Just came back from observing the CKMG's latest show and I have a story to tell (aside from picking up all kinds of info, kit, bootie, goodies and the like) about a 'first timer'...
A young man from London, Ontario was attending his first show as a maker and had eight or so knives on display. He was (in the best traditions of all shows) tucked away in the corner with some business cards, some knives and a fever so bright that you see it burn in him from across the room. He had just spent the last two and a half days in the presence of his mentors (now his peers) and they had welcomed him with coutesy and grace. No one had ridiculed him or his knives only helped him and he was in his glory. One knife in particular caught my eye; a flat ground skian dubh with a stag handle (no sheath) that he was asking $60.00 (can) for the honour of ownership. The bottom line here is that I helped him cross the threshold from hobbyist to 'Maker'...I bought the knife. I don't know who was more excited; him for making the leap to business man or me for purchasing a blade that will be with me for the rest of my life.
The young man's name is Eric Elson and he has made the leap. Watch for him on the cover of your local bladers mag sometime in the future. He has the fever...
Oh! and the show was fun too!
All the Best
Dileas Gu Brath
A young man from London, Ontario was attending his first show as a maker and had eight or so knives on display. He was (in the best traditions of all shows) tucked away in the corner with some business cards, some knives and a fever so bright that you see it burn in him from across the room. He had just spent the last two and a half days in the presence of his mentors (now his peers) and they had welcomed him with coutesy and grace. No one had ridiculed him or his knives only helped him and he was in his glory. One knife in particular caught my eye; a flat ground skian dubh with a stag handle (no sheath) that he was asking $60.00 (can) for the honour of ownership. The bottom line here is that I helped him cross the threshold from hobbyist to 'Maker'...I bought the knife. I don't know who was more excited; him for making the leap to business man or me for purchasing a blade that will be with me for the rest of my life.
The young man's name is Eric Elson and he has made the leap. Watch for him on the cover of your local bladers mag sometime in the future. He has the fever...
Oh! and the show was fun too!
All the Best
Dileas Gu Brath
