CKG 2010 Fall Show Review

[RL]

As I have reported in past reviews, the Canadian Knifemaker Guild Fall Open show features custom and production knives from knifemakers, dealers, and collectors alike. As I have also reported, the Fall show is smaller than the two-day Spring show but there is never a shortage of great knives to find. This Fall show was no different!

I first saw Rick Todd’s Get-a-Grip knives at the 2009 Fall show but I did not have a chance to get the details on this interesting design at that time so I decided to have a chat with Rick. Essentially, the Get-a-Grip design has a “bump” near the tip of the blade that allows you to choke up securely on the blade when skinning / cleaning. Clearly a design emerging from experience.

Rick had a new, thinner stock version for turkey hunting.

As well as folding versions.

Rick also showed some hunters

And filet knives including one with camel bone handle

A full table shot including leather with Rick’s tooling work.

 

[RL]

Paul Savage was set up next to Rick with some nice hunters / utility knives

Paul had a picture of the knife set he made for Prince Peter’s wedding

After a few years absence, Joe Arnold has returned to the CKG.

My eyes were drawn to this one…don’t know why?

This piece was very interesting with a forged stainless Damascus blade

Joe makes a lot of knives for historical re-enactment. This re-handled bowie should give you an idea.

So far lots of hunters…so lets look at some tacticals! William Neese had even more axes than last time..

 

[RL]

As well as an assortment of unconventional designs that we have come to expect from William, including another pink paper tiger like the one I bought at the last show

And one of my favourite knives of the show, a small utility knife with handle made out of burlap fused with copper wire.

Some hawkbills

Luckily my shellfish allergy did not kick in when I picked up this one with a lobster claw handle!

A table shot

Also on the unconventional side, Erik Kuhn

This harpoon has a folding guard,,in the closed position you can use it safely as a knife while in the open position you can lash it to a pole and use it as a harpoon. Clever!

His table

 

[RL]

Now on to some art knives. Elizabeth Loerchner continues to amaze, this time with her first forays into folders. Again, keep in mind that like her father Wolfe, Elizabeth uses no power tools, her knives are made completely with hand tools.

Elizabeth also showed the fruits of an art project where she was tasked with making a piece of art out of everyday objects. Such anger in those twisted forks and spoons..i love it!

Wolfe brought 3 finished knives and two work in progress

Happy birthday Mrs. Wolfe!

 

[RL]

Brian Tighe’s Nirk Tighe, shown here with a pen made by his son, won best design at this year’s Blade show.

Other beautiful knives and belt buckles from Brian

Steve Vanderkolpf’s knives have appeared on the cover of the Knives annuals!

Mammoth tooth and armadillo hide

Walker Damascus

 

[RL]

Always great to chat with Steve Linklater and to see his knives

Such as this super smooth folder

Rick Frigault with his signature Shodan in various sizes

And a takedown victory bowie with wrought iron pommel

Paul Bold continuing to hone his skills.

Jim Downie

And a cool Damascus spoon on his table.

Lexis Articles

 

[RL]

Collectors / dealers

 

[RL]

I have ended past reviews with some shots of me and our resident stuntman, Tig so in that tradition, here he is back from filming in Malaysia with his giant one-off Jeff Hall.

See you in March.

RL

 

[Joss]

Thank you!

 

[xaman]

Looks like a great show, thanks for all the pictures :thumbup:

 

[Mark Behnke]

Enjoyed , thanks

 

[Lorien]

That was great RL. Thanks!

 

[Josh K]

Any comments on the Nirk Tighe? I'm still at a loss on how it works though I have a few assumptions.

Great pictures, thanks for posting them.

 

[wnease]

Thanks RL! Great review!

 

[TrickKnife]

Any comments on the Nirk Tighe? I'm still at a loss on how it works though I have a few assumptions.

Great pictures, thanks for posting them.

It works just like a standard lock back. Press down where you see the three pins on the back spine. Same location as a traditional lock back. Works great.

 

[stabber]

Lots of Great stuff. Thanks for Posting this:thumbup:

 

[Redsnake1997]

Nice pics... thanks for posting and reporting.

BTW, what watch is that you're wearing? How about a 'wristie' pic :thumbup: