Closing in on year end....

Kohai999

Kohai999

Second Degree Cutter
Joined
Jul 15, 2003
Messages
12,554
Some random thoughts.....

1. I'd like to thank Spark for keeping BladeForums going. It is a fine internet community, and we are fortunate to have it....and to have found other like minded folks who keep coming back.

2. I love knives as much now as I did when I first started collecting customs back in 1986 or so, if not more. Knowing the people(makers, collectors, dealers, Paul Long:D...) has made it significantly more interesting and fun.....there are only so many nights that you can be alone, sitting in your underwear covered in BreakFree/A.G. Russel's NoRust...before you feel the need to find other people who do the same thing(still looking, but you never know:D)

3. While I saw some truly innovative knives/designs this year, my fear that the economy would stifle creativity has been borne out to some degree.....we are seeing LESS volume of great stuff compared to say two years ago....and this is alarming.

4. Even more alarming, and virtually impossible for me to understand is that I'm not seeing makers produce THAT much more work. When times are lean and there are still motivated buyers out there, it would make sense that makers would strive to produce more and better work. I'm not seeing it. Went to SHOT, OKCA, Knife Expo at Pasadena, Blade, The USN Gathering and Dan Delavan's Plaza show this year...so it isn't like I'm under a rock.

5. This year, I had the good fortune to spend some time with Thad Buchanan and his lovely wife Melissa. They are some wonderful people, a true team/partnership. I saw Thad at the Bob Loveless memorial service, and it was like a breath of fresh air came into the room....you all will have makers that you really "discovered" this year, and I hope you share them in this thread. For me, Thad is one to get onboard with now(he has a long backlog....so you'll have plenty of time to think about what you want, and he'll keep getting better).

6. My buddy Joe Paranee and I got to hang out twice this year, at Blade and The Gathering. What he is doing with use and testing of knives, feedback to makers, and projects such as the kwaiken with Jason Knight is exemplary knifepeople stuff, and I hope others are inspired by his crappy spelling, fascinating tales, and never ending quest to beat the snot out of good gear. He inspired me to pick up a .338 Lapua which I still haven't shot yet.:o

7. I hope you all share something of your year in this thread, and wish all of you Happy New Year. Your participation on BladeForums has made it a more interesting place to be.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Last edited:
By far this has been my most exciting knife year. The fact that I upgraded my collection isn't even the half of it. This year I met so many more poeple and just felt more like a true knife nut then ever, and it has been amazing. Blade show was a blast as always for me this year and Steven it was good spending the small bit of time with you there. It wouldn't be blade if I didn't come out with a battle scar!!. And I appreciate the business and the laughs. Not just Steven but everyone here and all my friends. Thanks for enjoying my favorite hobby with me and making me happy everyday..Love this group. I bought alot of white handle knives this year and a few the previous year..

standard.jpg


Oh, I probably cut myself on quality blades more this year then ever!

Happy new year.
 
Last edited:
I had a good "knife year".

* I went to a couple of shows and had a table (for the first time in my life) at the Dutch Knife Exhibition (and even sold some stuff).

* I bought, traded and sold quite a few interesting knives; and gave more focus to my collection.

* I was able to acquire three knives from my good friend Wade Colter. Wade is in my opinion one of the most creative and talented makers around, but unfortunately he makes but a few knives a year due to his MS. But way more important, Wade is a great guy with my sense of humor and a good friend, and that is what counts in this world.

* Finally I met yet again even more interesting "knife people".

Have a good, healthy and knife filled 2011 everyone.

Marcel
 
For me 2010 was a great year in many ways.

I met and got to know quite a few wonderful people related to the world
of modern custom knives.

I introduced 2 new books, received a token of recognition and
completed plans for two more new books (for 2011 and 2012).

More than a handful of exciting joy!!

A great, happy and healthy 2011!!

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)

2010.jpg
 
Last edited:
2010 is almost gone as I write this. I am confident that 2011 will be even a better year. (but I say that every single new year). 2010 added even more good and precious friends to my ever growing list and for that I am grateful.

STevie and Joey continue to be my "illegitimate" pride and joys. Those two continue to brighten each day for me.

I have been fortunate to have several new (and old) makers decide to give my work a try. I still strive to make my last sheath the very best I've ever made.

2011 puts us one year closer to 2012 when perhaps regardless of the vote direction, maybe, just maybe the Good Lord will guide us back to the path we once knew and enjoyed.

My heart felt thanks to each of you in the knife community who have meant so much to me in the past year, and I wish each of you the best of the best in 2011.

Paul
 
STeven: "More and better work" is a contradiction in terms <G>. But, I am trying hard....Will be in the shop at 8AM tomorrow, working hard today.....
 
Good post STeven as always I learn from you and cherish are friendship Happy New Year Buddy
 
visiting with Dave 'Beat Poet' and Andrea Lisch, (let's not leave out Clementine!), and observing Jason Knight's knife course with Stuart Branson was a real highlight, (especially watching Stu soar to new heights with his knife making!). Writing an article about it was a big step forward for me, in a direction I didn't realize I could travel in this custom knife world. A huge thanks to Lin Rhea for sending me along that path. Don't know if I'd have found it myself without his guidance.

I've been dabbling in making some knives and my efforts are progressing, as are the capabilities of my workshop, thanks to some important tool acquisitions and bench set up. I came up with some great designs this year, and by this time next year they will all likely find new life in steel, and I hope to come up with more. The WIP threads I've started have really been hugely encouraging, due in large part to Harry Matthews' involvement in them. Also, Raymond Richard has been so generous with his time and materials, and that's really lit a fire in me.

Being bad cop to Roger's good cop in the best bowies comp so far has been great, I really enjoy being involved in something like this. Especially with a guy like Roger, who I have a great deal of respect for and who helped usher me into this community from the beginning.

David Darom continues to be a real mentor to me. His books have filled my mind, and are becoming tattered and torn from my constant study of them. Although I must say, my six year old daughter is responsible for most of the obvious damage:D

I've acquired a few really nice knives this year, with another couple nearing completion as I type this. Additional to the knives nearing completion are a couple of very fine friendships with Nick Wheeler and Magnus Axelson that have developed and deepened over the past year.

I feel that my knowledge is expanding, commensurate with my maturity level regarding custom knives, both as a member of the community and as a collector, admirer and user of knives. Joe Paranee and Jon Brand have both become friends who also have helped me to understand what being a Collector is about. I'm really thankful for their friendship and our conversations, both over the phone and in the intranets.

Now I look back at this post, and hopefully don't look like I'm 'name dropping', but rather giving thanks to those who've helped me to not only retain interest, but to also grow it.

Happy New Year to you all, and I wish the very best for all of you. And especially to you Steven.
 
This has been a very important year for me. Getting back on track with learning how to deal with ADD has been an enormous change... for the better. The fact that there were finally some knives to share on here is proof that things did change.

My relationship with Angi growing stronger has helped EVERYTHING I do, as she is the most devoted, supportive, caring, and loving person I have ever known.

There has been a lot going on around here (I mean in Winlock, not the forum ;) ).... it just hasn't shown up on the forum just yet. ;) :)

Happy New Year everyone!!! :) :) :)
 
Judging by the entrants in the "Best Bowie" competition this could easily be "The Golden Age" of custom knives and hopefully that will continue for a long time.

It has been an exciting year for me in that it was my first for a long time to have a forging shop to work in for which I am very thankful.

I would like to wish all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR and may luck smile upon you!
 
I've had a great year both personally and knife collecting. BFC is just the best, from posts by world class makers willingly sharing their wisdom with us everyday schmoes, to those with no punches pulled honesty by STeven and others.

I added four customs purchased off of forum knifemakers here on BFC, and two more at my first BLADE SHOW last June: a John Howser damascus stag lockback from his table, and a collaborative effort with Dave Lisch which came in ahead of schedule just a few months later. BLADE was a true highlight and I plan to make it a yearly pilgrimage. I met several forumites this past year, but hope to add more of you each year as personal friends rather than just cyber acquaintences.

All the best to each and every one of you in 2011.
 
I've had another good year. (at least as far as making knives is concerned:rolleyes:)

Thanks to the input I've had from people on this forum, I've learnt a lot too.... thanks to everyone who has given me help...I won't say names, you know who you are.;)

That, along with any positive comments I've recieved about my work, is very much appreciated.:thumbup:

Happy new year to you all.:)

Ian
 
Personally, this has been a great knife year I will never forget.

My third Blade Show. Hung out with Magnus Axelson who was in (and wide eyed!) for his first Blade. Quietly hung around Joe P., Steven, and Jimmy Chin out front one night and it was absolutely hysterical. Also met the sheath master, Paul Long, in person! A more fun bunch of guys don't exist on this planet. Dinner with Hanson, Wally Hayes, Magnus, and Jon Brand was a memorable highlight.

Attended my first Fisk Microshow. Almost missed it because of work, ended up driving from Waco, Tx to Jerry's place in Arkansas on Friday in a rented Corolla that was not up to my cleanliness standards. Previewed the knives then retired to my hotel room to experience violent vomiting for half the night. Never mentioned this to anyone but my wife until now :o Was sick as a dog! Miraculously woke up feeling fine after sleeping about 4 hours and enjoyed Saturday. Was lucky in the draw and landed some great knives. Cut free hanging rope for the first time after being schooled by Jerry hisself who agreed to sell me the knife I used...his 2010 Personal Cutter. Got to hang out with a great bunch of knife guys who post on this forum.

Finished off the show season with the "NY in Secaucus NJ" show and saw Coop and Susan as well as the omnipresent Jon Brand. Coop shot several of my knives and did his usual stellar job, taking precious time to chat with me as he feverously focused on the customer requests lined up next to him.

Added fantastic pieces to my Hanson-mania collection and enjoyed the whole knife #100 experience with Kyle. Finally, thanks to Joe P., Jason Knight, and Paul Long my last knife acquisition of the decade has arrived. A bad @$$ Kwaiken that is my first Knight knife. Thanks guys, I love it!

