Finally, a Little Rock report.

Danbo

Danbo

Joined
Nov 28, 1999
Messages
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I'm gonna do this a little at a time, as I'm not the best writer or typist. Friday night in the hotel lobby, a bunch of us were sitting around shooting the breeze and talking knives. In comes Roger Massey. Next thing I know, I'm buying this sweet little camp knife. Very similar to the 52100 and Blackwood knife Roger recently made for me, only this one has 1084 and maple. Blade is a hair over 7.5" from tip to front of guard. Overall length is about 12.25". Balance is just in front of the guard.
 
Next, we have two knives from Craig Camerer. One is a forged 1084, tactical style fighter. Balance is superb on this knife and it will rest on one finger right behind the guard. Handle is black canvas micarta. Craig said this was a mortis tang knife, but I can see no line. Extremely good fit and finish. This is a big handled knife, and the blade is probably a little over 8".
 
Here's the other Camerer knife. Random pattern damascus, with 1084/15N20 mix. Nickel silver guard and collar and curly Koa handle. This is a lightweight bowie, one that a person could carry all day easily. Blade is probably 8".
 
Here's a couple of knives I bought from a highly recommended up and coming bladesmith named Sam Butler. Jerry Fisk ordered me to go check out Sam's stuff, and I'm sure glad I listened. This bowie sure wouldn't have lasted long, had I procrastinated. Here's the first os Sam's knives I got. Bowie has a blade of forged 5160 about 9.75" long. Handle is some really choice Amboyna burl.
 
Here's the other knife I got from Sam Butler. This one is very Fisk-ish in style, and is larger. Blade is 5" of forged 5160, stainless single guard and some really nice Thuya Burl handle wood(mortis tang). That's a 5" handle on this knife, so even big folks can comfortably hold onto this one.

Edited, because I needed the pics elsewhere.
 
They do make it look easy, don't they. What a display of talent.

Congratulations on your purchases. If we cannot get some performance testing done, I am sure everyone will understand. :)
 
That's enough quality fixed blades to outfit the US Park Service! Damn. You drag your rear bumper all the way home??? ;)

Wonderful choices, Dan. You can pick them from afar. Good scores!

Coop
 
Man, Little Rock really is YOUR show, isn't it? What a terrific haul! You gotta just love it when a sweet Massey camp knife like that just falls in your lap. Craig's stuff is as nice as expected - that damascus number is particularly sweet. And I'm really liking the look of those Butler knives - another guy to keep on the radar screen. (I may not be smart, but I'm smart enough to listen to Fisk ;) )

Roger
 
Sam is good friends with Brett Gatlin so that in a good part explains Sams work at his first show. With Brett being such a hot up and coming maker it helps to get a bit of direction and Sam really watches all.

{side note}
It is interesting to note that both of these makers are a part of the monthly Uncle Al group as are a good number of other young makers that are coming along nicely. They all study and pick the brains each month of makers such as Roger Massey, JR Cook, Mike Williams,myself and during the year guest Master smiths. I think yall will see more guys be coming out of this group. Jerry Laison and John Martin are also doing well and Mike Ruth is coming along.

Yes, Sam is one to watch for, like Brett he has his act together.
 
Wow == really sorry I missed that show!!

Good catches of course D-day. Now bring those down to Springfield so I can look 'em over. :D
 
Ahhh.. enlightenment...
Now I know why the big sell off took place... :eek:

Danbo... simply outstanding my man!
 
I googled Sam Butler looking for a website and got three pages into it with no real hits. Does he have a website Danbo? His stuff looks great.

cerberus
 
Sam does not have a website but anyone interested can email me here and I will get you in touch with him. He has a great fit and finish and his designs are really coming along nicely. A reputable dealer has already snagged him up and I am sure he will get busy real fast. He is a fast learner and listens to every word.

Brett
 
Hey Guys - Here's a link to a review of the AKA "Little Rock" Show I put up on another forum. Sorry I just didn't have time to double post it here too but feel free to check it out if you like. There are about 19 thumbnails you can click to enlarge. I've also included a picture of and list of the show winners. The link: http://knifenetwork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26911

Danbo - Sure enjoyed this review and pictures! Sorry I didn't get the opportunity to meet you. Looks like you done good! Thanks for sharing.

Randy - Dude, you scooped me at John Perry's table. But I believe I may have scooped you back - check it out (follow the link). What fun! Really enjoyed meeting you and trading stories. Hope to see you again down the line....

Congratulations to the two winners who posted above:
Brett Gatlin - Best Bowie
Jerry Fisk - Best Hunter

OK, 'nuf for now.
Buddy Thomason
 
Buddy,great review,

and you can't lay em down.That Perry piece floated my boat.
That fighter of Johns was nowhere to be seen when I was around.Good score.It is a beauty. He is a cool guy too.
Got a Bowie from John.Pics later.Ups has it.
Got a Massey bowie,Barker Bowie and hunter(both made for me)Perrys fighter,and a hunter from Butler.
Also bought a four piece set of Fisk knives from Bob Neal.Couple bowies,fighter and hunter.Cool beans.
Got a McIntyre camp knife from Les.Happy
Ordered Butler,Olive?,J.R Cook,Rhea and a pair from "The Anders Guys" .The crowning touch was Jerome Anders gave me a way cool little hunter.Pics later.
Randy
 
Sounds like everyone had a great time, Little Rock is a good show and I miss doing it, I had planed on droping in for a visit but with ECCKS coming up soon and orders to get out I just couldn't get away from the shop but maybe next year. Thanks for the reveiw Danbo and Buddy on the other forum.

Don Hanson lll
 
I like all of them,but I Really Like the Camerer fighter.I think I'm going to have to pick one of his up soon. :cool:
 
Wow, I was at the show...odd that I'm on here a week and already find the AR guys. Anyway, there was some really top notch work there.
 
Just one question - between Danbo, Randy and Buddy, were there any knives left for anyone else? :p :p

Roger
 
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