths set around the corridors of the galleria. I imidiatly started my course through the maze of knives. I started, of course, with the production knife booths. Needles to say I was a bit nervous about talking to exhibitors.
I made my way around the outside of the floor and through all the production booths. And BOY was I surprised at what I found. I made sure that I tried/looked/felt/opened/closed every knife I've heard about on this forum that I've had questions about. These include, but are not limited to, the Spyderco Impala, Chinook, Police and Cricket; The Emerson Commander and Kerambit; The Kershaw Leek; The Benchmade Griptilian series and Benchmite; The Al Mar Shrike and SERE 2000; A Microtech OTF and a Protech Godson; and last but not least, the Camillus CUDA MAXX 5.5, 7.0, EDC, and Aftermath.
Now I know I can't make a full blooded review for all the knives I saw, but I can tell you what stood out for me.
I've never felt any Benchmade or Emerson knives before Sunday. In fact, before Blade, I didn't like them much. This was mainly due to ignorance.
The Emerson booth was my definate favorite other than the Cold Steel exhibit. One of the main reasons I enjoyed this booth so much was the enthusiasm and kindness shown by the exhibitors. I stepped up very timidly, just browsing the knives, when I was aproched by a somewhat stocky man about my high with a gleam in his eye and a knife in his hand. He imiatly started a conversation with me. I felt relieved that such a person payed attention to little ol' me. I showed me the knife I was interested in (The Commander) and showed off its wave feature. He made jokes as well (more than likely to break my nervousness). After I returned the knife to him, he generously offered me another! He handed me the Kerambit and showed it off. I returned this one, and was again offered another!! I felt like I was being payed attention to! I left that booth with such a positive feeling and a DEFINATE wish list. (Oh, and a T-Shirt). Needless to say, I really loved those Emerson knives and have a new respect for the company. Hopefully someone knows this man's name so I can give him a thanks! (I didn't catch it).
Anyway, back to more knives:
The next booth I went to was the Kershaw booth. I asked to see the anodized Leek and was not as impressed with the function as I was with the color. The assisted opening felt a little whacky to me and the size didn't match it well. (but an otherwise beautifull knife).
I really loved the Cold Steel booth, mainly becuase Lynn was there in all his glory. I got my picture with him, which was nice. I really enjoyed my stay there becuase he was a very personal guy. He talked to us for a bit and showed us a few demonstrations. He was very, very nice.
The Camillus booth was nice as well. The man behind the counter was very friendly and shot the breeze with us for awhile. I was surprised at how much I liked the Cuda MAXX. But I was equally surprised at how much I disliked the Aftermath. I thought it felt a little clunky, although I will give it another chance.
I tried many Spydercos out as well. I loved them all. I REALLY liked the Impala, Chinook, and Cricket. I was very shocked by the Police. I couldn't open it with one hand! I tried, and tried, and tried, but I could not open it with my right hand. The thumb hole was too close to the thin handle for me, and it was impossible for me to open it. My Dad and girlfriend both tried as well with no luck. I was disapointed with this and hopefully it was just a fluke.
Now, to sum up my experience, I'll talk about my trip to the Benchmade booth. I really didn't expect these knives to be all that great, but I was VERY shocked. I loved the Griptilians most of all. The little auto Benchmite was nifty too. I also gained a new respect for this company and added more knives to my list.
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the custom tables as well. But NEIL WAS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND! I was looking forward to feeling a Blackwood. Most of the knives I saw where very nice. And I tried my best to tell the makers what I thought of their knives. (Always positive). I found that all of them I talked to were very curtious and friendly, and were understanding about my lack of custom knowledge. My only holdback with the custom tables, is that I really didn't know what to look for! They all looked exeptional to me. I guess its just something a conisure(sp) picks up after awhile.
Edit: I also tried out a few Busse knives. Pauls ratchet and the Swamp rat. I liked the handles and weight of these knives.
Today was the best day of the year for me. I've extended my knowledge of knives by massive amounts and I treated my Dad to a fun day of bawking at knives! I'll be there next year for sure!
I walked in through the front doors and was dumbfounded by the sheer amount of content. I was amazed at the number of tables and booths set around the corridors of the galleria. I imidiatly started my course through the maze of knives. I started, of course, with the production knife booths. Needles to say I was a bit nervous about talking to exhibitors.
I made my way around the outside of the floor and through all the production booths. And BOY was I surprised at what I found. I made sure that I tried/looked/felt/opened/closed every knife I've heard about on this forum that I've had questions about. These include, but are not limited to, the Spyderco Impala, Chinook, Police and Cricket; The Emerson Commander and Kerambit; The Kershaw Leek; The Benchmade Griptilian series and Benchmite; The Al Mar Shrike and SERE 2000; A Microtech OTF and a Protech Godson; and last but not least, the Camillus CUDA MAXX 5.5, 7.0, EDC, and Aftermath.
Now I know I can't make a full blooded review for all the knives I saw, but I can tell you what stood out for me.
I've never felt any Benchmade or Emerson knives before Sunday. In fact, before Blade, I didn't like them much. This was mainly due to ignorance.
The Emerson booth was my definate favorite other than the Cold Steel exhibit. One of the main reasons I enjoyed this booth so much was the enthusiasm and kindness shown by the exhibitors. I stepped up very timidly, just browsing the knives, when I was aproched by a somewhat stocky man about my high with a gleam in his eye and a knife in his hand. He imiatly started a conversation with me. I felt relieved that such a person payed attention to little ol' me. I showed me the knife I was interested in (The Commander) and showed off its wave feature. He made jokes as well (more than likely to break my nervousness). After I returned the knife to him, he generously offered me another! He handed me the Kerambit and showed it off. I returned this one, and was again offered another!! I felt like I was being payed attention to! I left that booth with such a positive feeling and a DEFINATE wish list. (Oh, and a T-Shirt). Needless to say, I really loved those Emerson knives and have a new respect for the company. Hopefully someone knows this man's name so I can give him a thanks! (I didn't catch it).
Anyway, back to more knives:
The next booth I went to was the Kershaw booth. I asked to see the anodized Leek and was not as impressed with the function as I was with the color. The assisted opening felt a little whacky to me and the size didn't match it well. (but an otherwise beautifull knife).
I really loved the Cold Steel booth, mainly becuase Lynn was there in all his glory. I got my picture with him, which was nice. I really enjoyed my stay there becuase he was a very personal guy. He talked to us for a bit and showed us a few demonstrations. He was very, very nice.
The Camillus booth was nice as well. The man behind the counter was very friendly and shot the breeze with us for awhile. I was surprised at how much I liked the Cuda MAXX. But I was equally surprised at how much I disliked the Aftermath. I thought it felt a little clunky, although I will give it another chance.
I tried many Spydercos out as well. I loved them all. I REALLY liked the Impala, Chinook, and Cricket. I was very shocked by the Police. I couldn't open it with one hand! I tried, and tried, and tried, but I could not open it with my right hand. The thumb hole was too close to the thin handle for me, and it was impossible for me to open it. My Dad and girlfriend both tried as well with no luck. I was disapointed with this and hopefully it was just a fluke.
Now, to sum up my experience, I'll talk about my trip to the Benchmade booth. I really didn't expect these knives to be all that great, but I was VERY shocked. I loved the Griptilians most of all. The little auto Benchmite was nifty too. I also gained a new respect for this company and added more knives to my list.
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the custom tables as well. But NEIL WAS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND! I was looking forward to feeling a Blackwood. Most of the knives I saw where very nice. And I tried my best to tell the makers what I thought of their knives. (Always positive). I found that all of them I talked to were very curtious and friendly, and were understanding about my lack of custom knowledge. My only holdback with the custom tables, is that I really didn't know what to look for! They all looked exeptional to me. I guess its just something a conisure(sp) picks up after awhile.
Edit: I also tried out a few Busse knives. Pauls ratchet and the Swamp rat. I liked the handles and weight of these knives.
Today was the best day of the year for me. I've extended my knowledge of knives by massive amounts and I treated my Dad to a fun day of bawking at knives! I'll be there next year for sure!
. I agree with you about the Aftermath, I think the Robo mechanism is a little too stiff. Did you check out the Kershaw Bump? It was a really impressive piece. It has a curvy S30V blade and a countoured,anodized titanium handle done in multiple colors. It was really eye-catching. The Emerson booth was pretty cool too, I got one of the Captains of Crush grip exercisers they were selling. I got a #1 because I can't quite close it but the trainer was a little too easy. One of the Emerson guys (I didn't get his name either) demonstrated closing a #3 for me. It takes 280 lbs of pressure to close and there are currently only about 25 people in the world who are certified to have closed one fully, so it was quite a thrill to see. Did you get a chance to check out some of the sword booths? I was really impressed by them, that is truly an amazing art. Great to hear that you did enjoy yourself though, maybe we'll run into each other next year.
I didn't get a chance to look at the Kershaw Bump though.