I just returned from a few days out of town, and was checking my e-mails, when I found one from Tom Mayo. So, I clicked onto the forum. As you all know, there's usually two sides to every story. Personally, I had some problems with my supervisors at work, and last Monday was asked for my office keys. I was to return the next morning and learn if I had a job. I resigned at that point. I returned on Wednesday to pick up my personal material in my office. Because I had only turned in about 2/3rds of the October issue, (ahead of deadline time) and there was no-one to finish all of the articles, I was asked to stay on as a free-lancer and complete the package. I was also asked to help find a replacement and train him. Now how many people who are getting the axe would do something like that? I would make maybe a grand in the process, the company would make maybe fifty grand, and then can me. IMHO, being a nice guy, I agreed to help them. I finished a story that day, shot some pictures for another article, then I received some flak about unused vacation pay I had coming. I was told to ask the president about it. I saw my attorney instead, then left town for a few days. Today, Sunday, I returned home to find a check for my vacation pay.
To be brief, I love knives and the people who make them. Why else would I travel all over the world attending shows and visiting knife makers. As A.T. said, I have made a few knives in my time. Not many, no works of art, but some knives. In fact, I made a big butcher knife back in 1970, a few years before Blade magazine even existed. Have made a few here and there, and made a liner lock at the ABS school a few years ago. Made a frame lock with Darrel Ralph at the ABS school just a couple of months ago. That article, featuring all of the other students, too, will soon be seen in KI.
I have received a few dozen personal e-mails this past week, many from people I have never met. Believe me, I feel honored that so many people appreciated the effort I put into KI. I talk a lot (which writers don't), but I am humble, and what people say about my efforts makes me feel really great. I thank you all. I will be around the knife scene, and hope to see you all soon.
As soon as I get off this forum, I will be booking a flight to Atlanta so I can attend the Blade Show. Don't look for my red shirt, because I'll be wearing "civvies." Again, thank you all for your support over the years, and you compliments. Relative to someone taking my place, I've always said that none of us live forever. When we all go, someone will take our place, and they may do the same job, a better job, or worse job. Who knows. I hope the person who takes my place is better, because KI will continue to grow. Again, thanks for everything. Will see you in Atlanta. Bud Lang