Happy New Year to all and thank you to the friends who have made these memories for me and to Steven for starting this thread. Made me slow down and relish the cool experiences of the year.
 
r connally said:
Personally, this has been a great knife year I will never forget.

My third Blade Show. Hung out with Magnus Axelson who was in (and wide eyed!) for his first Blade. Quietly hung around Joe P., Steven, and Jimmy Chin out front one night and it was absolutely hysterical.

Added fantastic pieces to my Hanson-mania collection and enjoyed the whole knife #100 experience with Kyle. Finally, thanks to Joe P., Jason Knight, and Paul Long my last knife acquisition of the decade has arrived. A bad @$$ Kwaiken that is my first Knight knife. Thanks guys, I love it!

Happy New Year to all and thank you to the friends who have made these memories for me and to Steven for starting this thread. Made me slow down and relish the cool experiences of the year.
Click to expand...

You're most welcome Rob!

Hanging out with Joe and Jimmy Chin IS hysterical.....Jimmy probably cracks himself up on an hourly basis, if the guy can't make it in knives, he has a fantastic future as a stand up comedian.:D

Good stuff, hope to hear more from all of you, and really, remember to reflect upon the past year....you are not going to get it back, good times, bad times, warts and all.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Hi Steven. Thanks for your comments. As always, I enjoy reading your threads and, your frequent phone calls to 'check-in'. :thumbup:

Thanks to the others for sharing a portion of their story this year. I enjoyed reading every word. :)

In reflection, my own standpoint for 2010 has been: 'No Rest for the Busy!' As many of you may be aware, my photography is a second job for me. My SECOND full-time job. :eek: I am in much demand with my other job, which provides me with a LOT of satisfaction, and health insurance. It's an inescapable quandary.

I try to schedule one week of the year to leave all the photo work behind, and that's this week. Well, that didn't happen. :rolleyes: I still have editing to finsh before NYD for a promised dealer. Nonetheless I took some 'me' time this week.

I traveled to (4) shows this year: ECCKS as a collector, and BLADE, Boston, NYCKS as a working photographer. The great thing about shows, as we all know is meeting the people face-to-face. The bad thing, for me, is it's REALLY focused work. I cannot enjoy the relaxed company as much as others. Makers' do their work before the show. We, as photographers, do it DURING the show.

Susan enjoys the people in our field as much as I do. She's a keeper. Having said this, a mentor who I cannot thank enough, is Buddy Thomason, for joining Susan and I in Boston and Blade. Buddy brings a sense of calmness and reason with his non-anxious presence and ministers to me whether he realizes it or not.

I've always enjoyed his conversations and insights, and he has helped me through difficult moments. I am happy to view his creative images, as he is to mine.

I am priviledged to call him out as my most influential knife buddy for 2010. :thumbup:

These forums are two clicks away from my omnipresent editing work. I spend more time in here than I should, but we all like camaraderie, don't we?

Deep breath as I prepare for 2011. I'm a lucky person to be so busy in these times.

Thanks for reading.

Coop
 
For me this year has, in many ways, echoed the adage; "the beginning of the rest of your life".

November of 2009 I completed my first knife and here at the end of 2010, I have just finished knife number 29. That it has been actually voted as one of the best bowies of 2010 is a dream. Thanks! I have never been so creative in my life and have gone from just wanting to try my hand at a knife to trying to squeeze a 25th hour out of every day to make more.

The support and community of Bladeforums has been a phenomenal boost and source of inspiration. I have been getting to know more personally some of the great people, makers and collectors here and cannot say that I have ever been in met a better bunch of people.

This fall was a really special time when I travelled with Lorien down to Dave Lisch's hosting of a weekend with Jason Knight. I cannot wait to do it again. :)

In many ways my life has simplified... work, kids, knives... that's about it but I am more driven and have more purpose than at any time in my life.

I look forward to 2011.
 
2010 has been a kind of "slow down and start getting caught up" year for Charlie and I at Twin Blades. We decided to limit taking any new custom orders early in 2010 in order to bring our delivery times to a level that we are satisfied with. It was on purpose and is working out well. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel and are now certain that it is not a train. It has been hard to turn away business, but sometimes it is necessary in order to keep growing in the direction we want. We really appreciate the customers understanding that this is not a permanent situation and that Twin Blades will be better off in the long run. The customers have been great to work with and are one of the main reasons making knives is so rewarding.

I always look forward to the few minutes I get to spend on the forum each day. It is an important tool that keeps us in touch with the rest of this knife community and we enjoy it very much. It is always interesting to see what others are making and what the latest thoughts are in this world full of knives. While the drama gets a little much at times, I think that most of that wouldn't happen if we were all sitting together and talking. It can be hard to get your thoughts across in the printed word without saying something that will put a twist in someone's knickers. :D I don't get to post knives as much as I would like. It seems like most of what we have been making lately has been getting out of the shop before we get pictures of them. We hope that will change shortly.

It has been a good year for Twin Blades, in spite of the economy and we are hoping that the economy will pick up some this year.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top