Fisk's First Micro-Invitational

D

Darby

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Let it be known...this couldn't have been the success that it was without RED! She made EVERYTHING run as smooth as possible. Jerry would be lost...well, never mind.

The First Fisk Micro-Invitational was held this last weekend at Jerry's house just outside Nashville, Arkansas. In a word; unbelievable!

Unbievable that a small group of men and women came in from across the country for this "RADICAL" idea for a show that only a very few makers (IF ANY) other than Fisk could pull off.

First, :) Fisk spreads the love: he had invited Brett Gatlin and J R Cook for the knife lovers pleasure. Each brought a good selection of six, (I think) ALL KNIVES SOLD. B R and Carolin Hughes, Uncle Al, Kenny Rowe, and Bob Neal were also there. B R and Bob had talks on specific topics through out the day with Fisk doing demo's on forging, cutting, and sharpening.

But the thing that brought most all there was for the CHANCE to own (yet just ONE more) Fisk knife. These people(I was one of these people) are serious about thier FISK knives. They really got excited when thier names were drawn for purchase and signs of disappointment were seen on faces of some who were not selected. A total of 12 knives and 1 tomahawk were released to the public.

The whole atmosphere was great;the weather, music, food, fellowship were all part of the EXPERIENCE. All but one person who attended had signed up for NEXT year's before they left. A year isn't that long... :confused:
 
I may have to make special trip over the water next year ........... I hope there are some photo's knocking around for us to see!

Stephen
 
Thanks for the report Darby. This event was brilliantly conceived and I so wish I could have been part of it. I watched the unbelievable array of knives unfold on Fisk's site in the weeks leading up to the show - so I know that this was a truly exceptional collection of much sought-after bladeware. Cookie and Brett were excellent choices to have along as well. Hopefully somebody will post up some pics of the event for the rest of us.

Roger
 
I had not seen the line up. Hopefully he will bring something as good in Reno.

This Fisk boy is starting to make mightilly serviceable knives, I'd say. :D :cool:

Old Flame was my favorite. I love the story of the handle ivory....
 
Darby, I agree that Red was the reason that the Fisk Microshow went so well. The show had just the right mix of makers, experts and collectors. When you add in great food, weather, and as you mentioned the chance to leave with a new Fisk knife, I don't think that it gets any better. The show was the best knife event that I ever attended. Jim Treacy
 
Hey guys and gals,

You can find an album of pics from the Microshow here - more will be added later:

http://www.fototime.com/inv/16EE82479D05ED6

Here are some pics and commentary from Fisk:

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"This is part of the show and tell section where guys bring in knives they own to show, this section is also for makers who collect. There was some buy, selling and trading going on here as well. Brett Gatlin is looking serious at a Mike Connor bowie that I own. "

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"This picture is of Brett Gatlin doing a sunday morning demo on grinding blades. This was a part of the demos so that folks buying knives would have a better insight into what goes into how a knife is made. James Cook did a demo on how knives are prepared for a guard to give a clean fit. All demos are set toward learning more of what you are buying and learning what type of questions to ask while talking with a maker.. The demos are not set to where "this way is best" or "only buy my knives" type of thing."

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"This picture is of me handforging a blade. We took this blade and then broke it with good grain size and enlarged grain size so the buyer can better understand what is going on or what could go wrong with the heat treat of a knife."

And here are a few of the knives, from Fisk:

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And Gatlin:

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Roger
 
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"This picture shows some of right before the drawing. Milling around asking each other questions, asking the maker questions etc. The maker was to describe the knife and what it was or if it was unique etc as well as materials involved. Prices were marked on each knife or a sheet was given out that numbered and priced the knives. Names where put in a fruit jar [it is the south you know] and a name was drawn from that. That evening there was a section set aside for any buying selling or trading that wanted to go on again amoungst each other. This could be done in private by just wandering off in the yard with someone and beating them over the head till you got the price you wanted...or not. Several knives that where drawn for sold again during the weekend after it left the makers hands. This was all part of the fun of it.
To me this type of show is a combination, knife show, hammer-in and field trip with like minded people. It was meant to be educational in an informal setting. I know I really had a good time and it appeared as everyone else did. If there are any questions just let me know.
 
Looks like it was a LOT of fun. Congrats, guys!

Coop
 
I thought the show went very well. I had expected a 40% return from guys so to get a 99% return of folks was a good indicator.
Those paid participants voted on, from a list provided, what two makers they want to see the upcoming next show. They have to choose one Mastersmith and one non-master. For 2006 the two invited makers will be Steve Dunn MS and Mike Ruth JS. Last night Mike Connor MS asked to be put on that list of Masters that is willing to show after 2006. Thats exciting to me anyway.
The number of participants will stay the same. It is small and managable. As someone drops out then someone else can step in.
The reason I called it a micro-invitational is that I do believe that 3-5 makers could band together and put on a small private show such as this. When it stays small like that everyone can learn and have a bit of fun too.
 
fisk said:
Last night Mike Connor MS asked to be put on that list of Masters that is willing to show after 2006. Thats exciting to me anyway.
Click to expand...

:thumbup: now that is a GOOD thing.
 
Mike Connor !!!!!!!!!!! :D

Jerry!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Can I have two spots?
 
Get off your knees Darby, make Jerry stand on a ladder if you want to kiss his &*%$ :D ( You know I am only kidding...punk)
 
Bite Spot!! Bite!!
Bailey, that was funny.
 
I really would like two spots Bailey; better chances to buy Connor and Fisk...I believe them to be good investments :p
 
By the way Bailey, are you saying that Jerry is short? :confused:

That's not very nice Bailey.
 
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